How Water Serves as the Body’s Communication Network What if I told you that water—the most abundant molecule in your body—is far more than just a simple transport medium? That it might actually be listening, remembering, and responding to the touch? As osteopathic practitioners, we’ve long understood that structure and function are intimately connected. ButContinueContinue reading “The Hidden Intelligence of Water in Osteopathic Healing”
Tag Archives: science
The Osteopathic Approach to Lymphatic Health: Fluid Mechanics and Manual Interventions
The lymphatic system—is fundamental for maintaining fluid balance, immune surveillance, and tissue homeostasis. Unlike the high‐pressure arterial and low‐pressure venous circuits, the lymphatic network relies on a delicate interplay of microanatomy, fluid physics, and both intrinsic and extrinsic forces to propel lymph from the interstitium back into the bloodstream. Osteopathic practitioners have long recognized thatContinueContinue reading “The Osteopathic Approach to Lymphatic Health: Fluid Mechanics and Manual Interventions”
The Hidden Connections: A Deep Dive into Neurophysiology, Reflex Integration, and Somatic Dysfunction
In this post, we’ll take an extensive look at the neurophysiological mechanisms that underlie somatic dysfunction—the concept once known as the “osteopathic lesion.” We’ll examine the complex interplay between viscerosomatic and somatovisceral reflexes, explore how the spinal cord adapts (or maladapts) to repeated stimuli, delve into the critical role of axoplasmic transport, and review pioneeringContinueContinue reading “The Hidden Connections: A Deep Dive into Neurophysiology, Reflex Integration, and Somatic Dysfunction”
Strain-Counterstrain: A Gentle Approach to Pain Relief and Enhanced Functionality (Expanded)
Strain-Counterstrain—also known as Positional Release Therapy or Tender Point Therapy—is a non-invasive manual technique used by healthcare professionals to address pain and dysfunction caused by muscle and joint strains. Its success is rooted in a deep understanding of the underlying physiology of the osteopathic somatic lesion and the neuromuscular reflexes that govern tissue tone. IContinueContinue reading “Strain-Counterstrain: A Gentle Approach to Pain Relief and Enhanced Functionality (Expanded)”
Myofascial Release: A Deep Dive into Fascia and Function
Myofascial Release (MFR) is a core osteopathic manual therapy focused on the fascia—an extensive connective tissue network enveloping muscles, bones, and organs. Through gentle, sustained pressure or guided positioning, MFR aims to relieve tension, reduce pain, and restore balance throughout the body. This explores the essential principles of MFR, from the basic science of fasciaContinueContinue reading “Myofascial Release: A Deep Dive into Fascia and Function”
A Comprehensive Guide to Osteopathic Mobilizations: Understanding the “Pop”
Introduction Osteopathic mobilizations are a core component of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). This method focuses on restoring proper alignment and function to the joints and surrounding tissues by positioning the body to engage movement barriers and then applying a brief, precise corrective movement. Practitioners often refer to the characteristic “pop” or “click” that may beContinueContinue reading “A Comprehensive Guide to Osteopathic Mobilizations: Understanding the “Pop””
Biofluid Mechanics in Osteopathy: Unraveling the Science of Fluid Flow
In Osteopathic Philosophy we often talk about “structure and function” being intimately related. Nowhere is this relationship more apparent than in how fluids move throughout the body. A core tenet of osteopathic practice is that health depends on unrestricted flow—whether that’s blood, lymph, interstitial fluid, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In this post, we’ll delve intoContinueContinue reading “Biofluid Mechanics in Osteopathy: Unraveling the Science of Fluid Flow”
Biophysics and Osteopathy
The intersection of biophysics and osteopathic science offers a compelling framework for understanding the scientific basis behind osteopathic principles. Biophysics, the study of biological phenomena using physical methods and concepts, provides a quantitative foundation to explain how osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) influences the human body. Here are several ways in which biophysics potentially supports osteopathicContinueContinue reading “Biophysics and Osteopathy”
Olfactory Nerve – Anatomy & Physiology
The olfactory nerve, the first cranial nerve (CN 1), plays a pivotal role in our sense of smell, adding depth and dimension to our sensory experiences. For osteopathic physicians, understanding the anatomy and function of the olfactory nerve is not only relevant to their broader medical knowledge but also holds implications for osteopathic practice. InContinueContinue reading “Olfactory Nerve – Anatomy & Physiology”
Extracellular Matrix – The basics.
What is Extracellular matrix, why does it concern us and what can we do about the health of this extra cellular space (in a future post) Cells congregate (come together) to form structural and functional associations. These are called tissues. There are four basic tissues in the body, epithelium, connective tissue, muscle and nervous tissue.ContinueContinue reading “Extracellular Matrix – The basics.”
Crux Osteopathy 