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About the Course

Osteopathic Manipulation
Foundation Course Theory & Practice

Description

Lato Senso course comprising academic lectures, practical sessions, scientific study course work, with the added benefit of review of published clinical literature review, plus a directed & guided home-study course material. The Course is Based on and upon The Original Teachings of Dr Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO, the Founder of Osteopathy, and Osteopathic Science.

The School thought the Osteopathic Manipulation Course Teaches

1. The indicative conditions in which Osteopathy is: Causative Factor, in its resolution
2. The indicative conditions in which Osteopathy is: Integral part, of the Therapeutic Measures required to resolve same

Please note:

Volksmed School has nothing to do with nor its teachings are related to that which is taught by:

1. Schools, Collages, Universities, Organizations, Associations, Institutes, Individuals portraying, or claiming Osteopathy to be Medicine
2. Schools, Collages, Universities, Organizations, Associations, Institutes, Individuals portraying, or claiming Osteopathy to be in agreement with Medical Drugs
3. Schools, Collages, Universities, Organizations, Associations, Institutes, Individuals portraying, or claiming Osteopathy and its definition to be other than that taught by its Founder Dr Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO.

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Osteopathic Manipulation in Clinical Practice

Consultation

1. Informed consent

Informed consent is always asked before treatment begins.

2.  Anamnesis

In consultation the Therapeutae take notes concerning the client health history, previous injuries, operations and any drug medication the client is taking. This is necessary to assess the causes of pain or injury and effect the correct treatment plan accordingly. Following structural examination, neurological or circulatory tests which enables the Therapeutae to understand the causation of symptoms, and formulate a diagnosis. The Therapeutae uses his hands to carry out this examination; a finely tuned sense of touch should enables the Therapeutae to identify tissue dysfunction and thus tailor the correct technique. The Therapeutae then discuss their findings with the client, and inform, what treatment plan they feel is most likely to be of benefit. The detailed questions and examination help the Therapeutae to tailor an individual treatment plan. It may involve attending more than one session. The particular techniques are chosen according to the condition.

3. Treatment

If client doesn't want a joint manipulation, an alternative technique will be used instead.

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment

Osteopathic manipulation (OM) or osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is a covered benefit for all indications when the following are met:

Treatment is specific to one or more of the following regions:

1. Abdomen, Viscera
2. Cervical
3. Extremities Lower
4. Extremities Upper
5. Head
6. Lumbar
7. Pelvic
8. Rib Cage
9. Sacral
10. Thoracic

Treatment is consists of one of the following types:

1. Thrust (active correction)
2. Muscle Energy
3. Counterstrain
4. Articulation
5. Myofascial Release

Aims

Development of the knowledge & transferable skills required to begin applying the Philosophy, Principles & Concepts of Osteopathic Manipulation in practice; and to stimulate further future academic and practical interest in studies relating to the Anatomical and Physiological functioning of the Physical, Mental and Spiritual bodies (how to same interact one with each other) and its relations to the Creator.

Please Note

The Course serves no intention to qualify the student has an Osteopathic Doctor.
The Course is a Foundation Course on the main Osteopathic Manipulations, its methods and techniques, as taught by Dr Andrew Taylor Still.
All School Students who Successful Complete the course, are trained gaining both the understanding of the Theory and Practical of Osteopathy, to be able to treat common conditions in a safe manner.

Assessment Criteria

Fulfilment of the learning outcomes relating to each module; and meeting the attendance expectation of 100%. Students who for any given reason who miss the certain class will have to take those missed classes before a Diploma is awarded.

Please note: Those students who miss classes and do not take at a later date those missed classes will be awarded a Certification of  Attendance to the Course stating the total of Hours attendance and which modules where attended.

Assessment Methods

Written course work, review presentation, case-history presentation, practical examination by viva.

Bibliography

Set texts & references in relation to each module; guided literature review. Reading Required: All books of Dr Andrew Taylor Still, DO and selected recommended Anatomy Books.
Osteopathy Illustrated: a Drugless System of Healing by Dr Andrew P. Davis, DO

Course Material

Course Materials in respect to the Teachings of Osteopathy Manipulation, this are given free of charge, which are a fundamental part of the Teaching Materials.
Video teaching aids materials are provided for private use only and self study.

Prerequisite Qualifications

Students applying to this Course need to have Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology either as a Course or part of another course.
Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology classroom hours should be no less than 120 hours.
Students should have already qualified in another Health Discipline.
Students should have a total of at least 2 years of previous study in health care.

Diploma on Completion of Course

Diploma in Osteopathic Manipulation, Foundation Course Theory & Practice

Students per Course

1 to 8 maximum (This course is very technical thus its not suitable for larger numbers in clinical training)

Course Fees:  £3,000
Price includes: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Change of Mind & Refunds: Our courses are given to the best standards and are second to none.
But each person is different and we understand that things may change.

Our Guarantee to our students
If for any given reason you changed your mind after paying for any course but before taking a class then we will refund your payment “no questions asked”.
If you attended one or more classes and then had a change of mind we will refund you per each day you haven't participated, “again no questions asked”.
 

 

Course Syllabus  
(Non Exhaustive list)

Part I

Principles Osteopathy
Osteopathy Articulation
Osteopathy Manipulation
Red flags and counterfeit clinical presentations
Joint movement
The Fascia
The Vagus Nerve

Postural Assessment:
Structure and function
Fluid dynamics
Neural transmission and positional movement issues

Part II

The cervical spine
Spinal mechanics
Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency (VBI)

Thoracic Spine
Rib mechanics
Oxygenation
Lymphatic drainage
Autonomic considerations

Part III

The Upper Limb
Treatment combinations
A different approach to impingement
Extensor tendinopathy
Optimising neural outcome

Lumbar spine and pelvis
Spinal and pelvic mechanics
Assessment considerations for the pelvis
Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) Tests
Iliosacral vs sacroilial lesions

Part IV

The Lower Limb
Functional testing
Hip impingement
Patellofemoral Joint pain

Part V

Treatment Techniques

Flexion Distraction Therapy

Part VI

Osteopathy in the Cranial Field
Cranial Approach
Sutherland Techniques on Craniosacral Therapy

Professional Insurance: Students can apply for Professional Insurance if they wish to.

Osteopathic Manipulation, OM® Clinical Training Course	Total Hours:   Osteopathic Manipulation, OM®
Location: Bahia, Brazil. Course Fees:  £3,000 Price Includes: Accommodation & Food.	1. Scientific Study Hours:         500 Hours (1 year Course) 3. Clinical Training Hours:          150 Lessons (à 45 min.) during 20 days Time Table The course runs 5 days with 1 day off, for each 5 days of training: 5 Days Training, 1 Day Off 5 Days Training, 1 Day Off 5 Days Training, 1 Day Off 5 Days Training, End of Course

 Osteopathic Manipulation, OM®

Basic science

History and philosophy of Health and its natural progression and understanding upon the Osteopathic concept and practice; Gross and functional anatomy, including basic embryology, neuroanatomy and visceral anatomy; Fundamental bacteriology - Microbiome, fundamental biochemistry, fundamental cellular physiology; Materia Medica. Physiology with special emphasis on the neuroendocrine immune network, the autonomic nervous system, the arterial, lymphatic and venous systems and the musculoskeletal system; biomechanics and kinetics. Understanding of other Therapeutic Methods and application within the scope of practice such as Hydropathy and how come same complement Osteopathy and vice versa.

Clinical science

Models of health and disease; safety and ethics; basic pathology and pathophysiology of the nervous, musculoskeletal, psychiatric, cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, reproductive, genitor-urinary, immunological, endocrine and otolaryngology systems; basic orthopaedic diagnosis; basic radiology; Nutrition; basic emergency care.

Osteopathic science

Philosophy and history of Osteopathy; Osteopathic models for structure/function interrelationships; clinical biomechanics, joint physiology and kinetics; mechanisms of action for osteopathic techniques.

Practical skills

Physical and clinical examination; osteopathic diagnosis and differential diagnosis of the nervous, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, endocrine, genitor-urinary, immunological, reproductive and otolaryngology systems; general synthesis of basic laboratory and imaging data; clinical problem-solving and reasoning; understanding of relevant research and its integration into practice; communication and interviewing; clinical documentation; basic life-support and first-aid care.

Osteopathic skills

1. Osteopathic Diagnosis

2. Osteopathic Techniques: including direct techniques such as thrust, articulatory, muscle energy and general osteopathic techniques; indirect techniques, including functional techniques and counterstrain; balancing techniques, such as balanced ligamentous tension and ligamentous articulatory strain; combined techniques, including myofascial/fascial release, Still technique, osteopathy in the cranial field, involuntary mechanism and visceral techniques; reflex-based techniques, such as Chapman’s reflexes, trigger points and neuromuscular techniques; fluid-based techniques, such as lymphatic pump techniques.

The Method

Manipulation: The act, process, or an instance of manipulating especially a body part by manual examination and treatment; especially: adjustment of faulty structural relationships by manual means (as in the reduction of fractures or dislocations or the breaking down of adhesions) in "Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary".

Osteopathic Manipulation is the treatment of the body using hands-on manoeuvrers that move, stretch, drain, realign or massage any problematic or dysfunctional areas of the body. Osteopathic Manipulation Techniques include active release technique, myofascial release, visceral techniques and lymphatic pumping. Osteopathic Manipulation is used to treat and prevent illness or injury affecting the skeleton muscle which may have an impact in the normal functioning of the circulation system or affecting the nervous system. Removing any impediment to circulation, removing any impediments to the normal functioning of the Emunctories by releasing and correcting the normal physiology, working with the body, not against the body, thus aiding the natural recovery of the body.

Osteopathic Manipulation

The manipulation of the various parts of the body of the person who is afflicted with pain or disease, so as to liberate any and all undue pressure, such as over-contracture of muscles, pressure on a nerve or blood-vessel which, interfering with the normal circulation.

Glossary Terminology definition: impaired or altered function of related components of the somatic (body framework) system: skeletal, arthroidal and myofascial structures and related vascular, lymphatic and neuroelements.

Guidelines
Osteopathic Manipulation Treatment when necessary is performed by a qualified professional, in patients whose history and physical examination indicate the presence of somatic dysfunction of one or more regions.

Definitions

Acute Somatic Dysfunction: Immediate or short-term impairment or altered function of related components of the somatic (body framework) system. Characterized in early stages by vasodilation, edema, tenderness, pain, and tissue contraction. Diagnosed by history and palpatory assessment of tenderness, asymmetry of motion and relative position,
restriction of motion and tissue texture change.

Chronic Somatic Dysfunction: Impairment or altered function of related components of the somatic (body framework) system. It is characterized by tenderness, itching, fibro
sis, paresthesias and tissue contraction.

Linkage: Dysfunctional segmental behaviour where a single vertebra and an adjacent rib respond to the same regional motion tests with identical asymmetric behaviours (rather than opposing behaviours). This suggests visceral reflex inputs.

Primary: The somatic dysfunction that maintains a total pattern of dysfunction. The initial or first somatic dysfunction to appear temporally.

Secondary: Somatic dysfunction arising either from mechanical or neurophysiologic response subsequent to or as a consequence of other etiologies.

Somatic Dysfunction: Impaired or altered function of related components of the somatic (body framework) system: skeletal, arthrodial and myofascial structures, and their related vascular, lymphatic, and neural elements. Somatic dysfunction is treatable using osteopathic manipulative treatment.

The positional and motion aspects of somatic dysfunction are best described using at least one of 3 parameters:

1. The position of a body part as determined by palpation and referenced to its adjacent defined structure
2. The directions in which motion is freer
3. The directions in which motion is restricted

Somatogenic: That which is produced by activity, reaction and change originating in the musculoskeletal system.

Type I Somatic Dysfunction: A group curve of thoracic and/or lumbar vertebrae in which the freedoms of motion are in neutral with side bending and rotation in opposite directions with maximum rotation at the apex (rotation occurs toward the convexity of the curve).

Type II Somatic Dysfunction: Thoracic or lumbar somatic dysfunction of a single vertebral unit in which the vertebra is significantly flexed or extended with side bending and rotation in the same direction (rotation occurs into the concavity of the curve).

Cerebrospinal Nervous System

The Cerebrospinal Nervous System is the portion of the nervous system in vertebrates comprising the brain, cranial nerves, spinal cord, and the spinal nerves concerned with transmission of impulses from sense organs to the voluntary muscles.

Corrective Movements

The Osteopathic Manipulations correctly applied, are Corrective Movements to the centres of the Cerebrospinal Nervous System, where there are segmentations that prevent the proper flow of the impulses between the sympathetic and cerebrospinal nerve force.

Forms of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment

Osteopathic manipulative treatment includes; and some of the more used are:

1. Thrust (active correction)
2. High Velocity, Low Amplitude (HVLA) Technique
3. Muscle Energy Technique
4. Strain-counterstrain Technique
5. Myofascial Release Technique (MFR)
6. Osteopathy in the Cranial Field
7. Articulation
8. Visceral Techniques
9. General Osteopathic Treatment
10. Lymphatic Pumping
11. Finger Surgery

The chosen treatment will vary depending on patient’s age and clinical condition. Somatic dysfunction in one region can create compensatory somatic dysfunction in other regions. Osteopathic manipulative treatment can also be used to treat the somatic component of visceral disease and any organ system. This component can manifest as changes in the skeletal, arthrodial and myofascial tissues. Normalizing musculoskeletal activity (relaxing tense muscles, etc.) can normalize outflows through sympathetic or parasympathetic autonomic nervous systems to visceral systems, resulting in more normal visceral and any organ system function.

1. Thrust (active correction)

Moving a restricted joint in the direction it is resisting.
Example of Technique: Therapeutae slowly pulls joint in the direction it is resisting. Once at the point of muscle resistance, the Therapeutae continues to slowly pull against the muscle restraint, while applying a quick force localized to the area of resistance often resulting in a "pop" in the affected joint.
Reason for Applying: Treats motion loss and impaired or altered functions of the body’s framework.
Effect of Treatment: Immediate increase in range and freedom of motion.

2. High Velocity/Low Amplitude Technique (HVLA)

HVLA is used to release restrictions in the movement by applying a rapid, therapeutic force of brief duration that travels a short distance within the anatomic range of motion of a joint. It is also known as "thrust technique."

3. Muscle Energy Technique

In muscle energy technique, the patient voluntarily moves a body part from a precisely controlled position against a defined resistance by the osteopathic Therapeutae. The purpose is to progressively improve mobility of a joint. The patient’s muscles are actively used on request from a precisely controlled position, in a specific direction, and against a distinctly executed counterforce.
Example of Technique: The patient actively co-operates with the Therapeutae to contract a muscle or muscles, inhale or exhale, or move one bone of a joint in a specific direction relative to the adjacent bone.
Reason for Applying: Applied to strengthen weak muscles, activate inhibited muscles, and strengthen short, tight muscles.
Effect of Treatment: Mobilizes joints in which movement is restricted, stretches tight muscles and fascia, or fibrous tissue, that envelops the body beneath the skin, encloses muscles and groups of muscles, improves local circulation, and balances neuromuscular relationships to alter muscle tone and improve joint movement.

4. Strain-counterstrain Technique

Strain-counterstrain technique involves finding tender points and then passively manipulating associated joints until the tenderness decreases. Like muscle-energy work, strain-counterstrain progressively increases range of motion and its aim is to decreases muscle spasm and pain. The patient is placed in position of comfort, maintains the position for a period of time, then is assisted by the Therapeutae to slowly return to a neutral position.
Example of Technique: Patient is placed in position of comfort for 90 seconds, then is slowly returned to a relaxed and neutral position.
Reason for Applying: Applied to relieve the physical pain of patients suffering from tender points, to relieve referred pain from active trigger points and to normalize imbalances in the autonomic nervous system.
Effect of Treatment: Identifies tender points and positions the patient to eliminate the tenderness.

5. Myofascial Release Technique (MFR)

This procedure to designed to stretch and reflexly release patterned soft tissue and joint-related restrictions. Myofascial release focuses on the fascial tissues that surround muscles. The Therapeutae palpates the fascial tissues, looking for a subtle sensation that indicates the tissues are ready to "unwind," and then helps the tissue to follow a pattern of spontaneous movement. This process is repeated over several sessions until a full release is achieved.
Example of Technique: Therapeutae twists, shears, and compresses joints while simultaneously feeling tissue and joints for shifting tightness and looseness.
Reason for Applying: Applied to patients suffering from muscle tightness.
Effect of Treatment: Joint-related movements are assessed and treated simultaneously. Joint and muscle movements are improved and pain is decreased.

6. Osteopathy in the Cranial Field

Osteopathy in the cranial field (also called cranial-sacral therapy) is a specialized technique based on the belief that the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord undergo a rhythmic pulsation. This “cranial rhythm” is supposed to cause subtle movements of the bones of the skull. A Therapeutae of cranial-sacral therapy should be able to detect these rhythms and gently manipulate the bones in time with it.

7. Articulation

Therapeutae gently and repeatedly forces the joint against the restrictive barrier, intending to reduce the barrier and improve motion.
Example of Technique: Therapeutae moves the affected joint to the limit of all ranges of motion. As the restrictive barrier is reached, slowly, and firmly the Therapeutae continues to apply gentle force against the joint to the limit of tissue motion, or the patient’s tolerance to pain or fatigue. The articulation is slowly repeated several times, each time gaining increased range and improved quality of motion.
Reason for Applying: Often applied to postoperative patients and elderly patients suffering from arthritis.
Effect of Treatment: Enhances the effect of passive articulating motion by resisting it or permitting increased range of motion.

8. Visceral Techniques


9. General Osteopathic Treatment

The General Osteopathic Treatment consists of stretching the spinal column from the atlas to the coccyx and relaxing all contracted muscles along both sides of the spinal column, besides giving special treatment to the cervical region, between the scapula and the splanchnics with internal and external rotation of the legs. With the exception of treatment given in the case of acute disease and other certain conditions, osteopathic techniques were always applied under the aegis of the general treatment.

10. Lymphatic Pumping


11. Finger Surgery

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History of Manipulative Therapy

Various forms of Manipulative Therapy, including Massage, Spinal Adjustments and others, have been practiced all over the world for over millennia. Certain historical references point to the fact that manipulative therapies aimed at correcting musculoskeletal and spinal abnormalities were used in Europe as far back as the year 400 B.C. According to a publication in the Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, Hippocrates himself described his own spinal manipulative techniques for treating conditions, including scoliosis, naturally.

(History of Manipulative Therapy) (The Female Bone Setter) (Anglesey Bone Setter)

Hippocrates believed that the use of gravity, along with basic tools and equipment like straps, wheels, ladders and axles, could be used to impart enough pressure on the skeletal system to help realign body parts contributing to dysfunction. Hippocrates and other physicians who followed in his footsteps also recommended practicing exercises after adjustment, along with building strength in weak areas, standing and walking more. Even today many modern massage techniques (such as Swedish, deep tissue or Thai massage) and spinal manipulation manoeuvres draw on knowledge and traditions dating back centuries. Manipulative healers from countries such as Greece, Japan, China, Thailand, India and others have contributed a large body of research and expertise to the entire field of Osteopathic Manipulation.

The Founder of the Science of Osteopathic Manipulation

Dr Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO (1828-1917) - Was the son of a Methodist Pastor and country physician, Andrew become exposed to; diseases such as cholera, smallpox, and meningitis that often wiped out entire families. At an early age Still became aware of the lack of knowledge of the cause and treatment of these devastating diseases. He recognized the tragic toll of such ignorance, and decided there must be a better way. Although Still had long been aware of the appalling degree of medical ignorance which existed at that time, it was a tragedy in his own life that propelled him toward a search for answers and the development of osteopathic medicine. In 1874 Missouri was ravaged by an epidemic, one now identified as viral meningitis. Dr. Still lost three children that spring. Although a physician he had no way to cure them, no way to help them. Still's loss sent him on a personal and professional search for the truth. He was driven to understand why some people became sick, and others remained healthy. The doctor grew to reject the prevailing medical practices of frequent amputation and the overuse of drugs. He called his new system of medicine "osteopathy" (osteon is Greek for bone), because it was based on anatomy. Still developed his methods of diagnosis and treatment by relying on the belief that the human being should be treated as a unit. A person cannot get sick in one area of his body without having other areas affected. All body systems operate in unison. Through experimentation and clinical observation, Still developed the Art of Osteopathic Treatment, applied directly to the musculoskeletal system. In addition, he eliminated many toxic drugs from his practice. Dr. Still was eager to present his new ideas and methods of treatment to the medical community. He selected Baker University in Baldwin, Kansas as the place for his presentation, a school Still and his family had helped found. The University refused him. Turned down by his peers, but determined he was right, Dr Still settled in Kirksville, Missouri and began practicing the osteopathic medicine he had developed. His reputation spread, and soon people from all over the United States were travelling to Kirksville for his treatments. As his fame increased, so did the attacks by his former medical colleagues. Still was called a "crank," "faker," and a man who had lost all reason. He was scorned by most, but not all. An increasing number of doctors were drawn to Still and his methods.

In 1892 the first formal classes in the teaching of Osteopathy met in Kirksville, later to become the American School of Osteopathy.

The Foresight and Vision of Dr Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO

1. Was the first to identify the human immune system and develop a system for stimulating it naturally.
2. Was the first to welcome women and minorities into Health School.
3. Predicted that the Medical Trade would have a major drug addiction problem within the century.
4. Warned that women were far too often the victims of needless medical trade surgeries.
5. Believed that physicians should study prevention as well as cure.
6. Believed that disease in one body part affects all other parts.

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  Essential competencies for Osteopathic Manipulation Practice
   

• Strong foundation in the study of Osteopathic Manipulation its History, Philosophy and Approach to Health; an understanding of the basic sciences within the context of the philosophy of Osteopathy and the five models of structure-function. Including the role of vascular, neurological, lymphatic and biomechanical factors in the maintenance of normal and adaptive biochemical, cellular and gross anatomical functions in states of health and disease; ability to form an appropriate differential diagnosis and treatment plan; an understanding of the mechanisms of action of manual therapeutic interventions and the biochemical, cellular and gross anatomical response to therapy; ability to appraise any deemed valid scientific literature (taking care to discard nonsense and garbage litterature) critically and incorporate relevant information into clinical practice; competency in the palpatory and clinical skills necessary to diagnose dysfunction in the aforementioned systems and tissues of the body, with an emphasis on osteopathic diagnosis; competency in a broad range of skills of Osteopathic Manipulation; an understanding of the biomechanics of the human body including, but not limited to, the articular, fascial, muscular and fluid systems of the extremities, spine, head, pelvis, abdomen and torso; Competent expertise in the diagnosis and Osteopathic Manipulation of neuromusculoskeletal disorders; thorough knowledge of the indications for, and contraindications to, Osteopathic Manipulation.
  
  Osteopathic Practice Standards: Safety and quality in practice
   

2. Training Curriculum for Osteopathic Manipulation

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