About Osteopathy

“Osteopathy is to me a very sacred science… because it is a healing power through all Nature.” A.T. Still

    Osteopathy is a branch of medicine that not only utilizes all the standard modern evaluation and diagnostic tools for patient care, but also takes advantage of the body’s own healing abilities. Developed by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, M.D. in 1889, he dared to challenge the beliefs and practice of traditional western medicine, and subsequently, was ostracized by his fellow M.D.s.

    “Osteopathy is based on the perfection of nature’s work. When all parts of the human body are in line we have health. When they are not the effect is disease.” With this philosophy in mind, Dr. Still began the extensive study of the human anatomy and it’s function, and methods of adjusting the body. From his studies, he found that by removing restrictions in the bones, muscles, fascia, nervous system, blood vessels or lympatics, he was able to restore normal function and freedom in the tissues. Thus, allowing the body to heal itself from a wide range of medical problems, including musculoskeletal problems. Dr. Still also realized that not only does the physical being need to be healed, but the mind and the spiritual aspect also needs to be treated as well. Osteopaths are like master mechanics of the human body, looking, palpating, searching for the cause of the problem, and fixing them.

    The first Osteopathic school opened in Kirksville, Missouri in 1892. And now, there are 20 Osteopathic medical schools in the U.S. Like M.D.s, Osteopaths (D.O.) are fully licensed physicians. D.O.s may also specialize in any field of medicine such as: family practice, pediatrics, emergency medicine, surgery or obstetrics and gynecology. D.O.s account for approximately 5 % of the medical profession, and often times patients don’t realize that their doctor is an Osteopath.

    Unfortunately, only about 5% or less of students who graduate from Osteopathic medical school will practice traditional osteopathy (incorporation of Osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) in their practice). Those who do practice traditional osteopathy will spend extra hours taking courses, seminars, and working with other osteopaths to improve their skills.