What is Osteopathy and what are its goals?
Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that has been adapted from human osteopathy and translated to the anatomical and physiological needs of animals.
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As osteopaths, we work with the body as a whole, aiming to include all systems:
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the parietal system (muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments),
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the visceral system (organs),
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the cranio-sacral system (mechanical and fluid connections between the head and sacrum),
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the fascial system (connective tissue).
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Our goal is to support overall balance and ease in the body, so the animal can move comfortably and freely. To do this, we evaluate the mobility of joints and the responsiveness of the systems in the body, then create a plan based on what we find. We have several modalities to address restrictions in joints, organs, soft tissue, and more.
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We work on the body while always keeping in mind and adhering to the principles of osteopathy.
The Principles of Osteopathy
Cause and Effect: Any signs of imbalance we observe in the body are often the result of changes that have occurred elsewhere. This change can be local (at or near the site of the imbalance) - but more often, the root cause may be found in another part of the body. In practice, this means the patterns we see in one area often reflect adaptations or compensations in other areas.
​Function determines structure & structure determines function: Changes in how a part of the body functions over time can lead to structural changes - and structural changes can in turn influence function and vice versa.
Unity in complexity: The body is a socio-psycho-somatic totality, meaning everything is interconnected. A change or restriction in one system - muscles, bones, organs, cranial structures, or fascia - can have repercussions throughout the entire body. This is why osteopathy considers all systems in balance, rather than focusing on a single area in isolation.
The Vital Force: The body naturally strives toward balance and ease. This drive to maintain homeostasis is supported by mechanical, chemical, neurological, and vascular processes. Osteopathy recognizes a guiding, vital force - similar in concept to Qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine - which helps the body maintain balance, ease and function.
The Arterial Rule: Flow is essential. Just as unobstructed arterial flow supports healthy tissue, unrestricted movement of fluids - including blood, lymph, and cerebrospinal fluid - supports ease, balance and mobility. Restrictions in these flows can create areas of tension or limited movement - which may influence other systems in the body. These areas of restricted flow are sometimes referred to as a “terrain.”
Parietal Osteopathy
Parietal Osteopathy focuses on the musculo-skeletal system, assessing restrictions in joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
Any two structures with motion between them are considered joints, and we evaluate and support their mobility as needed.
Craniosacral Osteopathy
Craniosacral osteopathy examines the mechanical and fluid connections between the cranium and the sacrum. The cranium consists of multiple bones connected by sutures, and restrictions in these sutures can influence neurologic and vascular structures running through them.
One key joint we focus on is the SSB - the joint between the occiput and sphenoid. In craniosacral osteopathy, we assess cranial bone mobility, membranous structures of the brain, the sacrum, and the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. Supporting these structures helps improve nervous system function and overall balance.
Visceral Osteopathy
Visceral osteopathy addresses the mobility and motility of internal organs and their surrounding tissues. Organs must be able to glide freely along neighboring structures for optimal function. Due to the way the body is innervated, organs have a profound impact on overall health.
For example, nerve signals from the spine to an organ are often fewer than those returning from the organ to the spine, meaning organ restrictions can significantly affect musculoskeletal patterns. By assessing and supporting visceral mobility, we help the body function more efficiently as a whole.
Intuitive-Energetic Osteopathy
Intuitive-energetic osteopathy is about addressing stuck energy in the body. ‚E-motions‘ are energy in motion, and when we have obstructions in the body, this energy can get stuck. Over time these stuck e-motions can show up as physical imbalances and patterns in the body, meaning any imbalance that manifests itself in the body, potentially has it’s root cause in an underlying emotional trauma/issue.
„Find it. Fix it. And let Nature do the rest!“
– A.T. Still
When & why do I call an Osteopath?
Osteopathy is not just a last-ditch effort to address concerns; it’s a proactive approach to supporting your animal’s well-being for the long term! Waiting until problems become severe can be counterproductive, while early support can lead to more comfortable, happier animals.
One important aspect is to consider “pre-hab” over “re-hab.” Rather than waiting for noticeable challenges to appear, osteopathy can be used as supportive work to help the body stay comfortable and balanced. Regular sessions may help animals move more freely and maintain ease and balance in their bodies.
Aside from having an osteopath work on your animal as part of regular maintenance, here are a few signs and patterns to consider when deciding whether osteopathy is the right fit for you and your animal:
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changes in performance or movement
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gait differences
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unusual postures (head/tail positions, standing with legs “parked out”)
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muscle tension or imbalance
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changes in focus or behavior
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sensitivity to touch or grooming
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difficulty with tacking, shoeing, or specific movements
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reluctance to move or changes in gait
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behavioral reactions like bucking, rearing, or avoidance
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to promote ease of movement
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Osteopathy is a holistic approach that seeks to support balance and harmony in your animal’s body. It can help animals live their best, most balanced lives, whether they’re active athletes or beloved companions. So, don’t wait for problems to escalate; consider osteopathy as a proactive step in your animal’s journey to their optimal well-being.
