Osteopathic

In 1874, Andrew Taylor, M.D., became dissatisfied with the existing medical fields and the use of dangerous drugs and compounds for "curing" illnesses. Taylor believed that the body has an inherent ability to heal itself if its systems were in balance.

Taylor felt that a doctor could promote self-healing by minimizing obstructions to blood and lymph flow, and keeping the musculoskeletal system in alignment. He developed techniques to manipulate soft tissue and bone. His work was instrumental in laying the groundwork for osteopathy medicine.

Dr. William Sutherland enrolled in a unorthodox medical school in the late 1890s. Later, as an osteopath, he was intrumental in advancing and changing the concepts of "self-healing."

Dr. Sutherland's theory that the central nervous system was in "constant rhythmic motion" was later validated by advanced diagnostic equipment. This constant rhythmic motion was found to be essential for life and well being. He believed that a dysfunction in one area of the body would lead to a compromise of the entire structure of the body.

In "Five Components of the Primary Respiratory Mechanism," Dr. Sutherland summarized the working principles of osteopathy:

1. There is motion at the cranial sutures, the joints linking the 26 bones of the skull

2. There is expansion and contraction of the hemispheres of the brain

3. There is motion of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord

4. There is a fluid wave within the cerebrospinal fluid that baths the brain and spinal cord

5. There is involuntary, subtle motion of the sacrum.

These principles are the basis of the treatment protocols of osteopathic medicine.

Osteopathic medicine is similar to traditional, or allopathic, medicine but it places a much greater emphasis on the role of normal body mechanics and the musculoskeletal system. One of the principles of osteopathic medicine is that the patient's illness and traumas are stored within the structure of their bodies

The osteopath, like a chiropractor, is trained to palpate (touch) the body to detect tissue texture, flow of fluids, and motion of joints, and to seek out impairments caused by traumatic injuries and chronic or acute illnesses. The objective of the osteopathic physician is to restore the body to its normal or full function by applying a precise amount of force to promote movement of fluids, (a rhythmic flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain and spinal cord), decompress joints and bones , and increase tissue function.

Like chiropractors in their philosophy and approach, osteopaths use only their hands to diagnosis and treat, sees the body as a single functional unit, and values the wisdom of the body's ability to heal itself.

The body is a unit where dysfunction in one areas can affect another area. For example, a disc problem in the neck can pull the legs and affect the way we walk. Treatment for the legs can significantly reduce the neck pain.

Osteopaths treat birth and pediatric problems such as palsy, colic, and learning disorders. They also treat neck and back problems such a headaches, sciatica, overuse syndrome and trauma.

Among the systemic problems successfully treated by osteopaths are, nerve problems, digestive disorders, infections,such as sinitus and colds, chronic ear infection, respiratory promblems such as asthma and allergies.

Craniosacral Therapy

Dr. John E. Upledger who is an osteopathic physician and surgeon, developed therapies that he calls Craniosacral Therapy and Somato-Emotional Release. These therapies are based on the theories of William Sutherland. D.O.

Dr. Upledger's success is largely due to his extensive clinical research and his committment to look beyond conventional approaches. .He is considered one of the leading authorities in whole-body therapies.

Craniosacral is non-invasive, gentle approach. This technique was developed by an osteopath to balance the flow of the cerebralspinal fluid that circulates in a loop from the skull to the sacrum. This craniosacral system uses the menigeal system (the membranes of the brain and spinal cord) which constantly bathes the spinal cord and brain. The CSF is continuosly pumped in a rhythmic fashion with contraction and expansion.

Restrictions to the flow can result in a number of neuromuscular disorders and create chronic pain.

The practitioner first seeks to locate restrictions in the cerebrospinal fluid flow, which most often occurs in the skull and pelvis. Treatment consists of gentle pressure on bones and soft tissue from the head to the base of the spine to improve circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid. Sessions last up to one hour.

Most effective for treating head traumas, headaches, sinus congestion, TMJ, behavorial problems and neurological impairments. Used on infants who suffer from respratory and digestive disorders (colic) congenital, and genetic problems.

Myofascial Release

Myofacial release is an osteopathic term coined by Dr. Robert Ward John, Barnes, a physical therapist developed a system that evaluates the fascia by using osteopathic methods, craniosacral therapy, Structural Integration, and physical therapy.

Myofascial release is a gentle approach that identifies and releases constricted areas in the connective tissue surrounding nerves, muscles, and bones. The belief is that the connective tissue becomes constricted due to illness, stress, or injury.

Treatment consists of strokes and stretching called unwinding, which helps the practitioner find specific areas of trauma called still points. Sessions can be from 30 to 90 minutes. Myofascial therapists also teach the patient

stretching exercises to help them maintain their health.

Myofascial release relieves pain associated with muscle tightness, headaches, fibromyalgia, and scoliosis, and can help recovery from injury.

Myofascial therapy provides relief for chronic neck and back pain, and aids in the recovery of spinal cord injuries. It also is effective for traumatic stress syndrome and some disorders of the nervous system.

Ortho-Bionomy

Ortho-Bionomy is a gentle non-invasive approach.that is osteopathically based. The practitioner uses gentle movements and positions of the body to facilitate change and reduce stress patterns. Arthur Lincoln Pauls, the creator, choose to work with the line of lease resistance. Ortho-bionomy means "a correct application of the natural laws of life."

During a session, tension points and restricted movements are located. Slight compression is applied while gentle rocking and holding an area until a release has occurred.

Ortho-Bionomy has been found to be effective for chronic pain, injuries, and structural imbalances.

Contact Dr. June Leslie Wieder

Dr. June Leslie Wieder

          doctajune@aol.com

(c) 2000, 2001 June Leslie Wieder