Osteopathic Philosophy

Osteopathic medicine has been around since the late 19^th century brought about by the founder of osteopathic practice Andrew Taylor Still. However, osteopathic philosophy precepts were not developed until 1953 with four defining principles set:

1. “The body is one unit”

The human body does not function as a collection of separate parts but rather as an integral whole.

2.  “Structure and function are interrelated”

Any body part performs a function dictated by its structure.

3. “The body possess self-regulatory mechanisms”

Hormonal, circulatory and neurological balances regulate the body’s organs and musculoskeletal system.

4. “The body has the inherent capacity to defend and repair itself”

The Immune system!

There are other philosophies that were developed later on such as “When normal adaptability is disrupted, or when environmental changes overcome the body’s capacity for self-maintenance, disease may ensue” and “Rational treatment is based on the previous principles”

Of course, this is an extremely brief explanation of osteopathic philosophy but is fundamentally important in understanding how we will look at pain and dysfunction.

In This Section

• Benefits of Osteopathy
• F.A.Q.
• Osteopathic Philosophy