Manipulation has been used to heal disorders of the musculo-skeletal system in all ancient cultures. Osteopathy, like the other manipulative therapies such as chiropractic, focuses on keeping the body in structural balance so that it can heal itself.

Development of Osteopathy

Osteopathy was evolved by Dr Andrew Taylor Still (1828-1917), an American physician. As a doctor, Still was versed in the art of setting broken bones, but the new treatment he introduced was original and founded on his 16 years of study. He opened the first college of Osteopathy in 1892, and within 20 years, saw the practice recognised in every state in the Union.

The name Osteopathy, from the Greek words for ‘bone’ and ‘disease’, is misleading, since it is not connected with bone disease but with conditions arising from misuse of the bones and joints, and of the spine in particular.

How Osteopathy Works

Still’s central concept was what he called an osteopathic lesion - a structural abnormality that could cause functional or organic disease and pain. A lesion might be a muscle in spasm or an irritated nerve, manifested as strain, pain, thickening of connective tissue, physical derangement, or local swelling. The spinal cord, housed in the spine, is the link between the brain and the body. Spinal nerves emerge from the vertebrae and are easily irritated, causing pain in the parts of the body they serve. As a result, local stiffness develops, movement of the affected part becomes impaired, and the flow of blood to the surrounding tissues slows down. This causes acidosis and irritates neighbouring nerves, which, in turn, affect distant organs supplied by the nerves, producing disease in these organs. A further consequence of these lesions is an interference with the ability of the body to produce its own antitoxins and antibodies to fight infections. The correction of all these disturbances, according to Still, is primarily manipulation.

Diagnostic Steps

On a first visit to an osteopath, the practitioner notes down the full case history and performs a thorough physical examination. Next, he manipulates each joint through its range of movement to assess how the body rates mechanically. The joints and soft tissues are also felt.

Examination of the lower or lumbar region of the spine is important for this is a part of the body that is particularly prone to trouble. Backache occurs due to the constant strain on the spine, but is also related to stress. The osteopath checks for any indication of muscle spasm, of limited joint movement, or of bone disease.

Types of Treatment

An osteopath encourages patients to take care of the whole body, especially the spine. Wherever movement is restricted, the osteopath manipulates to open the joint and restore alignment - usually between two vertebrae. If the bones slip back into place, relief is immediate.

When there is no recognised disease elsewhere, manipulation alone may be used with the expectation that immediate relief may be obtained. When relief is not obtained, rest, physical support, mechanical traction, heat, diathermy, exercises, and pain-relieving and muscle-relaxing applications may be used. Recently acquired problems, such as a backache caused by awkward lifting, may be cured in one session. Longer-standing conditions, accompanied by tissue damage or structural adaptation by the muscles and ligaments, usually require a series of treatments.

—————————————————————————Now You Know…

Osteopathy is a drug-free treatment that deals primarily with disorders of the spine. Numerous diseases are associated with the musculoskeletal system, and manipulation, palpation, and massage are effective treatments.

Evolved in the nineteenth century, osteopathy is especially good for healing recently acquired problems such as backache caused by awkward lifting, lumbago, sciatica, spondylosis, and frozen shoulder.

Quite affordable, wherever osteopathy does not provide total relief on its own, it may be combined with other applications such as traction, diathermy, or heat.