Osteopathy was founded by an American doctor, Andrew Taylor Still, in 1874. Still was trained as an allopathic doctor and developed Osteopathic around four key principles:

The body is a functional unit. It is the sum of its parts, the mind, physical, emotional and spiritual parts work in harmony.

Structure and function are interrelated. The disruption of any structure, in mobility or position may interfere or create dysfunction locally or elsewhere in the body.

The body has inherent auto-regulation and healing mechanisms. Osteopathic treatment encourages and enhances the body's inherent ability to heal itself by removing restrictions or obstacles.

The natural flow of the body’s fluids including lymphatic, vascular and neurological structures must be preserved and maintained.

Osteopathic Manual Practitioners recognize a person as an integrated whole. When all of the body’s components are in balance, a person is complete and in optimal health. Osteopathic Manual Practitioners work to maintain, improve and restore the normal physiological function of interrelated body structures and systems, enhancing the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

An initial osteopathic visit begins with a conversation about your primary concerns, what has motivated you to seek osteopathic care and a detailed health history intake. This enables your practitioner to capture the whole picture of your health and provides you with the opportunity to share any details you think might be contributing to your symptoms.

Following a thorough health history, your practitioner will complete a hands-on assessment of the entire body to evaluate the mobility and position of the bones and soft tissues. Your practitioner and you will then discuss their findings and come-up with a treatment plan catered towards your goals. On-table treatment time will follow.

A subsequent osteopathic visit begins with a brief discussion regarding your response to the previous osteopathic treatment and any health status updates. A hands-on assessment and on-table treatment will follow. You can expect much more on-table treatment in any follow-up appointment.

Osteopathic manual practitioners focus on improving mobility and easing restriction in the body. A range of gentle hands-on techniques are used, including, but not limited to soft tissue mobilization, superficial and deep tactile pressure, mobilization or manipulation of joints, integrative movements for self-care, and rehabilitative programs.