Why Osteopathy

Manual practice of Osteopathy has a distinctive approach—it is not only concerned with soothing physical symptoms, but to influence the patient’s response knowing the model that the human body is a “dynamic functional unit”. It addresses the person as a whole, with respect and care. The listening hands of the Osteopath and the multitudes of techniques coincide with the self-regulation of the body. Osteopathy is a primary hands-on care discipline that emphasizes the interrelationship of the structure and function of the whole person, facilitates the body’s inherent ability to heal itself, and encourages the whole person to develop healthy approach to life.

In Canada, Osteopathy is not a regulated profession, which is why Lavergne Osteopathy maintains membership with the Association of Osteopaths of New Brunswick (AONB). AONB represents educated Osteopaths who have received training that meets worldwide training criteria.

Osteopaths focus on your neuro-musculoskeletal system—the bones, muscles, nerves, and other tissues that support the body and control its movements. Osteopaths provide musculoskeletal and nervous system assessments, manual therapy, and some clinical exercise, as well as movement, postural, and positioning advice. When a case is outside of an Osteopath’s scope of practice, the patients are referred to other Health Care Professionals.

Osteopathy is a natural and soft approach which has an effect on the body’s anatomy and physiology, while searching for the cause of tension and imbalance in the body. 

In order to achieve this, an Osteopath uses the quality and finesse of the palpation to determine the position, mobility, motility, and quality of the tissue. In order to effectively do this, Osteopaths must master the art and science based on the knowledge of the interactions between the systems and the mechanics of the human body in order to maximize its physiology and its own expression of health.

Osteopaths who receive certification in Canada are classified as Manual Practitioners and are trained to care for individuals of all ages, but they are not Physicians.

Principles of Osteopathy

Dr. Sutherland discovered, developed, and taught Cranial Osteopathy in the early-to-mid 1900s. His cranial concept was an extension of Dr. Still’s Science of Osteopathy.

The Unity of Function

The importance of all parts of the body working together; the relationship between all systems. When one functional unit is perturbed it will be transmitted to other parts of the body.

The System of Auto Regulation

The restoration of mobility, vitality, and position will enhance the body’s natural ability to heal. The body, when it is properly nourished, has the potency to fight, repair, and maintain normal health.

The Structure Governs the Function

A structure that is under compression, restriction, blockage, or fixity will have a direct effect on the functions of the tissues and the organs in relationship with that segment or structure. Osteopathy believes and is concerned about the interrelationship of structure and function.

The Role of the Artery is Absolute

Suggests that all of the body’s fluids must circulate freely. Restoring health in a patient is done by helping to relieve any form of obstruction, compression, and tension.