Osteopathy is a complete healing system that integrates the study of anatomy and physiology of the human mechanism in order to support and facilitate the well-being of an integrated human being, involving body, mind, emotions and spirit. Millions of patients today are turning to D.O.’s, or Osteopaths, as their physicians of choice. This healing system includes natural approaches including lifestyle, nutrition, exercise programs, mental and emotional support, allopathic (conventional) medications, and possible surgeries. In addition, osteopathic physicians are uniquely trained in traditional osteopathic manual treatment in a variety of modalities. These are specific structural techniques that alleviate structural strain patterns and dysfunctions. All of these approaches allow the integrated human being to not only recover from illness and trauma, but flourish, both internally, and externally as they relate to their life and environment.
Osteopaths are board-certified physicians–just like your family doctor–that also have specialized expertise in osteopathic manipulation techniques. There is a separate board certification for Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. See DO vs MD comparison chart.
Osteopathic Physicians have been trained in the knowledge and principles that were founded by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, M.D. in the late 1800’s. Osteopathic treatment uses non-invasive, manual approaches to restore anatomy, structural integrity, inherent motion and vitality in the bodily tissues by supporting them to return to healthy function. The Osteopaths’ job is to set the body up anatomically and physiologically to heal itself. These treatments support the cellular, nervous, circulatory, musculoskeletal, fascial and lymphatic systems and allow imbalances due to trauma (both physical and emotional) and disease to begin to move in the direction of greater function. A human being will brilliantly compensate for trauma and stressors and are unwound back to a natural state as an inherent part of the treatment process.
After a thorough history and evaluation, the patient will lie down on the treatment table on their back, in a relaxed position. There are a variety of osteopathic modalities that are described elsewhere in the website, but each is adapted specifically for the needs of each individual patient, and will vary during the course of the treatment process. Osteopathic treatment always helps the patient move towards health and homeostasis of the whole patient.
The rhythmic interchange throughout all of the tissues of the body, including the fluid within and between the cells, as well as the circulatory and nervous system are in a balanced interchange between one another that is vital to maintain function. They are supported and interconnected by the musculoskeletal structures, tendons, ligaments, fascial planes and related structures of the brain and spinal cord.
Osteopathy is safe and extremely effective for all ages and conditions. This includes anyone from a newborn to a centenarian, pregnant women and those recovering from all diagnoses, conditions, traumas, surgeries, and any complex disease processes.
Every patient has a unique constellation of issues and dysfunctions related to trauma, their disease process, and genetic and environmental factors. Every patient has specific, inherent vitality and a length of dysfunction that will determine how easily their system can return back to a balanced normal.
In general, every year of dysfunction requires a month of treatment, but this can vary greatly due to the complexity of the issues involved.
The following conditions can be benefited or resolved with Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine:
Learn how Integrative Osteopathy can help you. Contact Bellingham Osteopathic Center
