What is Osteopathy?

"The human organism carries within itself the potential of health. Those who recognize and support this potential can prevent and cure disease."

Dr. A.T. Still

Osteopathy is part of complementary medicine and is often used as a preventive approach to support mobility, balance, and overall well-being. This means that the osteopath's most important tools are the hands. 

The term osteopathy was coined by the American physician Dr. A. T. Still in 1874. The word osteopathy is a made-up word: Greek osteon= bone, pathos=suffering. By correcting bone misalignments, internal ailments can be influenced. This principle was later extended. Osteopathy is based on solid science; knowledge of anatomy and physiology is indispensable.

Osteopathy also has its limitations. If disease is suspected, the osteopath will insist on a medical examination before treatment. Severe and highly acute diseases belong in the hands of your doctor.

Osteopathy is based on the following principles:


Everything that lives must flow - Fluids must be able to flow in the body. If this is not given, congestion and blockages occur.

The body is seen as a unit - Osteopathy is divided into 3 systems: 

  • parietal osteopathy (comparable to chiropractic and physiotherapy): this includes the musculoskeletal system with its bones, joints, vertebrae, ligaments, muscles and their sheaths, fascia, tendons, etc.  
  • visceral osteopathy: this includes the internal organs with their blood and lymphatic vessels, sheaths, suspensions, and associated nerves. 

  • cranio-sacral osteopathy: this includes the nervous system with its blood vessels and sheaths, the skull, spine and sacrum with its membranes, and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).


These 3 systems need a harmonious balance. They influence each other, and no part can function on its own.

The body has self-healing powers - that is, the body can regulate itself, keep itself healthy and heal itself. The osteopath triggers these self-healing powers in their treatment. 

A.T. Still said,

The practitioner must free healing agents in the body and let them do their work. 

Patients always want to know: Why do these complaints occur to me now in this way? What have I done differently now than before?

The body always strives to be in balance, it wants to compensate for stresses. This chain of compensation can break at some point. Pain or movement impairments occur.