Osteopathic Medicine
Osteopathic Medicine
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By Mohit Khosla, DO (MTP), Christian Lepage, DO (MTP) By Mohit Khosla, DO MRO, Christian Lepage, DO MRO
Osteopathy Osteopathy
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What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a holistic, drugless manual system of health care. In its ideal form, it is both an art and a science founded on the safe and effective application of the following principles: A human being acts as a complete dynamic unit of function including the concept and relationship of the body, mind, and spirit. There are many linking systems within the body where no single part exists independent of any other. The circulatory system supplies
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blood to every connective tissue and organ. The nervous system is the bodys information highway connecting and integrating all of the bodys functions. Both systems help to organize the body into a unified continuous whole. The entire individual is affected even when only a small part of the body may not be functioning optimally. Consider the circulatory system. When blood and other fluids flow freely, the tissues can perform their normal functions without interference. When the fluid dynamics are altered, the result can be a twisting or compression of all tissues. Flow is then obstructed and areas of the body may become under-nourished leading to a diseased state. It is similar to trying to water a garden with a kinked hose. The water will not flow properly and the garden will not receive its proper nutrition. Understanding the relationship between structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) allows the osteopath to diagnose and treat each patient as a functional whole. This will help explain why an osteopath may treat an area that is fairly distant from the area of pain or injury. The body possesses self-regulatory mechanisms, which are protective and self-healing in nature. The human body is always working to maintain a balanced state. For example, blood pressure, blood sugar and heart rate are actively kept within a normal range. This occurs because within every cell there is an innate wisdom and intelligence that keeps the body healthy. When a state of disharmony arises, the bodys inborn healing force acts to restore functional balance and harmony. Sometimes these selfhealing forces may be impaired by disease or structural imbalance.
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An osteopath is trained to augment the intrinsic healing mechanisms to help the body restore normal function. Structure and function are interrelated at all levels. Think of the body as an engineering marvel. It has interrelated parts that need to be in proper position and to move correctly for optimal function. For example, taking a deep breath may be difficult if the ribs, diaphragm, or parts of the spine do not move well. When breathing is hindered, drainage (necessary for clearing congestion and inflammation) will be adversely affected. This may lead to the development of asthma or respiratory infections. Osteopathic treatment applies these principles with a sound and thorough knowledge of anatomy and physiology. An osteopathic approach to treatment typically integrates manipulation to restore structural freedom in the tissues and enhance fluid flow throughout the body, thus creating an environment conducive to healing. The science of osteopathy includes the behavioural, biological, chemical, physical, and spiritual knowledge related to the establishment and maintenance of health, as well as the prevention and alleviation of disease. The individuals nervous and muscular systems are considered key elements in the application of osteopathy. Therefore, it is a means by which health-promoting changes may be facilitated through the appropriate use of manipulation.
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I heard that osteopaths use techniques that other practitioners use, so how is it different?
The osteopathic philosophy and understanding of how to best utilize The osteopathic philosophy and understanding of how to best utilize and and integrate the various manual techniques define osteopathy. Osteopaths believe it is most important to learn Osteopaths integrate the various manual techniques define osteopathy. how these approaches believe it is most important to learn how these approaches fit together in
a treatment plan. The approaches chosen for treatment are considered fit together in a treatment plan. The approaches chosen for treatment only after careful evaluation, guided by osteopathic reasoning. are considered only after careful evaluation, guided by osteopathic reasoning.
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that often do not address the underlying causes of the problem. In time, the improperly-treated condition irritates other parts of the body that are not commonly considered connected to the knee. However, the osteopath who understands the physical, mechanical, and chemical unity of the human body can adjust the body to help restore health.
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body change immediately. Some patients simply feel a deep sense of relaxation.
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Final thoughts
Osteopathy is about understanding the dynamic relationships of anatomy (structure) and physiology (function). The secret is to understand how the body works and to train our minds and senses to be able to discern why abnormalities are present. Then it is simply a matter of applying an appropriate treatment stimulus to help the individual normalize and stabilize. An osteopath reasons from his knowledge of anatomy. He compares the work of the abnormal body with the work of the normal body. Dr. Andrew Taylor Still
Mohit Khosla LifeSource Medical Centre Mohit Khosla 130 Robertson Road LifeSource Health Centre Nepean, ON K2H 5Z1 1 Stafford Rd., Unit #10 Nepean, On Phone:K2H 9N5 613-828-6443 Fax: 613-828-2010 www.lifesourcehc.com3 P: 613-828-6443 ext. F: 613-828-2010 www.lifesourcehc.com
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