Osteopathy (Manual Therapy)

Osteopathy is concerned with the neuro-musculo-skeletal system. Helping an enormous range of conditions, it is also called "Manual Therapy" for those for no longer registered with the Osteopathic organisation (for political reasons).

Practitioners

Osteopathy...

Osteopathy is a primary healthcare system, complementary to other medical practices. It is suitable for almost anyone and can contribute to alleviating an enormous range of conditions. The BSO regularly treats children, pregnant women, the elderly, shop, office and manual workers, professionals, dancers and sports people.

Osteopaths primarily work through the neuro-musculo-skeletal system, mostly on muscles and joints, and pay special attention to how the internal organs affect, and are affected by, that system. Relevant psychological and social factors also form part of the diagnosis. Another important principle of osteopathy is that the body has its own self-healing mechanisms, which can be utilised as part of the treatment.

Osteopathy can help relieve chronic or minor problems, provide one-off relief from pain and dysfunction or contribute to the management of long-term complaints.

The procedures it uses in diagnosis and treatment promote healthy functioning in a person by correcting mechanical imbalances within and between the structures of the body. By structures we mean the muscles, bones, ligaments, organs, and fascia. The fascia is a very thin layer of tissue that is found under the skin. Correcting the mechanical imbalances in the structures is done by restoring, maintaining, and improving the harmonious working of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems.

The name osteopathy (given to the therapy by Dr. Still) comes from the Greek osteon (bone) and pathos (to suffer), so it literally means suffering of the bone. The name has created some confusion, leading people to think that an osteopath treats only conditions of the bones. However, Dr. Still chose the name because he recognized the importance of a properly functioning musculoskeletal system for the total well-being of the individual.

The greatest interest of practitioners of osteopathy is the study of human anatomy and physiology. Following in Dr. Still’s footsteps, they know how important it is to have a thorough understanding of the correct position and function of each bone and other structures in the body. This is essential in order to find out about the normal and healthy working of the human body. Those working in osteopathy look at the causes of disease and suffering, originating in the abnormal working relationship that can exist within and between structures.

Dr. Still thought of the musculoskeletal system as the primary machinery of life and saw how disruptions in this delicate machine may lead to illness. For the osteopath, therefore, the physical integrity of the whole body is seen as one of the most important factors in health and disease. Rather than bone specialists, osteopaths are in fact masters in the biomechanics of the human machine.

Osteopaths believe that health, and not disease, is the natural heritage of man. The human body has inside itself - within certain limits - the capacity for self-repair and correction. It can create its own remedies, provided that good circulation is maintained, a balanced diet is eaten, a positive attitude is held and - as far as possible - you live in a pollution-free environment.

The self-healing mechanism is the backbone and sustainer of the principles and application of osteopathy. Osteopaths believe that disease primarily comes from within the individual, and so they concentrate on the person who is suffering rather than on the microorganisms that are thought to cause disease. There are, however, some stages of disease where the changes it has brought about have gone beyond the point of return. In these cases, osteopathy can help the person to function to the best of his ability, given the circumstances. Where necessary, an osteopath will refer a patient for further specialist examination and treatment.