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Osteopathy is based on certain core principles, that can be
adapted & applied in all cases. This approach, we feel gives a deeper
understanding & allows us to get closer to the cause, rather than just
treating the symptoms.
This is, as opposed to being a prescriptive*
approach to health, as is the case with much of modern medicine.
Our understanding of the human body has greatly improved
since Dr Andrew Taylor Still first laid down the founding principles of
osteopathy at the end of the 19th century. That said, we still feel that Dr Still’s
principles are
just as valid today. See what you think.
Principles
The Interrelation of Structure and Function
If the structure of the body is compromised, (i.e. injury,
strain, overuse, etc.), then it is likely to have a detrimental effect on the
function (i.e. stiffness, pain or instability). This also works in reverse, in
that, say, a lack of stretching before & after exercise or lack of exercise in
general (functional) - will cause a shortening of the muscles (structural)
leading to stiffness.
The cartilage that covers our joint surfaces has a very limited blood supply, so relies heavily on the fluid within the joint for its
nutrition. Regular movement of the joint through a good range of movement stimulates
the production of the ‘synovial’ fluid and distributes it around the joint
surfaces.
Use it or lose it.
The Body as a Unit (or whole)
Dr Still used this expression over 50 years before the actual
naming of Holism by Jan Smutts (1926). In short it means that each part effects
each & every other part and that the ‘whole’ is greater than merely the
sum of these parts. An example might be:- short hamstring muscles at the back of
the thighs may lead to a backwards tilt of the pelvis. This in turn flattens the
curve of the low back (making disc injuries more likely) and the rest of the
spine above has to adapt to stop us tipping over. As the body strives to keep
eyes & ears level the upper neck is usually the final point of compensation,
which may result in head & neck pain.
More on Holism
The Medicine Chest Within
Again, A.T.Still was ahead of his time. Bearing in mind that
very little was known then of the immune, healing, chemical & hormonal
systems of the body. In short, he was suggesting that we should stimulate and
support the persons own healing systems within. In doing so, the body is able to
resolve all but the most severe of conditions.
It
is only in the last 10-15 years that overuse of antibiotics in the 70's &
80's may have created a whole new problem. It has forced germs to mutate to
become 'super bugs'. Also, I feel I aught to point out that very few new
antibiotics are being developed, as the pharmaceutical industry has recently,
openly admitted that there is little profit in such research ventures.
The Rule of the Artery Reigns Supreme
(One would include in this venous (vein) & lymph drainage.)
For healing to occur there needs to be a good blood supply to
be able to provide the nutrients and immune cells to the area. Equally, there
needs to be effective drainage via the veins and lymph vessels from the area.
This is to remove the waste materials and by products of the healing process,
such as inflammatory fluids. Inflammation is the source of the pain in most
painful conditions.
*
Prescriptive from prescription - prewritten, authoritative
instructions.
Parsons, Lavender &
Associates
88 Rodney Street
Liverpool
Merseyside L1 9AR
Tel - 0151 709
6639
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Blackwell Building
Brook Street Neston
South Wirral Cheshire CH64 9XJ
Tel: 0151-336-6222
Neston is on the Cheshire side or the Cheshire /
Merseyside border of the Wirral, mid way (10 miles) between
Liverpool Merseyside & Chester Cheshire. |
Wirral Osteopaths
Penrhyn House
1A Penrhyn Avenue
Thingwall
Wirral
Merseyside
CH61 7UP
Tel - 0151 648 6870
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