| Osteopathy
is a distinctive and complete system of health care, based on
broad principles that “offer a way of thinking and acting
in relation to questions of health and disease” (Dr. I.
M. Korr). The procedures it uses in diagnosis and treatment promote
healthy functioning in a person by correcting mechanical imbalances
within and between the structures of the body. By structures
we mean the muscles, bones, ligaments, organs, and fascia. The
fascia is a very thin layer of tissue that is found under the
skin. Correcting the mechanical imbalances in the structures
is done by restoring, maintaining, and improving the harmonious
working of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems.
The name osteopathy (given to the therapy by Dr. Still) comes
from the Greek osteon (bone) and pathos (to suffer), so it
literally means suffering of the bone. The name has created
some confusion, leading people to think that an osteopath treats
only conditions of the bones. However, Dr. Still chose the
name because he recognized the importance of a properly functioning
musculoskeletal system for the total well-being of the individual.
|
