Dr. A.T. Still
Osteopathy is a holistic system of whole body therapy that was developed by American Physician Dr. A.T. Still. M.D.
Born in 1828 in Virginia, Dr. Still was trained as a Physician and served in the Union Army Medical Corps during the American Civil War.
Through observation and experimentation he developed an alternate system of physical treatments based on specific principles, he coined the term “Osteopathy” for his system. The American School of Osteopathy was founded in Kirksfield Missouri by Dr. Still on May 10, 1892.
Osteopathy uses gentle non- invasive palpatory and manipulative techniques to find/treat restrictions primarily in the muscles, fascia, joints, spine, pelvis and surrounding soft tissue (there are also two subcategories, Cranial Osteopathic Techniques and Visceral Osteopathic Techniques. The goal is to help restore maximal pain free movement and balance within these structures.
Osteopathy is both a science and an art.
The science is the extensive anatomical and technical knowledge required. The art is how this knowledge is applied, through the elegant interplay of assessment, subtle perception, palpation and facilitation.
Osteopathy is guided by the following principles:
* A Human Being is a complete dynamic unit of function including the concept and relationship of the body, mind and spirit.
* The body possesses self-regulatory mechanisms which are protective and self healing in nature.
* When normal adaptability is disrupted or environmental changes overcome the body’s capacity for self- maintenance, disease may ensue.
* Structure and function are interrelated on all levels.
* Rational treatment is based on understanding and utilizing these principles
What is an Osteopath ?
In the United States the title “Osteopath” refers to an Osteopathic Physician. They have the same training and scope of practice as a conventional Medical Doctor. It is a parallel system of medical training with all the same elements as Allopathic Medicine with the additional opportunity of training in manual manipulation techniques and generally utilizing a more holistic approach.
In all other Countries Osteopaths are not trained as Physicians. Osteopathic training varies from country to country but generally consists of extensive training in anatomy, physiology, relevant musculoskeletal pathologies as well as assessment techniques, palpation and Osteopathic treatment modes.Osteopathic Manual Therapy is very popular in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia and France. It is now gaining popularity in Canada.
