Program Objectives

Osteoarticular Techniques

Manual Osteopaths use this technique to reduce muscle spasms near a joint, ease neurological irritations around a joint, make joints more mobile and to reduce pain and discomfort.  The osteoarticular technique involves gently moving 2 joint surfaces.  Before doing this, manual osteopaths carefully prepare the soft tissues around the treatment area.  They also move the patient into a position that will minimize, or eliminate the energy and force needed to perform the manoever.  Many patients find this technique less forceful than joint manipulations.

1. Understand the history of osteopathy and manual osteopathy.
2. Know the contraindications and precautions to structural imbalances.
3. Able to perform assessments and corrections for the ankle, knee, hip, pelvis, low back, thoracic area, scapula, cervical spine, shoulder, elbow and wrist.

Visceral Manipulation 

Manual osteopaths use visceral manipulation to treat organs and viscera of the body, including the liver, spleen, kidneys, stomach, pancreas, intestines, bladder and uterus. Patients may feel pain in one or more of these organs, or the viscera may be less pliable than it should be. Manual osteopaths gently move the structures themselves and the fascia (connective tissue) that surrounds them to restore full movement. Most patients treated with visceral manipulation feel only the gentle pressure of the manual osteopath’s hand, but the corrections are powerful enough to improve the mobility of an organ, improve blood flow, and help the organ function more effectively.

1. Know the contraindications and precautions to visceral manipulation work.
2. Established a clear knowledge of Mobility and Motility.
3. Master Visceral Manipulation techniques of indirect, direct, recoil and induction.
4. Identify the anatomy components of the viscera.
5. Able to successfully assess the mobility and motility of most of the viscera and providing the necessary treatment to achieve the desired outcome for optimal client health.
   We do not teach heart and lung manipulations.

CranioSacral Therapy

This is a very gentle manual osteopathic technique, and it requires the most experience to use effectively. To learn this technique, Manual osteopaths undergo intensive training. Through this training, their hands become sensitive to the cranial mobility and develop great precision in utilizing cranial techniques. Manual osteopaths use this gentle technique to assess and treat the mobility of the skull and its contents. They may also use it to assess and treat the spine, the sacrum, and other parts of the body. The goal of this technique is to adjust the body’s physiology by restoring balance to the circulation of the blood and other body fluids. Manual osteopaths do this by treating the body’s inherent biorhythm. They are able to feel this rhythm in the patient’s head, spinal cord, and in the sacrum and the rest of the body. Manual osteopaths use the biorhythm to assess the patient’s condition, and they may modify it during treatment.

1. Know contraindications to CranioSacral therapy
2. Identify the cranial bones, landmarks, sinuses, poles of the dural membranes, cerebrospinal fluid and diaphragms.
3. Able to identify the flexion and extension.
4. Perform the first, second and third vault holds.
5. Able to perform the cranium, sacrum and ankle still points.
6. Complete the Pelvic Diaphragm Release, the Diaphragm Release, the Thoracic Inlet Release, the Hyoid Bone Release, Occipital Cranial Base Release, the Occipital Base Release, Traction Release, Medial ASIS Compression, Rocking the Dural Tube, Dural Tube Assessment and Release, Frontal Bone Lift, Parietal Lifts, Sphenoid Bone Compression and De-Compression, Temporal Bone movements and Decompression and Compression of the TMJ.

Advanced Fascia Release

The Manual Osteopathic therapist uses advanced fascia release in many different ways. In general, they use it to evaluate the condition of tissues and to help the body’s fluids (such as blood and lymphatic fluid) flow smoothly. Keeping fluids flowing smoothly reduces harmful fluid retention and makes the body’s immune system more effective. Fascia is tissue found in all parts of the body. It connects all of the body’s structures at both superficial and deep levels. Manual osteopaths evaluate the fascia to find areas of restriction, and then use soft tissue manipulation to make sure the length and tension of the fascia are properly balanced. Throughout the treatment, manual osteopaths keep checking on the state of the body’s tissues. If one technique isn’t working to correct a restriction, they use another approach instead. Above all, manual osteopaths try to restore health without over-treating.

1. Know the contraindications and precautions to Advanced Fascia Release work.
2. Understand how fascia restrictions in the human body effect overall health.
3. Evaluate the fascia to find areas of restriction, and then use soft tissue manipulation to make sure the length and tension of the fascia are properly balanced.
4. Evaluate the condition of tissues and to help the body’s fluids flow smoothly.
5. Continuous checking on the state of the body’s tissues, to correct restrictions.

Business

Many practitioners go on to open their own businesses after graduation. There are a number of mistakes that new business owners make which can ultimately affect their success. We want to assist our students in avoiding those issues by helping them develop a successful marketing and business plan. Even if a practitioner chooses to not open their own business, the content of this course enables them to successfully market themselves within their practice since Manual Osteopathy is a relatively new profession in the healthcare industry.