What is osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a gentle, holistic practice that evaluates and manually treats restricted movement in the body.  One of the founding principles is that structure and function are interrelated, so when the body is compromised in its ability to move freely then it’s function will also become compromised.  These dysfunctions will often be perceptible to an osteopath long before anything shows up on a standard medical test.  Osteopathy aims to address the cause of issues in the body, rather than only the symptom. Osteopaths view an individual as a unified whole with each system of the body interconnected (musculoskeletal, visceral, nervous system, circulatory, lymphatic, etc). If one part or system of the body is restricted, the rest must compensate and adapt, which can manifest itself in a wide array of symptoms and health conditions. This pattern of tension is complex and highly individualistic, which is why osteopaths study anatomy in great detail.  By releasing the pattern of tension unique to that individual it gives an opportunity for the body to reach balance, comfort, and ease.  In a word: health.

What should I expect from osteopathic treatment?

A treatment starts with a thorough consultation to look for potential connections between past events or and conditions, with the ultimate goal of detecting the root cause of the problem, rather than simply treating the symptom. Different mechanisms of the body (cranio-sacral, musculoskeletal, fascias, visceral, circulatory, energetic, etc.) are evaluated using standing, sitting, and horizontal tests to determine treatment priorities. With the use of an array of sensorial and structural techniques, adjustments are made to eliminate blockages. This is performed with the ultimate goal of allowing for the body’s capacity to regulate itself.