Manual Osteopathy

"Find it, fix it, leave it alone"
- Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, Founder of Osteopathy
Motion is a sign of life, everything in the universe is in motion, and our bodies are no different. Everything in our bodies rely on regular movement for health. Manual Osteopathy is a gentle, non-invasive form of treatment that focusus on movement and balance. 

Throughout a detailed assessment, a Manual Osteopath will identify imbalances within the body or areas where motion is impaired. Practicing on the foundation that the body has the ability to heal itself in the right environment, a Manual Osteopath will work with their clients to help create these conditions.

Manual Osteopathic Therapy employs a holistic approach, assessing and treating the whole body, rather than only where symptoms are present. This is why treatment is often delivered to areas of the body where symptoms are not noticeable. Manual Osteopaths consider the interconnected relationship between structure and function of the body to treat the root cause of symptoms.

Using their extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology, Manual Osteopaths aim to return motion to areas where it is impaired, remove imbalances within the body, improve mobility, and reduce their pain and stiffness. These goals are achieved through through the following method: 
1. Find it - Figure out the source of the dysfunction or imbalance.
2. Fix it - Hands-on approach to release restrictions and restore range of motion and mobility/motility.
3. Leave it alone - Allow your body self-correct and adjust to the "new normal." Your body will make any necessary internal changes to restore functional balance. 
Manual Osteopathic care often includes a variety of approaches including: structural osteopathy, visceral manipulation, manual lymphatic drainage, osteopathic craniosacral therapy, and myofascial remodeling. ​
Some common health conditions that Manual Osteopathy can help with treating:
  • Musculoskeletal Pain (knees, hips, low back, shoulders, neck, etc.)
  • Postural Imbalances
  • Migraines and Headaches
  • Post-Concussion and Whiplash Syndrome
  • Fatigue
  • Nerve Entrapments
  • Sciatica
  • Injury Recovery
  • Surgery Preparation and Recovery
  • Sympathetic Overload
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Constipation
  • Liver Cirrhosis 
  • Fertility (male and female)
...and much more.

Structural Osteopathy

Structural Osteopathy gently mobilizes joints and surrounding soft tissues with the goal of restoring balance and increasing range of motion. Often accomplished using Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) delivered to the spine, sacrum, coccyx, pelvis and/or limbs.

Visceral Manipulation

Visceral manipulation involves gentle, specifically placed manual treatment directly to the abdominal area. Organs with impaired mobility and/or motility are identified and treated with the goal of relieving pain and encouraging healthy mobility, tone and tissue to the viscera (internal organs of the body) and connective tissue. 
Organs make up part of the your body’s structure; and structure governs function. Therefore, if an organ is not moving properly, function of the whole structure is expected to be impaired. ​Although this sounds invasive, it is actually a very gentle therapy that most patients find relaxing.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) focuses on improving fluid flow throughout the whole body by assisting lymphatic structures with the removal of metabolites and waste in the interstitial space. This also helps to decrease inflammation in the body and to improve how the immune system is functioning.

Osteopathic Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral uses the lightest of touches to aid in mobility of cranial bones, skeletal structures and connective tissues. Working with the natural rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid that nourishes and protects your brain and spinal cord), craniosacral also tunes in to the central nervous system and focuses on improving circulation of all fluids within the body.  Craniosacral Therapy is a very relaxing treatment that can often improve symptoms associated with migraines, headaches, back and neck pain, sciatica, tinnitus, brain fog, anxiety, depression, TMJ dysfunction, and more. 

Myofascial Remodeling

Physical and mental stress, lifestyle, injuries, surgeries, and long-term illnesses can all lead to restrictions within the fascial system. This can result in pain, unresolved swelling, decreased mobility, and/or poor posture. Myofascial remodeling works with connective tissues to remove these restrictions with the goal of increasing mobility, circulation and communication to specific areas.

Meet Our Manual Osteopathic Therapist

Mark Morgan