What is An Osteopath
The question "What is an Osteopath" has been on my mind for a good few years so I thought I'd explore this alternative medicine.
History
First let's find out where it all began; according to wikipedia Osteopathy was founded by Andrew Taylor Still, an American physician. Still was disillusioned with the orthodox medicines of the time. He had been an Army surgeon in the American Civil War and subsequently lost most of his children to infectious diseases. It then spread to the UK and then Australia and New Zealand. Now you will find it in most cities of the world.
The word osteopathy comes from the Greek "osteon", bone.
Diagnosis is carried out through discussion, observation and by using a highly developed sense of touch. Gentle stretching and mobilising techniques as well as joint manipulation are used to help facilitate healing.
Patients range from newborns to older adults. Conditions treated may include babies with colic, toddlers with ear infections and teenagers and adults suffering from conditions ranging from back pain to circulatory problems.
Osteopathic principles teach that treatment of the musculoskeletal system (bones, muscles and joints) aids the recuperative powers of the body.
To show what goes on in a typical osteopath session here is a short video so you can see what is involved in a typical session:
Have You Seen an Osteopath?
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