Re-evaluating 'osteopathic principles'

Tyreman, S (2013) Re-evaluating 'osteopathic principles'. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 16. pp. 38-45.

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Abstract

From its inception, 'Principles of Osteopathy' have been key statements defining the distinctive features of osteopathy and osteopathic medicine. In this paper a brief historical review shows some of the ways these statements have been modified over a century in order to keep them relevant and meaningful. Despite these attempts, it is claimed that such statements merely provide a rallying cry for practitioners trying to remain faithful to a particular historic tradition and heritage. Although it can be argued that a core thread runs through the various interpretations of osteopathic principles-viz., that the body is a unified, self-sufficient entity that has the potential for resisting disease and maintaining health but that this is dependent on structural integrity-the various ways this has been presented as 'osteopathic principles' lacks academic credibility. In particular: 1. they are not distinctive enough to differentiate osteopathy from other healthcare practices; 2. they are ambiguous and imprecise and therefore open to a range of interpretations; and 3. they fail to mention manual assessment and treatment, or issues around movement and palpation, which are core elements of osteopathic practice. It is further argued that a thorough evaluation of osteopathic professional values would provide a more relevant and meaningful account of osteopathy and osteopathic medicine. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.

Item Type: Article
Keywords: Osteopathic medicine,Osteopathic principles,Osteopathy,Professional identity,Professional values,ambiguity,article,clinical assessment,clinical decision making,health care practice,history of medicine,human,osteopathic medicine,palpation,patient care,pers
Depositing User: Dr Hilary Abbey
Date Deposited: 21 Dec 2020 13:01
Last Modified: 26 Sep 2023 13:16
URI: https://uco.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/19

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