The Benefits of Osteopathy

Source: Copyright © 1999, Dr. Claude Brodeur, Ph.D.
All rights reserved
http://members.tripod.com/~zenol/osteopathy.html

The beginnings....
Medical practice was relatively primitive in the late 1800's when Dr. Andrew Taylor Still discovered what is now known as Osteopathy. Few drugs were then available. Morphia and quinine were commonly overused with disastrous results. The relationship of germs to disease was not established. The cellular structure of the body was not accepted. The nature of the immune system was unknown. Antibiotics were not yet available as such.

The discovery....
What did Dr. Still discover that became known as Osteopathy? Simply stated, the Osteopathic Doctor treats the faulty functioning of body structures such as joints, muscles and tendons. First, he determines where the fault is, then by means of proper manual manipulation releases the body’s own healing powers which then are able to restore the joints or tissue being treated to normal functioning. In the traditional practice of osteopathy the skilled Doctor uses therapeutic touch alone to locate the malfunctioning body part, then gently manipulates that body part using the right amount of pressure in the right place at the right time in the right way. In addition to the treatment of joint or tissue abnormalities, Osteopathic treatment may include advice about posture, work positions, inappropriate activity, nutrition and exercise, or discussion about emotional upsets.

The training....
Dr. Still, the founder of Osteopathy, insisted that any Doctor practicing Osteopathy must have a thorough knowledge of anatomy and a keen understanding of the difference between normal and abnormal. He theorized that a healthy heart and lungs are essential for general good health and that the Osteopath’s job is to help the patient achieve a healthy blood and nerve supply. Dr. Still placed great importance on the lymphatic system, which is needed to flush away impurities as they accumulate in our tissues.

The practice....
While both Chiropractic and Osteopathy include techniques for correcting abnormal spinal conditions through manipulating the joints, Osteopathy goes a step further. In addition to treatment of the joints, it includes the adjacent muscles, fascia and ligaments making up each spinal vertebra. Osteopathic Doctors claim that their practice is more concerned with the pelvic rather than the neck region. Traditionally, the Osteopath relies more on the sense of touch than x-ray evidence for diagnosing spinal derangement. Finally, Osteopathic treatment is more rhythmical and gentle than Chiropractic.

More unique features....
Only Osteopathy specializes in the manipulation of the fascia. The fascia sheath, a thin fibrous sleeve, permeates, divides and subdivides all parts of the body surrounding muscles, arteries, veins and lymphatics, and supports a network of nerves around those body tissues. Pain and other symptoms will arise in the organ or part of the body next to the affected fascia, whenever fascia become trapped, bruised, overstretched or lack nutrition,. Manipulation of the fascia can often bring about great cures.

The Applications....
What health problems are amenable to Osteopathic treatment? The complaints most commonly helped by Osteopathic treatment are low back pain and sciatica. The treatment is to improve blood flow, relax muscles, free any joints that are not moving properly, thereby restoring normal nerve activity. Osteopathic treatment has been particularly effective for so-called "slipped discs," arthritis in the low back or hip, and pain down the leg, commonly known as sciatica.

Many conditions respond favorably to Osteopathic treatment, such as neck, upper back pain, pain in the upper limbs (including shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand), migraine and headaches. Osteopathic treatment can help patients in the early stages of osteoarthritis of the hip, and can often restore movement or at least, in the case of the more advanced stages of osteoarthritis, reduce pain and swelling in arthritic patients awaiting surgery.

The limitations....
There are several medical conditions where Osteopathic treatment should not be used, or should be used in limited circumstances, or in conjunction with other treatments, such as active infections, fractures, bone disease, cancer, gross structural deformities, and severe general medical conditions such as gross high blood pressure or heart attack, vascular disease like thrombosis, neurological conditions with nerve damage, spinal cord damage, and severe prolapse of an intervertebral disc.

Osteopathy and exercise....
Osteopathic Doctors are taught to recognize the importance of exercise and posture for health. Exercise needs to be relevant to the patient’s age, state of health and aims in life. As we age, body tissues are less flexible. It is best to begin exercising gradually, increasing to a level that does not overstrain the heart and lungs. It is wise for middle-aged or older persons to see a Medical Doctor or Osteopath before starting an exercise program.

The role of posture in health....
Poor posture can result in poor circulation and weak muscles, backache, headache and many other distressful symptoms. Good posture includes knowing the best way to stand, walk, sit and rise from a chair, how to lift heavy objects, the best work positions for different jobs, and how to relax. For instance, the most relaxed and least pressured position for the spine, known is the semi-Fowler position, that is, lying down on your back with feet raised on a cushion or stool with the knees at 90 degrees. Do this for ten minutes every day or after strenuous activity or when you feel stiff and sore.

One of the best posture training programs is the Alexander Technique. Many actors, actresses, dancers and musicians take this training to enable them to maintain more relaxed control of their bodies while performing what is very demanding work. Learning the Alexander techniques involves one-to-one teaching. Courses are available in most large cities. Posture training is also available as part of Yoga training, Tai Chi, and Feldenkrais.

New developments....
Cranial Osteopathy has more recently become a specialization within the practice of Osteopathy. It is the name given to the Osteopathic manipulation of the skull bones. Problems such as headaches, high blood pressure, skin rashes, pain in the face, problems with the teeth, heart complaints, stomach ulcer and irritable bowel syndrome can have their origin in slight pressure on nerves originating in the skull. This kind of treatment should be performed only by highly skilled and specially trained operators, and then only after careful assessment.

Osteopathy and conventional medicine....
Be aware that some Osteopaths are also MD’s. In addition to specialized training in Osteopathy, they receive the regular training of a medical doctor and would be eligible for licensing to practice as such. This would permit them to prescribe medication and perform surgery in addition to the manual manipulation of a more traditional osteopath. Osteopaths who also practice "conventional" medicine are more common in the United States. I have myself been successfully treated for sciatica by an osteopath practicing what I call traditional or classical osteopathy.

Recommended reading....
Touch of Life, by Dr. Robert C. Fulford, is an excellent introduction to the practice of Osteopathy. Ninety-one-year-old Dr. Fulford has spent more than fifty years successfully treating patients whom conventional medical treatment failed to help. This is a delightful book to read, containing Dr. Fulford’s many observations on life, health and healing gleaned from his many years of practice. The book is written in plain, readable language. Dr. Fulford presents surprising insights on herbs, homeopathy, vitamins, and diet, concluding his book with some basic stretching and breathing exercises designed to enhance our own healing powers. It’s a book you will want to read, reread and share with your family and friends. Dr. Fulford’s book, Touch of Life, is published by Pocket Books of New York City, 1997.