What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a complementary medical practice for all. It is based on a holistic approach of the individual that doesn’t treat symptoms, but their origin.
Osteopathy is as American as apple pie, hot dogs and baseball, having been founded in the U.S. in 1874 by Andrew Taylor. It is a primary healthcare system, complementary to other medical practices, suitable for almost everyone – from newborns to senior citizens – and contributes to alleviating a wide range of conditions. Osteopathy is holistic in its approach, taking into consideration the entire individual, through the spine, the cranio-sacral system, the limbs and all the organs. Osteopathy is designed to stimulate the patient’s own natural healing processes, relying on an established system of diagnosis and manual treatment that emphasizes the integrity of the body’s mechanical function, structure and connective tissues. Most importantly, Osteopathy does not treat symptoms, but their origin.
To achieve this, the Osteopath searches for restrictions of mobility in any of the bony, articular, muscular, facia and visceral tissues. Then, by applying subtle but specific techniques the Osteopath adjusts those mechanical and functional disturbances to restore normal mobility and range of movement. Extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology allows the Osteopath to give a complete holistic picture of the condition of the patient. Along with this, Osteopathic treatment also offers dietary, postural and ergonomic guidance as well as exercises to maintain health and comfort.