Osteopathic Medicine - what is it?

The Roots of Osteopathy: More Than Just ‘Bone Feeling’

In 1874, in Kirksville, Missouri, the name Osteopathy was chosen to describe a new approach to healthcare. While the Greek root Osteo means "bone" and pathos relates to "feeling" (as in empathy), the name was never intended to focus solely on the skeleton.

Instead, the founder, Dr. A.T. Still, intended for Osteopaths to use their hands to understand the profound relationship between the bones and every other tissue influenced by them.

"The objective of the practitioner is to find Health; anyone can find disease." > — Dr. A.T. Still (Founder of Osteopathy)

A Holistic Approach to Manual Medicine

Osteopathy is a receptive and holistic system. It acknowledges that every person is a complex intersection of physical structure and functional vitality. Because these elements are inseparable, they all fall within the scope of Osteopathic care.

By identifying and gently addressing restrictions within the deeper tissues—including muscles, fascia, and the supportive structures surrounding the organs—an Osteopath seeks to:

• Restore Integration: Helping structure and function work together in harmony.

• Support Vitality: Encouraging the body’s natural self-regulating capacity.

• Balance Systems: Aiming for improved coordination across the joints, ligaments, nerves, and circulatory systems.

  
  

The Story of Dr. A.T. Still

Dr. Still’s approach was shaped by a unique life on the American frontier. As a surgeon during the Civil War, he possessed a deep knowledge of anatomy. However, his early years also gave him a profound appreciation for the natural laws of the world.

By combining his rigorous anatomical background with a deep respect for natural laws and traditional manual methods, he formed the basis for what Osteopathy is today: a profession that considers the whole person, not just the symptom.

Principles Over Recipes

For over 140 years, Osteopaths have been taught to ‘listen’ with their hands. Rather than applying a rigid ‘recipe’ or a one-size-fits-all technique, we treat each patient as a unique individual.

This philosophy has made Osteopathy a highly creative and evolving profession. Many contemporary manual therapy methods share foundational principles with the original Osteopathic model, focusing on:

• Cranial Osteopathy (supporting the subtle rhythms of the system)

• Muscle Energy Techniques (using the body's own energy for release)

• Positional Release (finding a point of ease for restricted tissues)

  
  

Why Choose an Osteopath?

While various manual techniques are used across many professions, Osteopathic training remains rooted in essential principles rather than just a set of ‘moves’.

In Australia, this involves five years of university education. This depth of training allows our methods to adapt to the specific needs of each patient. We continue to explore the intricacies of the human body, ensuring that your treatment is tailored to your unique history and needs.