American Academy of Osteopathy
That system of the healing art which places the chief emphasis on the structural integrity of the body mechanism, as being the most important single factor to maintain the well-being of the organism in health and disease.
Andrew Taylor Still (Autobiography)
Osteopathy is that science which consists of such exact, exhaustive and verifiable knowledge of the structure and functions of the human mechanism anatomical physiological and psychological, including the chemistry and physics of its known elements, as has made discoverable certain organic laws and remedial resources, within the body itself, by which nature under the scientific treatment peculiar to osteopathic practice, apart from all ordinary methods of extraneous, artificial, or medicinal stimulation, and in harmonious accord with its own mechanical principles, molecular activities, and metabolic processes, may recover from displacements, disorganizations, derangements, and consequent disease, and regain its normal equilibrium of form and function in health and strength.
John Martin Littlejohn (Principles of Osteopathy)
Osteopathy may be defined as a system, or science of healing that uses the natural resources of the body for the adjustment of its structure, to stimulate the preparation and distribution of the fluids and forces of the body and to promote co-operation and harmony in the body mechanisms.
The Journal of the Science of Osteopathy (1900)
Osteopathy is that science or system of healing which emphasizes:
- The diagnosis of diseases by physical methods with a view to discovering, not the symptoms but the causes of disease, in connection with misplacements of tissue, obstruction of the fluids and interference with the forces of the organism.
- The treatment of diseases by scientific manipulations in connection with which the operating physician mechanically uses and applies the inherent resources of the organism to overcome disease and establish health, either by removing or correcting mechanical disorders and thus permitting nature to recuperate the diseased part, or by producing and establishing anti-toxic and anti-septic conditions to counteract toxic and septic conditions of the organism or its parts.
- The application of mechanical and operative surgery in setting /fractured or dislocated bones, repairing lacerations and removing abnormal tissue growths or tissue elements when these become dangerous to the organic life.
HAWKINS. P. (1992)
- The body is an integral unit, a whole. The structure of the body and its functions are inter-related and rely on one another for optimal health. To restore a body to a balance called health requires treatment of the whole body, not just one part, for each part has a relationship to the rest of the body. Proper balance among the parts means health, while improper balance can mean susceptibility to disease and illness.
- The body systems have built-in repair processes, which are self-regulating and self- healing in the face of disease.
- The circulatory or distributing channels of the body, along with the nervous system provides the integrating functions for the rest of the body. (‘The rule of the artery supreme’).
- The contribution of the .musculoskeletal system to a person’s health is much more than providing framework and support. It is one of the most vulnerable considerations in response to stress. Improper musculoskeletal functioning can cause serious and far-reaching ramifications to the health of the individual.
- While the disease may be manifested in specific parts of the body, other body parts may contribute to a restoration or correction of the disease. When this is found, it is called compensation or adaptation, and if inefficient may lead to referred symptoms.
TYREMAN (1992)
- An individual is a unique person made up of biophysical, cognitive, affective, social and spiritual elements. These domains and their constituent parts are integrated to allow an efficient and meaningful expression of life. The osteopathic approach aims to promote the healthy integration of these parts by removing impediments to physiological functioning.
- The human body uses homeostatic mechanisms to correct adverse or potentially threatening changes from the internal or external environment. The musculoskeletal system contributes to the healthy functioning of many of these mechanisms. Minimising stresses and maladaptive responses which consume body resources and interfere with sensory information will, therefore, contribute to a more efficient response by the body.
- Healthy body function is dependent upon an appropriate integrated neurovascular supply to all tissues. In particular, attention is drawn to those aspects influenced by musculoskeletal functioning and the changes which can be brought about by therapeutic intervention.
- It is through their musculoskeletal system, that an individual expresses their identity and has meaningful participation with the world about them.
- All body functions are involved in the response to disease. Dysfunction of the somatic component may adversely affect the body’s ability to adapt to potentially threatening environmental changes.
- Subtle but influential changes in the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system can be detected by palpatory skills. These changes reflect disturbed and inappropriate responses to normal environmental stresses and strains imposed upon the body. They may further form a focus from which other tissues and systems are affected adversely.
Martin Collins 1993-4 Historical Perspectives 1: Basic Concepts. BSO Course Notes (Extracts)