Although still considered by many as more of an ‘alternative’ therapy than physiotherapy, osteopathy has nevertheless gained great acceptance from the medical profession. Developed in the late 19th century by Andrew Taylor Still, osteopathy is based on the underlying principle that ‘structure governs function’, and the therapy therefore relies primarily on manipulative techniques, these being mainly applied to the back and neck.
Central to the osteopathic concept is that much of the pain and disability affecting people stems from abnormalities in the function of the musculoskeletal system rather than in any identifiable or discernible pathology. According to osteopaths, impaired function in one part of the musculoskeletal system can exist without symptoms but may throw considerable strain on another part of the body.
Like physiotherapists, osteopaths build up a full picture of the patient’s particular dysfunction, which may have developed over a long period of time. Says the Osteopathic Information Service: “Osteopaths do not look on patients simply as back sufferers but as individuals with their own unique requirements. Treatment is designed to correct each individual’s mechanical and spinal problems in order to stimulate their own natural healing processes.”
A recent survey of osteopathic practices throughout the county revealed that more than half of the patients had sought help because of low back trouble.
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