What is Osteopathy
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Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) in my opinion, is this well kept secret, for unknown reasons.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with osteopathic medicine, in the United States, we have two schools of Medicine, allopathic and osteopathic medical schools; MDs (Medical Doctor) and DOs (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) respectively. To be brief, Doctor Andrew Taylor Still was a physician, who after the Civil War, had lost his wife and several children. He decided then that conventional medicine should be re-evaluated. Dr. A.T. Still founded the first osteopathic medical school in 1892. He devoted over 30 years to studying anatomy and found alternative ways to treat disease.
Currently, as scientific inquiry advances research to focus more and more on reduced views of the body. Focus is being placed on specific genetic markers and unique proteins. This focus can easily allow us to lose sight of the whole body and its capacity to function as a whole. Thus, shifting ones perception to view the body as solely a sum of its seperate parts. This investigatory advancement has lead the medical community to specialize and focus on different organs or complaints.
But what if we have forgotten our foundation, as I call it. The basics of our human biological process. The miraculousness of our physiology and its capacity to function and heal itself.
Osteopathy returns the focus to the whole body.
The tenets of osteopathy state that firstly, the body is a unit; mind, body and spirit. Secondly, the body is capable of self-regulation, self-healing, and health maintenance. Thirdly, structure and function are reciprocally interrelated. Lastly, Rational treatment is based upon an understanding of these three basic principles.
Osteopathic Medical Education teaches physicians to palpate different tissues in the body, and thus allows touch to be a vital part of the physical exam. Our palpatory skills are used to diagnose and treat using a wide range of techniques. Osteopathic physicians, on average, have over 200 hours of hands-on training just within the first two years of medical school. Those physicians who choose to focus on the hands on manipulation take more advanced hands on courses to improve their palpatory skills and treatment techniques.Osteopathic physicians’ palpate different tissues of the body to determine where it’s restricted, where it’s not flowing. Our bodies have a lot of history that can affect anatomy- birth trauma, breastfeeding history, sports injuries, concussions, abuse, car accidents, and so forth.
The osteopathic inquiry focuses on “Why NOW, do individuals have complaints?”, “Why do THEY have this specific complaint?” and “Why can’t the body resolve the issue on its own?”
Osteopathic physicians who practice OMT are applied anatomists. Meaning working within and through the anatomy! The structure! Structure and Function are interrelated! If the structure is “off”, the function is “off” as well. Bringing motion back to the structure, improves the functioning of physiological expression. If the structure is restricted, then the functioning of that region is affected. Function is the physiology— the lymph drainage, the blood flow, the toxin removal, and balance of the nervous system.
For example, if one of our back vertebra was restricted, could we assume that its affecting the nerves and blood flow to and from it? Absolutely!! Osteopathic physicians have an immense background in anatomy, and understanding of how the immune system works through the anatomy and how the autonomic nervous system works through the anatomy. Manipulating tissue at restricted areas manipulates the functioning of the nervous system and immune system and helps the patient get to their optimal functioning.Only a handful of DOs who graduate each year continue to study, practice and use OMT.
As a medical community, the scientific advancement of medical technology should not allow us to lose sight of the basics, our anatomical foundation- the WHOLE body. Maintaining our awareness on the whole body, while analyzing blood work and imaging is the goal.
Osteopathy allows for HOLISTIC and individual evaluation of every patient.
“First step in osteopathy is a belief in our own bodies”. Dr. A.T. Still -
Body is a unit:
The body is a unit composed of mind, body and spirit. Osteopathic physicians consider the whole person toward understanding the complex interrelationships of physiologic function.
Body is self healing:
The body has an innate capacity to heal. It is capable of self-regulation, self-healing and maintenance. Osteopathic treatment is geared towards restoring and supporting the body’s self-healing.
Structure & Function:
Structure and function are interrelated, if the structure (anatomy) has restrictions, then the function (physiology) is compromised. Osteopathic physicians use OMM to observe and support the body’s restoration of structural integrity and return of healthy functioning.
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“DOs and MDs are licensed physicians. DOs are guided by the principles of osteopathy. MDs are guided by those of allopathic medicine. The difference between MDs and DOs is that in addition to four years of medical school, DOs receive additional training in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM).
Chiropractors are not fully licensed medical doctors, and are not required to have completed residency training in a hospital. Chiropractors and DOs practicing hands-on osteopathy differ in many ways—level of training, scope of practice, and approach to treatment. While chiropractors focus exclusively on spinal alignment, DOs are concerned with systemic movement and restoration of health.”
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“Just as the lungs breathe and the heart beats, the central nervous system also has its own involuntary rhythmic motion. There is also movement of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) around the brain, within the meninges. Because of the “blood brain barrier”, brain cells require circulation of the CSF so that all cells can receive nourishment and oxygen.
Osteopaths with specialty training in this area (the “cranial field”) work with the bones of the cranium, the fascial coverings (meninges), the fluids, and especially the central nervous system (the brain) to access the whole person, for both treatment of dysfunction and improvement of health. Sometimes called cranial osteopathy, it is an additional set of skills gained by osteopaths to better address the whole body.”
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“Osteopathic principles have been evolving ever since Dr. Still established the science. In 1929, William Garner Sutherland, DO introduced his cranial concept. It was based on his observation that the interfaces between the cranial bones were beveled, like the gills of a fish, indicating that they were moved by a respiratory process. He went on to discover a level of physiologic function that he called the primary respiratory mechanism, which is fundamental in the physiology of growth, development, and healing.
He described different aspects of this mechanism, including the motility of the central nervous system, the mobility of the nervous cranial membranes and bones, and a core link between the cranium and sacrum that coordinated their motion. He identified the fluctuation of the cerebrospinal fluid as a fundamental principle of the mechanism. Within it he had found a potency, like a fluid within a fluid, that he described as having intelligence.
Dr. Sutherland observed that when the cranial sacral field was brought to a short rhythmic period of fluctuation, a stillness was revealed at the center of the tide, and a transmutative process unfolded, in which every cell in the body was nourished. Today, this practice is called osteopathy in the cranial field (OCF).
The biodynamic view of OCF was developed by James Jealous, DO, inspired by the work of embryologist Erich Blechschmidt, MD. and the further work of Dr. Sutherland. Dr. Blechschmidt observed that the fluid fields involved in embryologic development never missed the prescribed timing and intersections of their biology. His research revealed that physical forces and motions were more important, or more primary driving forces, than biochemistry in embryologic development. He also expressed an appreciation for the inherent intelligence in the embryologic process.
Dr. Jealous recognized the parallels between Blechschmidt’s work and the work of doctors Still and Sutherland, to which he has added decades of research and refinement. The forces of embryologic development never cease functioning, but are maintained throughout our lives as forces of growth and healing—the biodynamic model—providing a foundation for our understanding of osteopathic principles, as well as anatomy and physiology.”
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“Physicians who practice cranial osteopathy are fully licensed doctors who specialize in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) diagnosis and treatment. During four years of osteopathic medical school, D.O.’s receive extensive training in anatomy, physiology, neurology, orthopedics, and other core areas of medicine. In addition, all D.O.s have an initial minimum foundation of over 400 hours training specifically in OMM, plus elective training, and they must pass several board licensing exams. D.O.’s must complete an internship and often finish residency training in any medical specialty and/or in OMM. Cranial osteopaths then complete extensive post-graduate training in this sub-specialty of the field, with an emphasis on the autonomic nervous system and what is known as the primary respiratory mechanism – the inherent motion of the central nervous system, cerebrospinal fluid, the surrounding connective tissue, and its manifestations throughout the body.
Craniosacral therapy is a highly simplified protocol derived from cranial osteopathic principles. There is no standardized training or certification for a craniosacral therapist. Most craniosacral therapists are massage therapists, and therefore are not licensed medical professionals, while others are physical therapists or nurses who offer craniosacral therapy within their defined scope of practice.”
“Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a form of light-touch bodywork developed by an osteopath as a tool for massage therapists and other bodyworkers. CST courses are open to anyone—medical background or not—and there are no national standards or regulations. The technique can be practiced with as little as four days’ training.”
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“There are a few key differences between osteopaths and chiropractors.
Traditionally, chiropractic theory has emphasized the impact of the spinal nerves on functioning of the body, and therefore focused on treating the spinal part of the skeleton. In contrast, osteopathic medicine emphasizes treatment of the muscles, bones, connective tissue, and joints of the whole body, because of the effect on the blood vessels, lymphatics, and both peripheral and central nervous systems throughout the entire person, including the autonomic nervous system.
Osteopaths are licensed physicians. Physician licensure includes training in a full spectrum of medicine, from outpatient and clinics, to surgery, emergency medicine, intensive care and other acute pathology. This allows us to appropriately identify if and when a more intensive treatment regime might be needed, and to manage osteopathic treatment in the context of complex medical situations.
Most, although not all, chiropractors focus on high-velocity, low amplitude adjustments (“cracking”). This is one of the many techniques learned by osteopathic physicians. Some osteopaths employ high velocity manipulations as part of their treatment when appropriate; others rely solely on more gentle manipulations to achieve the treatment goals.”
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“These terms may describe the same person, so they are often just differences in terminology and emphasis. In the U.S., D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) is one of 2 degrees that qualifies a person to become a licensed physician (the other is M.D.). Because of this any D.O. can be called an “osteopathic physician”, or simply a physician.
All D.O.’s are trained in medical school in the basics of osteopathic manipulative treatment, just as they are trained in the other basic practices of medicine, including obstetrics, pediatrics, psychiatry, and surgery. Some D.O.’s will specialize in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) also referred to as neuro-musculoskeletal medicine (NMM). We sometimes call them “traditional osteopaths”, or just osteopaths for short.
Most doctors that practice osteopathic manipulative medicine are specialists – it is the primary or sole focus of their medical practice. In addition, there are many primary care D.O.s who offer some level of OMM treatment as part of their more general practice. Less frequently, a D.O. in a specialty field such as neurology, orthopedic surgery, or physiatry may offer OMM treatment as well.
Occasionally, you may encounter a practitioner who trained outside of the U.S. These people hold Diplomates of Osteopathy; unless they also hold a M.D. degree, they are not licensed physicians. These practitioners are also often referred to as osteopaths in their home countries.”
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Dr. Silberman begins by asking patients to share their narrative. Then gathers all medical history, including details about birth, nutrition, injuries or traumatic events, physical or emotional trauma. After understanding the patient's narrative, she provides a holistic, whole body structural diagnostic examination and then provides treatment.
Osteopathic physicians are trained to palpate (feel) the body’s tissue textures and fluids, as well as to evaluate structural motion and restrictions.
The art of osteopathic manipulation uses gentle, hands-on manipulative techniques to support the return of motion and balance to areas of restriction, weakness, and disintegration, in an individualized and holistic approach for each and every patient.
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Lay down, breathe and enjoy the treatment.
The best time to discuss questions and concerns is prior to starting the treatment session.
Wear lightweight clothing. The doctor needs to palpate (feel) through the fabric perform structural examination and treatment. Avoid jeans and other heavyweight material.
Remove watches and headphones
Turn-off phone
Inform doctor if you wear glasses or use contact lenses. Your current prescription could be contributing to strains in your body.
Inform doctor if you have any dental work planned. It often impacts body mechanics.
Inform doctor if using any other physical medicine (acupuncture, chiropractic care, physical therapy, massage)
No alcohol or caffeine recommended after the treatment. Do not engage in strenuous physical activity for 24 hours after treatment.
Drink plenty of water after session for the next 24-48 hours. description
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Examples of modalities used include: cranial osteopathy, counterstain, balanced ligamentous tension, myofascial and visceral release, muscle energy, inhibition, facilitated positional release and biodynamics.
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Holistic Pelvic Care
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Resonance Medicine with Frequency Specific Microcurrent
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Frequency Specific Microcurrent, also known as FSM.
“FSM is like a gentle nudge to your body’s natural healing system. It uses tiny electrical currents, similar to what your nerves already use, to target sore spots. This nudge can help reduce pain, inflammation, and even speed up healing from injuries.”
“FSM was developed by Dr. Carolyn McMakin in 1995 using frequencies passed on from an osteopath in Canada who had a practice that came with a machine made in the 1920’s. Dr. McMakin developed protocols for the treatment of myofascial pain in 1996 and presented her clinical data at the American Back Society national meeting in December 1997. In 1998, she published the paper on the “Treatment of chronic resistant myofascial pain in the head, neck, and face” in Topics in Clinical Chiropractic. In addition to other published FSM paper.”
Resources:
Book: The Resonance Effect
osteopathic Principles
Body is a unit
The body is a unit composed of mind, body and spirit. Osteopathic physicians consider the whole person toward understanding the complex interrelationships of physiologic function.
Body is self-healing
The body has an innate capacity to heal. It is capable of self-regulation, self-healing and maintenance. Osteopathic treatment is geared towards restoring and supporting the body’s self-healing.
Structure and function
Structure and function are interrelated, if the structure (anatomy) has restrictions, then the function (physiology) is compromised. Osteopathic physicians use OMM to observe and support the body’s restoration of structural integrity and return of healthy functioning.