Osteopathy is more than a focus upon the bones of the body. The word osteopathy comes from the Greek osteon (bone) and pathos (feeling) meaning a deep appreciation of the bones.
However, osteopathy is much more than that. Whilst the structural integrity of the body is dependant upon the configuration of the muscles and the bones, the osteopath recognises the multiple contributions to that integrity played by the psyche, the environment, the family and the different bodily systems.
Osteopathy represents an integration of all elements of a person's inner and outer life which contribute to their well being.
An osteopath is a person who brings to bear upon the condition of the person all the natural elements of the healing mechanism, integrating them into a wholistic approach to recovery, health and well being.
Osteopathy is therefore a philosophy, a science and an art.
Osteopathy believes that the body has a great capacity for health. By recognizing this capacity and ensuring it can operate to maximum extent we can both prevent disease and treat it.
Osteopathy brings together the knowledge base of many scientific fields. It is particularly closely associated with the medical sciences such as biomechanics, anatomy, physiology and so on.
Each individual practitioner brings their own interpretation and approach to bear for the benefit of their client