Principles of Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a holistic, manual method of examination and treatment in medicine, aimed at diagnosing and treating functional disorders. This implies that not a disease of a single body structure (bones, joints, muscles, etc.) alone, but rather the interaction of several different structures and systems is at the center and focus.

The osteopathic principles and pillars are based on the following three assumptions:

• The body is a biological unit.

• There is an interaction between the structure and its function.

• The body has self-regulating mechanisms.

The osteopathic concept assumes that the body has everything available that it needs to maintain itself in an individual balance (homeostasis) and thus to stay healthy. This happens through various adjustment and compensation mechanisms and possibilities, as well as through self-healing and self-regulating mechanisms.

The concept is based on the understanding that these self-regulating healing mechanisms can be thrown off balance by various circumstances. This can lead to a wide variety of complaints and problems of diverse origins, accompanied by different functional disorders. This also means that somatic pain and issues are not necessarily felt at their origin.

We also consider osteopathic approaches in a biomechanical context. Organs and extremities, namely bones and joints, are directly connected through myofascial structures, the fascia, ligaments, bands, and muscles. It makes sense that such mutual influences can arise.

All tissues, structures, and systems in the human body together form a functioning unit.

The understanding of the interaction and behavior of all these individual structures, both in a healthy state and in cases of disease and their functional disorders, play a crucial role and are central to osteopathic treatment and examination.

The goal in osteopathy and osteopathic treatment is to improve, optimize, or restore the physiological mobility of the structure. Thus optimizing the function of the same. The self-healing mechanisms of the human organism are thereby stimulated and promoted, keeping the functioning of the organism in a good balance.