Definition of osteopathy

As a practice of the healing arts that applies the belief that the body is complex, and any health disorder represents a dysfunction in the co-ordination of the self healing homeostatic mechanisms of the body. We believe that the musculoskeletal system is one important part of this body unity. We know methods of treating it to assist the patient in regaining and maintaining health. We know that the internal and external environment of the patient must be effectively managed to support body unity. We practice a number of techniques to do this.

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy or Osteopathic Medicine is a "whole body" system of manual therapy based on unique biomechanical principles, which uses a wide range of techniques to treat musculo-skeletal problems and other functional disorders of the body. It was developed in America in the 1870's by a Missouri Doctor Andrew Taylor Still, and has developed to the point where it is now widely recognised throughout the world as one of the most scientifically validated and effective "complementary" therapies.

The World Health Organisation recognises the Osteopathic concept of somatic dysfunction as being scientifically proven, and the British Medical Association also recognises Osteopathy as a discrete medical discipline. Osteopaths are primary care practitioners, and are trained to be able to recognise conditions which require medical referral. They are also trained to carry out standard medical examinations of the cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous system.

The philosophy of osteopathic medicine is to treat the individual and not the disease. Therefore an osteopathic approach can be taken to any condition. Understanding and being able to differentially diagnose pathological processes allows an osteopath to know when to refer for specialist attention.

Who are osteopaths?

Osteopaths are trained professional healthcare practitioners. Their exact role and scope of practice varies from one part of the world to another. For instance in the United States Osteopaths have full practicing rights and their role would be indistinguishable from what in Europe is understood to be the role of a medical practitioner. In the UK, some European countries and Australasia Osteopaths are statuary regulated practitioners whose scope of practice is more limited than those of medical practitioners.

How can I find out more about osteopathy?

If you are interested in finding out more about osteopathy.  The following links may be of interest to you.

American Academy of Osteopathy
www.academyofosteopathy.org

British College of Osteopathic Medicine
www.bcom.ac.uk

UK Osteopathy - General Osteopathic Council
www.osteopathy.org.uk

World Osteopathic Health Organisation
http://www.woho.org