WHAT IS MANUAL OSTEOPATHY?
Manual Osteopathy is a non-invasive, manual therapy where cause and effect relationships are observed and treated within the body. Manual Osteopaths are considered to be engineers to help the body rebalance and restore self-regulation. 'All structures perform best when midline' (Hartman, 1983), and the goal of treatment is to remove obstacles and to restore alignment, mobility and communication within the body.
The body systems treated during maual osteopathic sessions include traditional organ systems like the cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, and endocrine systems and others systems like the primary respiratory system, postural system, fascial systems, craniosacral systems, and others. Manual Osteopaths blends science and art, 'they find the health and beauty within each patient and organize a treatment from there' (Druelle, 2015).
HISTORY
In 1874 Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, D.O, described a form of manual therapy he was uncovering after spending much time living and learning among Native American Aboriginals. Dr. Still was guided by Nature, the law of cause and effect, and the principle that we are connected to a greater whole.
The 4 tenants for Manual Osteopathic treatment are:
1) The Role of the Artery is Absolute.
2) Structure and Function are Reciprocally Related.
3) The Inherent Autoregulation of the Body.
4) The Body Functions as a complete unit.
APPOINTMENTS
I provide manual osteopathy and massage therapy appointments in the Thousand Islands, Canada. Patients remain clothed during treatments. First appointments are 60 minutes; follow-up appointments are 30, 45, or 60 minutes. Patients review a timeline of their health history, injuries, and symptoms; then the therapist formulates a treatment plan based on the patients responses. Treatments can include a variety of techniques including structural, functional, fluid, visceral and combined balancing techniques. Anywhere from 3-6 treatments may be needed.
