What Is Osteopathy?
Developed in the USA at the end of the nineteenth century by Andrew Still, M.D., osteopathy is a manual therapy that focuses on seeing the body as a holistic, unique, and functional unit consisting of diverse components: cardiovascular, craniosacral, endocrine, gastrointestinal, respiratory, neurological, musculoskeletal, and mental/emotional. Osteopathy addresses somatic dysfunctions, using a low velocity indirect functionally integrated technique.
After an assessment, I manually connect with the soft tissues and bone with an inquiry: “In which direction does this bone /tissue move with the greatest ease?” I then guide the bone away from the restrictive barrier, towards ease, using the new dynamic balancing point between the passive and active range of motion of the joint to facilitate the unwinding of tissues and bones as they follow their innate intelligence to restore homeostasis. In this sense, osteopathy is akin to strain-counterstrain and is more of a following process than a directing one. This method can be used wherever there is a restriction in tissue, not just in a subluxation complex. A session often is ¾ to an hour in length. Typically small animals will be lying on their side, sometimes sitting, and participate with focused inner awareness, learning how to release habitual holding patterns and learning new options for moving, thus fostering neuroplasticity. I also work with horses. Animals typically leave sessions with an enhanced sense of mobility and ease.
An adjustment or manipulation at a specific joint would be unwise when there is arthritis, cancer, infection, acute inflammation, or a ruptured disc at that joint. However your animal friend still could benefit from a whole body osteopathic session at those times. And while animals with arthritis in any of their joints will benefit from medication, they also may experience more overall ease for decompensating areas of their bodies after an osteopathic session and the healing power of touch.
Though certified in chiropractic, I practice osteopathy. I infuse the latter with my training as a Mind Body Studies Practitioner (a somatic form of education in the Feldenkrais heritage). Please see my article comparing Osteopathy and Chiropractic posted in Supportive Information on this website.