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What Is Osteopathy?

by Anthony D’Assisi


The human body is a whole unit. There are many parts and systems that work in harmony, function optimally and keep the body in equilibrium, when everything is healthy.

Unfortunately, life happens and many things go awry and are far from homeostasis and equilibrium. This is where the natural healing practice of Osteopathy can help.

Osteopathy is a manual therapy that considers the body as a whole in order to prevent, diagnose, and treat dysfunctions in the body. It involves all structures composing the body, and helps restore the body’s healthy state.

Osteopathy is a type of holistic natural healing method that emphasizes physical mobilization of muscle, tissue and bones. Practitioners of osteopathy are referred to as osteopaths. They believe that the body's structure and systems are interconnected and that everything must work together to achieve optimal health. Osteopathy is often used to treat muscle pain, back pain, headaches, and other physical ailments. It is based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues functioning smoothly together.

It is the job of the Osteopathic manual therapist to find the cause of the patient’s symptoms: it is often not located where we feel the pain. A patient can help us by sharing where they may feel pain but it may be originating from somewhere above or below and this is where an Osteopath shines.

Osteopathy is a type of non-invasive manual therapy that focuses on the overall health of the body by treating and strengthening the musculoskeletal framework.

Osteopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare that goes beyond the symptoms of a condition. It views the body as an interconnected whole and focuses on how the skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulation, connective tissue, and internal organs function as a holistic unit.

Osteopaths use a range of techniques such as physical manipulation, stretching, and massage with the aim of:

1. Increasing the mobility of joints.

2. Relieving muscle tension.

3. Enhancing the blood supply to tissues.

4. Helping the body to heal itself.

They may also provide advice on lifestyle changes, exercise, and diet, which can help to improve health and prevent symptoms from occurring in the first place.

It can help to improve a variety of health conditions, including back pain, postural problems, sleep issues, and certain types of chronic pain. It can also assist with certain circulatory, digestive, and lymphatic symptoms.

Osteopaths are fully qualified, regulated, and recognized healthcare professionals. In some countries, like the United States, they are licensed to practice medicine and surgery, in addition to osteopathic treatment.

As a Manual Osteopath I am not allowed to practice medicine, surgery or manipulation of bones.

However, it's important to remember that while osteopathy can help alleviate symptoms in many cases, it may not be suitable for everyone.

Why Did I Choose Osteopathy As A Profession?

I have chosen Osteopathy as a profession because I feel strongly about the natural approach to healing utilizing the body’s innate capabilities to be in equilibrium and homeostasis if given the chance.

I have been in the Health & Fitness Industry for almost 4 decades as a Fitness and Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach.

I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to help hundreds of Personal clients over the years but there has always been an empty feeling inside me with regards to the healing of pain, chronic pain and injuries my clients have gone through.

Becoming an Osteopath will allow me to help everyone in an amazing well-rounded way now with everything dialed in: Fitness, Nutrition, Lifestyle and now, with Osteopathy, from a Mechanical standpoint.

I have to admit I am extremely excited to start this next chapter of my professional life.

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