2. Overview of Osteopathy
American physician Andrew Taylor Still founded osteopathy as a
branch of medicine in the late 19th century. Osteopathy emphasizes
the role of the musculoskeletal structure in disease. Andrew Taylor
Still developed the approach following the death of three children
under his care who were suffering from spinal meningitis. Andrew
Taylor Still grew disillusioned by his inability to save the children,
despite the fact that he had employed the latest advances in medical
technology available at the time.
3. Overview of Osteopathy
A strong proponent of the scientific method, Still examined medical
practices empirically, determining that many were ineffective or even
harmful. Consequently, Andrew Taylor Still developed an approach
that emphasizes the promotion of good health and the body’s ability
to heal itself.
4. Overview of Osteopathy
The four basic guiding principles of osteopathy are
1) that the body functions as a whole and should be treated
holistically
2) that the body uses self-regulatory mechanisms to heal itself
3) that bodily structure and function are interrelated
4) and that these three principles should form the basis of medical
treatment.
5. Overview of Osteopathy
Osteopathy involves the use of many manual manipulation
techniques aimed at treating pain-related disorders ranging from
lower back pain to menstrual cramps. In developing a treatment
plan, an osteopathic doctor will examine neurological, respiratory,
circulatory, metabolic, biomechanical, and behavioral factors in order
to come up with a structural diagnosis of the condition.
Subsequently, the doctor develops an osteopathic treatment plan.
6. Overview of Osteopathy
Often, osteopathic treatments are combined with a range of other
approaches, including diet, pharmacotherapy, and /or surgery. The
majority of osteopathic physicians practice in family medicine,
internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology.
