Osteopaths have principles that guide how they operate. On a very basic level, these are:
A holistic (all-encompassing) approach to the functioning of the body
Treatment is tailored to the unique elements of the individual
There is relationship between the structure and function of the body
The body tries to return keep everything in balance and it is forever adapting and compensating. This is process is called ‘homeostasis’
The body has self-healing mechanisms
Osteopaths don’t ‘heal’ the body, but the try to improve the healing process and help restore balance. Some of our intentions include:
Reducing pain and symptoms
Improving function and movement
Improving blood supply and nutrients to affected areas
Supporting venous and lymphatic fluid return
Improving nerve transmission
Osteopaths are evidence-based practitioners, and they try to use science to guide what they do. However, science can’t answer everything. So they have to mix the application of science with creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Science offers them a base to identify the black and white boundaries while their other skills help us shade the space between to help comprehend the full picture.
Source: DiGiovana, E.L., Schiowitz, S., & Dowling, D.J. (2005). An Osteopathic Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins