Exploring the Principles of Osteopathy

Written by Osteopath Gemma Ahrens 

Osteopathy has been around since the late 1800s, when its founder, Andrew Taylor Still began exploring new ways of understanding the human body and how it functions. He observed patterns in how structure and movement influenced health, and from these observations he developed a set of guiding ideas now known as the four principles of osteopathy.

While osteopathy has come a long way since then, with modern practice grounded in current research, contemporary pain science, and evidence-informed clinical reasoning, these principles still provide a useful framework. They help Osteopaths think broadly, consider the many factors that influence a person’s health, and tailor treatment to the individual rather than focusing on symptoms alone.

Over the course of this four-part series, we’ll explore each principle and its application to our osteopathic treatment approach.

These principles are:

1. The body is a unit

2. Structure and function are interrelated

3. The body is its own self-healing, self-regulating mechanism

4. Rational osteopathic treatment is based on these principles

Part 1: The Body Is a Unit 

One of the core beliefs in osteopathy is that the body works as a single, interconnected unit, rather than as a collection of isolated parts. While we often talk about “a sore shoulder” or “a tight neck,” the body itself doesn’t separate things this way. Everything is connected through nerves, muscles, fascia, circulation, movement and, of course, daily habits.

From an Osteopath’s perspective, understanding someone’s health means looking at the bigger picture, not just the area where pain is presenting.

How the Body’s Systems Work Together

One of the reasons Osteopaths value whole-person thinking is that the body’s systems are constantly influencing each other. Modern research has shown how interconnected these systems truly are, such as the relationship between pain and the nervous system, or the way physical activity can support cardiovascular, metabolic, and mental health.

When we recognise these interactions, it becomes easier to understand why a single area of the body rarely functions in isolation and why holistic assessment can help guide treatment and self-care strategies.

Here are some familiar examples of how different parts of the body influence one another:

• Your feet affect your hips and lower back. Changes in how the feet absorb load can influence the way the knees track, the hips stabilise, and even how the spine moves.

• Stress can show up physically. Many people experience tension in their jaw, neck, or shoulders during busy or stressful periods. Emotional load and physical load are deeply linked.

• Breathing patterns influence movement. Shallow breathing may change rib mobility and posture, which can influence how the upper back and neck feel.

• Sedentary habits affect circulation and joint comfort. Long periods of sitting, even with “good posture”, can reduce movement variability and contribute to stiffness.

• Digestion and abdominal tension can influence low-back comfort.

• Circulation and lymphatic flow play a role in tissue recovery.

  
  

These examples show why Osteopaths often ask about sleep, work habits, exercise, hobbies, stress and past injuries. These details are incredibly useful to help us understand the whole picture and what factors might be contributing to your current pain and discomfort.

The Whole-Person Approach

When someone presents to our clinic experiencing discomfort, we don’t just look at the area of pain. We will also consider:

• How the surrounding joints and muscles are moving

• Lifestyle factors (such as work, hobbies, or load patterns)

• Stress levels and overall well-being

• Posture and movement habits

• General health factors such as sleep, activity levels, or hydration

  
  

All of these elements can influence how the body feels and moves day-to-day. With this whole-body approach, we can determine different factors that may be contributing to a person's pain and discomfort, and work together to make lifestyle changes that will have a positive impact on a person's overall health and well-being.

How This Shapes Osteopathic Care

This principle helps guide how Osteopaths:

• Assess the body

• Choose which techniques may be the most helpful

• Provide advice for mobility and self-care strategies

• Work collaboratively with patients toward their personal health goals

  
  

Osteopathic treatment does not claim to “fix” or “correct” the body, but it aims to support more comfortable and efficient movement by considering the body as a connected whole and promoting overall health and well-being. 

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