Osteopathic principles in the modern world

Abstract

The value of osteopathic principles has been called into question in modern clinical practice. It is argued that osteopathic principles define osteopathy, with a refutation of some criticisms of principles based osteopathy. An example of the generic form of principles based practice is described.Without osteopathic principles, a tendency towards loss of identity and distinctive osteopathic practice follows. This is closely associated with modern themes of progress and evidence based practice. Loss of identity breaks the continuity needed for expert craft practice, and a shrinking of the clinical remit of manual osteopathy. It is argued that osteopathic principles represent a means to prevent contraction and drift of remit and methods. Without principles, osteopathy ceases to exist as a distinctive form of healthcare. This loss is questionable if osteopathy has particular utility in the relief of human suffering.