Find It, Fix It, and Leave It Alone

Find it, fix it and leave it alone. ~ Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, Founder of Osteopathy

One of the fundamental principles of osteopathy is that the body has self-regulating and self-healing abilities. When you come to my office with any problem, my job as an osteopath is to:

Detect the source(s) of dysfunction – Find It.

Release the obstacles preventing normal position, mobility and vitality – Fix It.

Allow your body to make the necessary changes toward better health – Leave it Alone.

Let me explain further.

Find It.

We have to investigate thoroughly to find the real source of a problem. I need to listen to your explanation, review your full health history and observe you as a whole person. I can’t simply zoom in on just the area of complaint, or I’ll miss the big picture.

Fix It.

Treatment can then focus on the main areas causing the problems. Altered function of any of the body’s structures (muscles, bones, fascia, organs, nerves, etc.) may be involved. I choose the most effective, efficient methods and techniques based on your individual needs. Once the body responds, with subtle changes in movement or texture, the process has begun. The goal is to remove some of the obstacles that are preventing the natural healing process from occurring.

Leave It Alone.

We don’t need to keep working on something until it’s completely resolved. When you leave my office, and you’re still feeling pain or discomfort, don’t worry – healing is a process! It can take a few days or a few weeks. Your body has to work through the proposed changes to restore functional balance and harmony. It may take several treatments, as well as self-care before you feel and function better. It takes time for the body to self-correct; more frequent treatments won’t speed the healing process.

I do my best to remember to “find it, fix it and leave it alone”. And ask you to please be patient too.