OSTE 5171 - Osteopathic Theory & Methods I

3.5 credit hours

The teaching of Osteopathic Theory and Methods and development of specific palpatory skills for diagnoses and treatment extends throughout the four-year curriculum. The four tenets of the osteopathic concept and philosophy are fundamental to each aspect of the course work: 1) the human body functions as a unified being; 2) the physical structure and tissues are interrelated with function; 3) the human body has a natural tendency for healing with self-regulatory and restorative functions; and 4) the osteopathic approach to healing and disease integrates the first three tenets. The didactic instruction and supervised hands-on laboratory training experienced in the first year prepare for effective integration of the osteopathic approach into clinical practice. Excellent faculty-student ratios promote mastery of palpatory diagnosis and osteopathic manipulative techniques. These techniques include high velocity, low amplitude (thrust), muscle energy, counterstrain, indirect, myofascial release, and cranial osteopathy, as well as approaches to visceral dysfunction and myofascial pain syndromes. One-on-one assessment of skills enhances confidence that techniques learned are accurate and effective. The interplay of the musculoskeletal system in health and disease is demonstrated throughout the course, and special emphasis is placed on recognition and treatment of factors that perpetuate and predispose to dysfunction and disease. Practical treatment designs are formulated to promote healing within each patient by maximizing circulatory and immune functions while enhancing the role of the autonomic nervous system.