Osteopathic manipulation

Osteopathic Manipulation is a type of manual therapy used by Osteopathic physicians (DOs) in the United States to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. Using Osteopathic Manipulation, DOs move a patient's muscles and joints using techniques that include stretching, gentle pressure, and resistance.

History

The practice of Osteopathic Manipulation was founded in the late 19th century by Andrew Taylor Still, a medical doctor who was dissatisfied with the effectiveness of 19th-century medicine. He believed that many of the medications of his day were useless or even harmful. Still was one of the first in his time to study the attributes of good health to better understand disease.

Techniques

Osteopathic Manipulation techniques are categorized into two types: direct and indirect.

Direct techniques involve the initial positioning of the body into a position of restriction of motion, followed by the application of a force vector to correct the somatic dysfunction.

Indirect techniques involve the initial positioning of the body into a position of ease, followed by the application of a force vector to correct the somatic dysfunction.

Applications

Osteopathic Manipulation is used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Headache
• Migraine
• Sinus disorders
• Hand and foot pain
• Shoulder pain
• Hip pain
• Knee pain
• Tennis elbow
• Digestive issues
• Postural problems

See Also

• Osteopathy
• Chiropractic
• Physical therapy
• Massage therapy

References

Osteopathic manipulation Resources
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