Chichester, UK
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a hands on treatment method created by an American physician and surgeon, Andrew Taylor Still, in 1874.
The goal of osteopathic treatment is to establish OPTIMAL STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY AND OVERALL HEALTH in the body and mind. The maxim "Structure governs Function" lies at the heart of osteopathic philosophy and is why realignment of the spine and skeleton forms a central component of osteopathic treatment.
Misalignment of vertebrae and their spinal joints can lead to nerve impingements which may then affect, to varying degrees, the functioning of the tissue(s) supplied by that nerve(s). Special attention is therefore directed towards the INTEGRITY AND FUNCTION OF SPINAL NERVES as they exit the vertebral column to supply everything from muscles to organs and skin to blood vessels.
The skill of an Osteopath lies not only in the practical application of therapeutic techniques but also in the CORRECT IDENTIFICATION of the UNDERLYING ROOT CAUSES of pain and dysfunction.
Treatment techniques are then targeted towards the structures causing the problem(s) as part of a whole body treatment method.
Treatment techniques include deep tissue massage techniques, gentle articulation of the spine and limbs and a variety of rhythmic and oscillatory techniques.
Exercise, dietary and lifestyle advice also from an important part of osteopathic treatment.
A successful osteopathic treatment (or course of treatments) can influence the PHYSICAL, PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL aspects of our being and therefore has the potential to be life changing.
