Why did I choose to learn more about manual osteopathy?  Well, I have a solid healthcare background and I enjoy helping people.  Massage therapy is actually my third career – after nursing and business.  I especially like massage therapy because everyone is happy to see me, and they’re even happier when they leave my office!  It’s a pleasant work environment with great people, nice smells, low stress, and calming music softly playing in the background.  I look forward to going to work everyday and feel like I have contributed to the greater good, especially when my clients tell me they’re feeling better.  

I also like the science – the anatomy, the physiology – which is the foundation of osteopathy, massage therapy, and other forms of bodywork.  I have taught Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology for the past few years at several massage schools.  The human body is fascinating and there is always more to learn.  I hope my enthusiasm rubbed off on my students.  I’m a voracious reader, and in the course of my continuing studies I realized that Manual Osteopathy is the source, or foundation, of many of the modalities I was using.  Although Osteopathy was originally developed in the US, manual osteopathy techniques are not taught in the US, so I had to travel to Canada in order to receive this training.

What is Osteopathy?  Originally, osteopathy was a type of alternative medicine that emphasizes mobilizations, myofascial release and other physical manipulation of muscle tissue and bones. The practice of osteopathy began in the United States in 1874, developed by Andrew Taylor Still. Dr. Still distinguished himself as a physician and surgeon during the American Civil War.  He held a view common to early 19th century proponents of alternative medicine, emphasizing the compassion and holism that was supported by the idea that the body's natural state tends toward health and inherently contains the capacity to battle any harmful threats to health in the body. Osteopathic philosophy has the following tenants:

•      The body is a unit

•      Structure and function are interrelated

•      The body is self-regulating

•      The body is designed to defend and heal itself

This view differs from orthodox, western, or allopathic practitioners that believe intervention by the physician is necessary to restore health in the patient. Throughout the early 20^th century, as each side sought to defend its practice and philosophy, a rift occurred, with both the allopathic and alternative medicine practitioners attempting to discredit the other.

Currently, the osteopathic profession has evolved into two branches, non-physician manual osteopaths (which is what I studied in Canada), and full scope of medical practice osteopathic physicians (medical doctors that have the DO designation). These groups are so distinct in practice that in most countries, they function as separate professions. The regulation of non-physician manual osteopaths varies greatly from country to country and they are very popular in Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, with manual osteopathy and massage fully covered by health insurance in each of those countries.  Here in the US, the techniques used in manual osteopathy are covered under the scope of practice for massage therapy.

Manual osteopathy has been shown to be very effective in treating musculoskeletal pain and increasing successful outcomes – the ultimate goal for my clients.  For comparison, manual osteopathy is more subtle than the high-velocity low-amplitude adjustments which are common in the chiropractic profession.  In addition, manual osteopaths use a number of “active” techniques that would not be part of a typical massage. 

For example, Muscle Energy Technique (MET) has shown itself to be one of the most valuable therapies in the manual therapy field.  It uses isotonic and isometric contractions of muscles to strengthen weakened muscles or relax hypertonic tissue.  It results in more effective joint movement and function, has been found to be more effective than static stretching, improves muscle extensibility, and increases range of motion. 

I think it is important to note that one of the fundamentals of manual osteopathy is that it requires active client involvement.  It is not a passive intervention, where the client simply allows the therapist to act, without agency.  The client must participate, something that is increasingly important in modern healthcare.  I want my clients to be involved in their care, with the hope that this gives them a locus of control over their own health, makes them collaborators in their treatment, and actively engages them in the process of health and healing.  

After graduation I will become a member of the International Osteopathy Association.  IOA issues certificates of registration and license numbers to manual osteopaths who have graduated from accredited osteopathic schools and who have successfully passed manual osteopathy board exams. IOA members are permitted to practice European style of osteopathy worldwide. Osteopaths registered with IOA are bound to the code of ethics and professional guidelines set up by IOA.

I am happy to bring manual osteopathy back to the United States.  My goal has been, and always will be, to give my clients the best treatment possible with the best outcomes.  Give me a call and book a session so you can see for yourself!

Marsha McArthur, LMT, BCTMB, DOMP

Asclepieion Massage Therapy
The Art and Science of Healing Bodywork
www.asclepieion.massagetherapy.com
520-355-0819