Osteopathic care focus of college's information day

Medical students and faculty filled the Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Laboratory during Friday's open house at the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine.

The students performed hands-on procedures such as adjusting back alignment and giving neck massages for the several high school and college students interested in attending the college.

The open house was meant to showcase the college's students and facilities, but Pat Grauer, director of public relations for the college, said there were other goals as well.

"It is an open house to allow the community to see what our school and students look like," Grauer said. "Many of the people, though, are students in college who would be interested in attending our school in the following year."

The college was named the fourth-best medical school in the country last week, according to the 2007 edition of America's Best Graduate Schools from U.S. News & World Report.

The college emphasizes an osteopathic approach, which means being more patient-centered while practicing medicine. The students continue to learn the fundamental skills to becoming doctors, such as delivering babies and performing surgeries, but also how to master the one-on-one patient relationship, Grauer said.

The open house had multiple activities that allowed people to get a feeling of what goes on in the college. The medical students gave hall exhibits of the college, which included an exclusive tour of the new MSU Learning Assessment Center, a lab set up as a doctor's office to provide an atmosphere to students that more closely resembles a hospital.

People also could get free health assessments by the students to check their blood pressure, body mass index and other health information.

Niamh Condon, a first-year medical student who helped administer the evaluations, said the health assessments are a major osteopathic medicine focus.

"These health assessments helps gauge if a person is at risk for any major health problems," Condon said. "This is a big deal when it comes to practicing osteopathic medicine."

The open house also had presentations by faculty members who covered some of the cases a medical student could possibly encounter.

Dr. Jake Rowan, an assistant professor in the Department of osteopathic manipulative medicine, presented a case on Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, or OMM, and its importance to osteopathic medicine in general.

"My presentation is on carpal tunnel syndrome, but this type of medicine can be used for any injury," Rowan said. "OMM adds a different outlook when an injury is assessed."

Rowan explained OMM as a hands-on approach to practicing medicine, in which the doctor literally uses his or her hands to assess a patient's injuries.

The open house included an OMM room, where several students gave people checkups to show them how this brand of osteopathic medicine could help solve many medical problems.

"Osteopathic medicine already gives medicine more of a balance," Rowan said. "OMM is just one more option to give to the patient and add to that balance."

All of these events showed off the college's facilities, staff and students, but the main goal was to attract future students to the program, Grauer said.

"This school has such a great reputation, the people make you feel so comfortable and the atmosphere is amazing," said Linda Assaf, a second-year medical student. "This was my first choice and I hope anyone visiting today hoping to go here makes it theirs."

Reddog Sina, a first-year medical student who was a professor at MSU for eight years before he decided to make a career change, said he felt there was a great balance between academics and medicine at MSU.

"They are able to integrate both sides here," Sina said.

"Academics and medicine are interconnected, allowing us to practice medicine to its full potential."

Grauer said she hopes that people learned a little more about the college at MSU as well as osteopathic medicine.

"My overall hope is that this open house increases knowledge of the college and osteopathic medicine," Grauer said. "I really just hope we can show ourselves to the public."

Osteopathic Physicians Rally on Capitol Hill.

The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) joined Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.), Senator Rick Santorum (R-Pa.), Senator John Ensign (R-Nev.), Senator Judd Gregg (R-N.H.), Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Ark.), and Senator Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) at a Capitol Hill press conference and rally in support of medical liability reform legislation.

The rally was held in conjunction with the AOA's annual advocacy event, "D.O. Day on Capitol Hill." Over 800 osteopathic physicians, residents, and students participated as the AOA and its members called upon the Senate to pass the "Medical Access Protection Act" (S. 22) and the "Healthy Mothers and Healthy Babies Access to Care Act" (S. 23).

"The AOA is honored to be here today with Members of the United States Senate to express our strong support for the "Medical Access Protection Act of 2006" (S. 22) and the "Healthy Mothers and Healthy Babies Access to Care Act" (S. 23)," stated AOA President Philip Shettle, D.O. "The medical liability system is broken. Over 800 physicians, residents, and students came to Washington to encourage our Senators to protect patient access to quality and timely health care by enacting sensible medical liability reforms."

Ashley Hood, D.O., a senior OB-GYN resident physician at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson delivered remarks on behalf of the AOA. On July 1, Dr. Hood will open an OBGYN practice at River Oaks Hospital in Jackson.

"Statistics show that I will be sued twice in my career," stated Dr. Hood. "As a result of the broken liability system, one in seven obstetricians no longer deliver babies. Even though, as a private practice physician, I have yet to deliver a baby, perform a surgery, or see a patient in an office, my professional liability insurance will exceed one hundred thousand dollars over my first 18-months in practice."

Dr. Hood also shared the impact the medical liability crisis is having on his home state, "Mississippi historically has struggled to ensure that our citizens have access to physician and hospital services. This struggle intensified over the past decade as a result of a tort system spiraling out of control. Few rural physicians or rural hospitals provide specialty care, including obstetrics. As a result, thousands of women have limited access to obstetrical care and must drive to Jackson or other metropolitan cities to receive the care they need. This is not acceptable."

"Soon United States Senate will have an opportunity to pass legislation putting in place sensible reforms to ensure all patients continued access to timely health care services," stated Dr. Hood. "The choice is simple. Will our Senators choose to support reforms that benefit all Americans by protecting access to health care services? Or will they choose to protect the interest of a small subset or our society-trial lawyers? To me, the choice is easy. I urge each Member of the United States Senate to choose to protect access to timely and quality health care services. I urge them to support patients, physicians, and hospitals. I urge them to support these bills. I urge them to vote yes on S. 22 and S. 23."

The AOA supports the enactment of comprehensive medical liability reforms that include sensible limits on non-economic damages. In a letter to Senate to sponsors, the AOA stated, "Your legislation (S. 22 and S. 23) includes the appropriate combination of provisions that have been proven effective in stabilizing the medical liability system and increasing patient access to quality and timely health care."

Danielle Bortmes discusses life's 'big events,' future plans - Campus Life

Danielle Bortmes discusses life's 'big events,' future plans - Campus Life

Osteopathic Medicine: A Commitment to Rural Medicine

Lewisburg, WV – For most students, holiday breaks mean rest and relaxation, travel and catching up with friends and family.

However, a number of osteopathic medical students chose to forgo parts of their spring, winter and even summer breaks to help others. From assisting in ongoing relief efforts in the hurricane ravaged Gulf Coast to providing medical supplies and services in Third World countries, future osteopathic physicians (D.O.s) are coming to the aid of those in need and in doing so, carrying on the D.O. tradition of bringing heath care to much needed areas.

Earlier this month, 12 students and two physicians from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) in Lewisburg, which is also committed to educating D.O.s to serve in rural areas, spent their spring break in two remote towns in Guatemala serving in medical clinics and providing eyeglasses to the locals on a mission trip through the Christian Medical and Dental Association of WVSOM. “True to osteopathic principles, the purpose of this trip is to serve the body, mind and spiritual needs of the people in this region,” said Andy Battaglia, second-year student at WVSOM.

Twenty-six students from the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) in Blacksburg, VA, which was founded on the mission to prepare primary care physicians to serve rural and medically underserved areas, will travel to Tegucigalpa, Honduras, in late April to provide medical attention in four communities lacking physicians.

“We visited in November to determine if this would be a viable location for a permanent site for VCOM rotations and saw this was a region with great need,” said Joseph D. Cacioppo, D.O., Discipline Chair of Medical Missions at VCOM. “Our program stems off the desire to create ongoing medical care in regions such as Tegucigalpa and train altruistic and compassionate physicians who are capable of serving in the areas of the world with the greatest needs.” VCOM students paid for the trip themselves and will take with them over $200,000 worth of donated medication.

While most of their classmates were enjoying winter break at home, 12 students from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) in Erie, Pa., woke up on Christmas day in Ngeta Village in Kenya. The students paid their own ways to travel to Kenya to help deliver medical care to the villagers. They were able to distribute essential vitamins, over 600 pounds of shoes and clothing and 40 pairs of eyeglasses.

According to Vic Awuor, second-year medical student at LECOM and the trips’ organizer, “it was a great opportunity to become culturally sensitive, gain insight to diseases not often seen in the United States, increase awareness of osteopathic medicine and work towards establishing ongoing medical treatment in Kenya.”

This past December more than 70 volunteers from the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) helped provide relief to victims of Hurricane Katrina in Long Beach, MS.

Students spent long hours cleaning up homes left in ruin and providing supplies, clothes and food to those in need. A number of students also volunteered at a makeshift clinic and pharmacy.

“Our student volunteers combined hard work and sincere empathy to provide assistance and comfort to those in need,” said Alan Shahtaji, a SOMA board member and second-year student at Midwestern University/Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in Downers Grove, IL.

The work is not over yet for many of these schools. VCOM is planning to do work in southwestern Virginia in late spring and has planned a mission trip to India in August and SOMA is exploring opportunities for their next volunteer project. Despite the hard work and expenses, Dr. Cacioppo of VCOM explained the draw of these mission trips.

“Students are given the opportunity to provide hands on services, which is something that they usually would not experience until later in their careers,” he said. “These trips help them develop a sense of compassion for the less fortunate and become better doctors.”

The American Osteopathic Association proudly represents its professional family of more than 56,000 osteopathic physicians (D.O.s); promotes public health; encourages scientific research; serves as the primary certifying body for D.O.s; is the accrediting agency for osteopathic medical colleges; and has federal authority to accredit hospitals and other health care facilities. More information on D.O.s/osteopathic medicine can be found at www.osteopathic.org.

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment at MSUCOM

Osteopathic care focus of college's information day




By Justin Kroll
For The State News
Medical students and faculty filled the Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Laboratory during Friday's open house at the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine.

The students performed hands-on procedures such as adjusting back alignment and giving neck massages for the several high school and college students interested in attending the college.

The open house was meant to showcase the college's students and facilities, but Pat Grauer, director of public relations for the college, said there were other goals as well.

"It is an open house to allow the community to see what our school and students look like," Grauer said. "Many of the people, though, are students in college who would be interested in attending our school in the following year."

The college was named the fourth-best medical school in the country last week, according to the 2007 edition of America's Best Graduate Schools from U.S. News & World Report.

The college emphasizes an osteopathic approach, which means being more patient-centered while practicing medicine. The students continue to learn the fundamental skills to becoming doctors, such as delivering babies and performing surgeries, but also how to master the one-on-one patient relationship, Grauer said.

The open house had multiple activities that allowed people to get a feeling of what goes on in the college. The medical students gave hall exhibits of the college, which included an exclusive tour of the new MSU Learning Assessment Center, a lab set up as a doctor's office to provide an atmosphere to students that more closely resembles a hospital.

People also could get free health assessments by the students to check their blood pressure, body mass index and other health information.

Niamh Condon, a first-year medical student who helped administer the evaluations, said the health assessments are a major osteopathic medicine focus.

"These health assessments helps gauge if a person is at risk for any major health problems," Condon said. "This is a big deal when it comes to practicing osteopathic medicine."

The open house also had presentations by faculty members who covered some of the cases a medical student could possibly encounter.

Dr. Jake Rowan, an assistant professor in the Department of osteopathic manipulative medicine, presented a case on Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, or OMM, and its importance to osteopathic medicine in general.

"My presentation is on carpal tunnel syndrome, but this type of medicine can be used for any injury," Rowan said. "OMM adds a different outlook when an injury is assessed."

Rowan explained OMM as a hands-on approach to practicing medicine, in which the doctor literally uses his or her hands to assess a patient's injuries.

The open house included an OMM room, where several students gave people checkups to show them how this brand of osteopathic medicine could help solve many medical problems.

"Osteopathic medicine already gives medicine more of a balance," Rowan said. "OMM is just one more option to give to the patient and add to that balance."

All of these events showed off the college's facilities, staff and students, but the main goal was to attract future students to the program, Grauer said.

"This school has such a great reputation, the people make you feel so comfortable and the atmosphere is amazing," said Linda Assaf, a second-year medical student. "This was my first choice and I hope anyone visiting today hoping to go here makes it theirs."

Reddog Sina, a first-year medical student who was a professor at MSU for eight years before he decided to make a career change, said he felt there was a great balance between academics and medicine at MSU.

"They are able to integrate both sides here," Sina said.

"Academics and medicine are interconnected, allowing us to practice medicine to its full potential."

Grauer said she hopes that people learned a little more about the college at MSU as well as osteopathic medicine.

"My overall hope is that this open house increases knowledge of the college and osteopathic medicine," Grauer said. "I really just hope we can show ourselves to the public."

Treating Fibromyalgia thru Osteopathic Medicine: Find a D.O.

Along with the many symptoms caused by fibromyalgia syndrome, back pain is often a real complaint for the majority of FMS sufferers. Both upper and lower back pain can cause intense discomfort, making it impossible to sit or stand for long periods of time. The chronic back pain associated with fibromyalgia can also impact on the quality of your sleep, making it difficult for you to recuperate after a long day. But just because you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia doesn’t mean you have to suffer. Here are some effective treatments for your chronic back pain.

What Causes Fibromyalgia Back Pain?

If you are suffering from chronic back pain, you may be wondering if you have somehow injured your spine or a disc in your spinal cord. However, the majority of fibromyalgia sufferers do not experience back pain due to injury. Rather, your chronic back pain is probably due to a problem with your central nervous system.

Overactive Central Nervous System
In order to keep your body properly supported and aligned, your spine is surrounded by a number of crisscrossing muscles. These muscles overlap with other muscles near your spine that have neurological connections to the pain processing centers in your brain. In fibromyalgia patients, though, these pain processors are overactive. This means that, as you move, your brain senses more pain than it generally should, resulting in chronic upper and lower back pain.

Weakened Muscles
Fibromyalgia back pain is also caused by weakened muscles that are present throughout the back. Because fibromyalgia is such a debilitating disease, causing impaired sleep and chronic fatigue, the muscles throughout the back often become weaker. This makes it even harder for your spine to stay properly aligned, contributing to constant back pain.

Treating Fibromyalgia Back Pain

Luckily, fibromyalgia sufferers aren’t forced to experience long-term chronic back pain. There are a number of effective back pain treatments that you can use to help alleviate your pain. Here are some of the best for back pain relief.

Heat
Heat is an excellent remedy for most muscle aches and pains, and it works particularly well for the upper and lower back. Heat works to relax the muscles and encourage circulation, allowing your body to heal itself. Popular heat therapies include:

* Heat Wraps: Heat wraps are made out of special, heat-retaining materials, and can be warmed in the microwave or in a tub of warm water. You then tie the wrap around the section of your back that hurts. Special wraps are available which are contoured to the lower back, upper back, and neck and shoulder regions. You can wear these all night long, for up to eight hours of relief.
* Heating Pad: Heating pads are inexpensive and easy to use. Simply place a heating pad on the back of your chair or in your bed, just before going to sleep. Heating pads help to target specific areas of pain.
* Warm Baths: Warm baths, spas, or hot tubs are also excellent for relieving fibromyalgia back pain. They help to encourage restful sleep, which gives your body the time it needs to heal itself.

Back Supports
Back supports have long been used by those with upper and lower back pain, and can work wonders for you, especially if you spend long hours in front of the computer at the office. Invest in a back support made out of foam or synthetic materials, as these are sturdy and breathable. Look for a support that has:

* a lumbar support (a curve that fits into the lower back region)
* a high back (as this will ensure that your neck and shoulders are properly aligned)
* an adjustable back (which will allow you to place it properly in any chair)

Additionally, you may want to invest in an ergonomic chair that offers a tilting back and adjustable seat.

Back Pain Exercises
Exercises that specifically target your back can help to alleviate pain. This is because exercises help to strengthen your back muscles, pulling your spine back into alignment. Be careful not to overdo it with these exercises, however. Stick to five repetitions of each:

* Curl Up: This exercise strengthens the abdominals and lower back. Lie flat on the floor with your legs bent at a 45° angle. Slowly curl your chest and shoulders towards your knees, keeping your arms outstretched. Stop when your hands can touch you knees.
* Upper Body Extension: This exercise strengthens the muscles in your upper back. Lie on your stomach with a pillow placed under your hips. Clasp your hands behind your lower back and slowly lift your upper chest off the ground.
* Arm-Leg Extension: This exercise helps to realign your spine, relieving pressure on your lower back. Get on all fours. Raise one arm in front of you and raise the opposite leg behind you. Repeat with the other arm and leg.

Osteopathic Medicine emphasizes helping each person achieve a high level of wellness by focusing on health education, injury prevention and disease prevention.

HVLA study article

Title:
A pilot randomized clinical trial on the relative effect of instrumental (MFMA) versus manual (HVLA) manipulation in the treatment of cervical spine dysfunction.
Authors:
Wood TG, Colloca CJ, Matthews R
Source:
JMPT: Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 24(4): 260-71.
Year:
(2001).

READ NOW

Conclusion:
The results of this clinical trial indicate that both instrumental (MFMA) manipulation and manual (HVLA) manipulation have beneficial effects associated with reducing pain and disability and improving cervical range of motion in this patient population.

Question for Readers:

Why do you think osteopathic medicine does not receive the same level of respect in other countries like UK, New Zealand and Australia than in the USA?

Osteopathic medicine in the US enjoys the same benefits allopathic medicine does, then why havent other countries followed the US in adopting osteopathic medicine fully?

For example, allopathic medicine enjoys the same level of respect throughout the world. Why doesnt osteopathic medicine?

Andrew Taylor Still-Legacy Lives On Stronger Today

Osteopathic Quiz

Think you know a lot about osteopathic medicine?

Take a Quiz!

http://quiz.ivillage.com/health/tests/whosteopathic.htm

Osteopathic medicine offered in the Caribbean

School to offer hands-on experience

The Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine has embarked on a program in the Dominican Republic to promote its mission of “preparing osteopathic primary care physicians to serve the rural and medically underserved areas of the Commonwealth of Virginia, North Carolina and the Appalachian region and to provide scientific research that will improve the health of all humans.”

The program in the Dominican Republic is a joint venture between the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Dominican Republic Ministry of Health, and the Punta Cana hospital where the students will be practicing. According to the College of Osteopathic Medicine’s website, the last two years of an aspiring doctor’s curriculum is spent, for the most part, in a hospital or clinical setting. The Dominican Republic program provides these students with some hands on experience for one or two month intervals.

H. Dean Sutphin, professor and assistant vice president for international outreach, said students are selected for this program, and to the college in general, by displaying “an interest in service to others.”

While at the Punta Cana hospital, the students will learn many skills that they will be able to use once they start their own practice. Some of these skills include gaining experience in regions where full medical services are not readily available and being able to check and operate on patients who speak a foreign language. Students in the Dominican Republic also have first hand contact with several respiratory and intestinal infections that they will see in different regions of North Carolina and the Appalachians. The training these students receive not only contributes to their understanding of medicine, but in a larger sense, promotes caring and compassion, Sutphin said.

“Our students will be changed forever by their experiences serving a poor and medically underserved region in the Dominican Republic; further instilling the virtues of compassionate and altruistic medical care. Those served in the future by these doctors in training, whether in the Appalachian regions or elsewhere, will be the beneficiaries of these skills and values,” Sutphin said.

Osteopathic care is form of medicine where the doctor focuses on the patient instead of the disease. In addition to prescribing medicines and performing check-ups, osteopathic doctors are also trained to perform surgery, and to take a person’s overall environment into account when healing an illness.

“(Osteopathic medicine) is a philosophy of maintaining relationships between body systems. (Osteopathic doctors) take into account heredity, environment, and even a person’s job when diagnosing and treating a problem,” said college spokesperson Bill King.

Osteopathic Philosophy

Osteopathy


Osteopathy involves manipulation of the skeleton and muscles to promote mobility and balance. The central belief of this manual medicine is that a healthy body relies on a structurally sound musculo-skeletal system. Only when the bones, joints and muscles are working smoothly and harmoniously can the other systems of the body function at their best. The osteopathic philosophy states that the body is capable of healing itself - and maintaining a healthy state - if barriers, such as structural problems and poor posture, are removed. Osteopathy was developed by a physician in the late nineteenth century and has since gained world-wide recognition as a valuable and effective healing system.

A range of disorders
Osteopaths treat a range of disorders, including:

Asthma
Back and neck pain
Chronic fatigue
Headache
Joint pain
Repetitive strain injuries
Sciatica (shooting pains down the leg)
Sports injuries
Tendonitis.
Biomechanics

Central to osteopathy is the study of 'biomechanics' - how each part of the musculo-skeletal system interacts with and influences every other part. Any joint or muscle injury must therefore be treated in the context of the whole body, since other parts of the musculo-skeletal system will also be affected. For instance, an ankle injury may mean that the patient limps and favours the other foot. Over time, this imbalance can lead to secondary injuries, such as soreness in the other ankle, knee or hip, or perhaps back pain. The osteopath will devise a strategy of treatment that takes into account the entire musculo-skeletal system. Attention is given to other systems of the body - such as the circulatory, nervous and lymphatic systems - since these all play significant roles in the healing process.

Hands-on treatment options
Osteopathy is a manipulative medicine. The osteopath focuses on the whole body including: soft tissue such as muscle, ligaments, tendons, the spine and nervous system. A practitioner might use a variety of different hands-on methods, depending on your needs, including:

Soft tissue techniques
Manually moving the joint through its range of motion
Stretching muscles
Encouraging muscles to work against resistance
Spinal manipulation
Restoring balance and movement with gentle techniques (osteopathy in the cranial field)
Manipulation of the abdomen (visceral manipulation).
Lifestyle and environmental factors

Osteopathy encourages the patient to take responsibility for their own long term health and wellbeing. For instance, an osteopath can help you discover the particular lifestyle and environmental factors that may be contributing to your disorder. These may include poor posture, stress or the need for ergonomic furniture. An osteopath might devise a range of treatments, including individually tailored exercise routines, relaxation techniques or body awareness sessions that show you how to move the body in gentler ways.

Special considerations
In some disorders - such as prolapsed discs, joint infections or bone disease - manipulation can be dangerous.

Things to remember
Osteopathy is a manual medicine that works on the soft tissue of the body to relieve pain and improve joint mobility. According to the osteopathic philosophy, the body can't maintain a healthy state without a properly aligned musculo-skeletal system. Osteopathy treats an injury or pain in the context of the rest of the body.

Cranial Sacral Therapy for Autism

Overview


Osteopathy is a system and philosophy of health care that places emphasis on the musculoskeletal system, hence the name - osteo - refers to bone and path refers to disease. Osteopaths also believe strongly in the healing power of the body and do their best to facilitate that strength. During this century, the disciplines of osteopathy and allopathic (traditional) medicine have been converging. Osteopathy shares many of the same goals as traditional medicine, but places greater emphasis on the relationship between the organs and the musculoskeletal system as well as on treating the whole individual rather than just the disease.

Osteopathy was founded in the 1890s by Dr. Andrew Taylor, who believed that the musculoskeletal system was central to health. The primacy of the musculoskeletal system is also fundamental to Chiropractic, a related health discipline. The original theory behind both approaches presumed that energy flowing through the nervous system is influenced by the supporting structures that encase and protect it - the skull and vertebral column. A defect in the musculoskeletal system was believed to alter the flow of this energy and cause disease. Correcting the defect cured the disease. Defects were thought to be misalignments - parts out of place by tiny distances. Treating misalignments became a matter of restoring the parts to their natural arrangement by adjusting them.

As medical science advanced, defining causes of disease and discovering cures, schools of osteopathy adopted modern science, incorporated it into their curriculum, and redefined their original theory of disease in light of these discoveries. Near the middle of the 20th century, the equivalance of medical education between osteopathy and allopathic medicine was recognized, and the D.O. degree (Doctor of Osteopathy) was granted official parity with the M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) degree. Physicians could adopt either set of initials.

Dr. John E. Upledger, an osteopathic physician and surgeon, developed a light-touch manipulative therapy called "cranio-sacral therapy" in the early 1970s. Osteopathy is a similar therapy in which gentle manipulation is given to various parts of the body to free restrictions of motion. Both osteopathy and craniosacral therapy are practiced by health practitioners worldwide.

Some of Upledger's techniques are based on the work of Dr. William Sutherland, whose work, known as "cranial osteopathy," involves manipulation of the bones of the cranium. Sutherland believed the bones in the skull evolved to provide opportunity for movement and that, when their movement becomes restricted for various reasons, head pains, coordination difficulties, and other problems may occur.

In 1975, Upledger and other scientists at Michigan State University's College of Osteopathic Medicine investigated Sutherland's theory that skull bones move in response to hydraulic pressure of cerebrospinal fluid. The team concluded that the skull's sutures are not hardened structures, but are elastic, containing nerve fibers, blood vessels, and elastic tissue. Upledger refined his work on the bones of the skull, face, and mouth (collectively, cranium) to include the bones from the spinal cord down to the sacrum and coccyx, all of which he includes in the craniosacral system. He also views the brain and spinal cord as connected by a hydraulic system encased in three tough membranes which are separated from one another by fluid-filled spaces. According to Upledger, movement of the fluid up and down the spinal cord creates movement in the membranes which, in turn, affects connective tissue in the body. An imbalance in the craniosacral system can affect the development of the brain and spinal cord, which can result in various bodily dysfunctions. Craniosacral therapy provides a way to examine movements in the various parts of the system and to free them from restrictions by means of gentle pressure from the therapist.

Advantages/Disadvantages
Pain is the chief reason patients seek musculoskeletal treatment. Pain is a symptom, not a disease by itself. Of critical importance is first to determine the cause of the pain. Cancers, brain or spinal cord disease, and many other causes may be lying beneath this symptom. Once it is clear that the pain is originating in the musculoskeletal system, treatment that includes manipulation is appropriate.

Therapy Outcome:
The key to treating autism is early evaluation.

In addition to conventional measures - CranioSacral Therapy can play an important role in a comprehensive therapeutic approach.

Upledger has conducted studies on children with autism to determine if there is any correlation between restrictions in this population. He believes children who are considered "classically autistic" in behavioral terms show similar patterns of restriction in the craniosacral system. Upledger investigated its effects on autistic children in Michigan in the 1970s. He spent approximately six months each year for three years searching for etiologic factors in autistic behavior. His research included physical examinations, hair analysis, blood electrophoretic studies and craniosacral system evaluations.

His studies concluded that CranioSacral Therapy was beneficial in treating Autism. When it was used to restore the mobility of the craniosacral system, typically autistic behaviors - including head banging, thumb sucking, toe walking and self-mutilation - were either alleviated or diminished. In 2000, Dr. Upledger presented his findings before a U.S. Government Reform Committee meeting on Autism.


Required Training:

It is best to use a certified Osteopath, Physical Therapist or Chiropractor who specializes in cranial sacral therapy on children. Some experience with children with autism is recommended but not necessary.

Intensity of Therapy
Therapy is generally done once per week.

Treatment Costs
There are no material costs

Service Providers


http://www.iahp.com/pages/search/

Suggested Websites
American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine. 5550 Friendship Blvd., Suite 310, Chevy Chase, MD 20815-7231. (301)-968-4100. Website: http://www.aacom.org

American Osteopathic Association. Website: http://www.am-osteo-assn.org

Upledger Institute, Website: www.upledger.com Phone: 1-800-233-5880

Suggested Reading
CranioSacral Therapy, John E. Upledger, D.O., O.M.M., and Jon Vredevoogd, MFA

CranioSacral Therapy 2: Beyond the Dura, John E. Upledger, D.O., O.M.M.

Introduction To Craniosacral Therapy, Don Cohen, D.C.


References:
Autism Research Institute

Upledger Institute

General Osteopathic Council Refutes Statement That Spinal Manipulation Does Not Work

Spinal manipulation is but one potential element of the osteopathic treatment package, which also includes guidance on lifestyle, diet and exercise.

A large proportion of patients visit osteopaths for help with back pain including low back pain, neck pain and headaches. All recent scientific research suggests that back pain:

-- is rarely a simple problem.
-- is influenced by psychological and social factors.
-- requires treatment tailored to the patient's needs.

Research is a high priority within the osteopathic profession and new research is always welcomed by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). However, this is a review of research dating back to 2000 and provides no new findings itself. Further, the paper fails to draw on more recent studies. As such, the review is extremely limited, and certainly not helpful to patients or healthcare professionals when making generalisations about osteopathic practice.

Contrary to Professor Ernst's statement that “… regulation serves as a substitute for research …” the National Council for Osteopathic Research (NCOR) was set up in 2003, following the establishment of the Statutory Register of Osteopaths in 2000. NCOR's remit is to co-ordinate and develop the evidence-base for osteopathy.

A spokesperson for NCOR said, “A substantial amount of research has been carried out in the last few years, most notably a Medical Research Council (MRC) funded trial on spinal manipulation and exercise therapy for low back pain (UK BEAM trial 2004 - www.osteopathy.org.uk/media/prdetails.php?id=24). This important study provides good evidence to support spinal manipulation for low back pain, particularly when combined with exercise guidance - typical osteopathic management. This suggests that Professor Ernst is out of date with this review.”

In summary, the research design/methodology is not a recognised systematic review, it is limited in terms of scientific value, and the data presented does not support the conclusions made.

This article is in response to:
‘Spinal Manipulation doesn't work for any condition, new research finds' Ernst E., Canter P. A systematic review of systematic reviews of spinal manipulation. J R Soc Med 2006;99:189-193

About Osteopathy

-- Osteopathy uses many of the diagnostic procedures involved in conventional medical assessment and diagnosis. Its main strength lies in the unique way the patient is assessed holistically from a mechanical, functional and postural standpoint. Treatment is aimed at improving mobility and/or reducing inflammation by using gentle manual osteopathic techniques on joints, muscles and ligaments.

-- Patients are given positive advice, related to their lifestyle, about how they use their body. Age is no barrier to osteopathy since each patient is assessed individually and treatment is gentle.

-- Osteopaths treat a wide range of conditions, including changes to posture in pregnancy; babies with colic or sleeplessness, repetitive strain injury, postural problems caused by driving or work strain, glue ear in children, the pain of arthritis and sports injuries, amongst others.

Growing public awareness of osteopathy

-- Statutory self-regulation of the profession has raised public awareness of and confidence in osteopathy.

-- There has been a 25% growth in demand since 1996.

-- The GOsC undertakes a rolling programme of public awareness monitoring & clinical auditing.

-- A better understanding has generated a surge in media interest.

A Growing profession

-- Currently there are 3740 osteopaths on the UK Register - 90% of whom practise in the UK.

-- Growing profession with 250 new graduates every year.

-- An increasing number of universities are registering an interest in establishing osteopathic training institutions. Osteopathic training

-- To date, 8 Osteopathic Training Institutions have been awarded Recognised Qualification Status by the Privy Council.

-- Osteopathic training comprises four to five-year BSc Honours degree programmes, majoring in anatomy / physiology / neuro-anatomy / pathology.

Research

-- The National Council of Osteopathic Research (NCOR) is an independent body, whose remit is to encourage and develop a research culture within the field of osteopathy.

-- Founded in 2003, NCOR consists of representatives from the GOsC, the osteopathic educational institutions, the British Osteopathic Association, the NHS and private practitioners.

-- NCOR is chaired by Professor Ann Moore, Director of the Clinical Research Centre for Health Professions at the University of Brighton.

-- For further information visit the NCOR website at: http://www.ncor.org.uk.

The Statutory Register of Osteopaths

-- Osteopaths are statutorily regulated health professionals and form an integral part of primary care teams.

-- The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) regulates, promotes and develops the osteopathic profession, maintaining a Statutory Register of those entitled to practise osteopathy in the United Kingdom.

-- Only practitioners meeting the highest standards of safety and competency are eligible for registration. Proof of good health, good character and professional indemnity insurance cover is also a requirement.

-- It is an offence for anyone to describe themselves as an osteopath and practise as such, unless registered with the GOsC. The public can, therefore, be confident in visiting a registered osteopath that they will experience safe and competent treatment from a practitioner who adheres to a strict Code of practice:

-- “13. (1) The General Osteopathic Council shall from time to time determine the standard of proficiency which, in its opinion, is required for the competent and safe practice of osteopath” (Osteopaths Act 1993).

-- Copies of Standard 2000 (S2K) are available from the GOsC on 020 7357 6655.

-- “Any patient consulting an osteopath is entitled to a high standard of care. The register of osteopaths exists so that members of the public can identify those who have demonstrated their ability to practise to the required standards” (extract from the GOsC ‘Code of practice', GOsC, 2005).

-- Copies of the Code of Practice are available from the GOsC on 020 7357 6655.

-- The 2006 Statutory Register of Osteopaths provides a geographical index of all practising osteopaths, and is available to healthcare providers and the general public. Printed copies are available from the GOsC. A current and searchable listing of osteopaths is available on the GOsC website: http://www.osteopathy.org.uk.

The General Osteopathic Council The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) exists to protect patients by promoting excellence in osteopathic care. The GOsC regulates, develops and promotes the profession of osteopathy by:

-- Maintaining the definitive Register of those who have satisfied the GOsC that they can practise osteopathy safely and competently.

-- Defining and maintaining high standards of education, training and clinical practice.

-- Guiding osteopaths in standards of professional practice.

-- Dealing promptly and effectively with osteopaths whose competence or fitness to practise is called into question.

-- Promoting and developing the profession and practise of osteopathy.

General Osteopathic Council (GOsC)
Osteopathy House
176 Tower Bridge Road
London, SE1 3LU
Tel: 020 7357 6655 x226
Fax: 020 7357 0011
http://www.osteopathy.org.uk