Discovering Osteopathy
“How can osteopathy help me?” Like many of the clients I see, I had little understanding of osteopathy when I first experienced it.
From Disconnection to Integration
In Australia, where I was trained, osteopaths primarily use their hands to work with the body. When I first sought osteopathic treatment for my shoulder injury, I was struck by how quickly these therapists seemed to understand my body - often more than I did myself. It was equal parts awe and discomfort because it made me realize just how disconnected I was from my own body. How could this be? I’d lived in my body for 26 years by then, and yet I felt as though I barely knew it.
That experience marked the beginning of a curious and transformative journey. Through osteopathy, I found a holistic framework for healing - one that guided me to reconnect with my body, find relief, and uncover its profound interconnectedness.
The Power of Osteopathy for My Clients
What touches my heart most is witnessing these same moments of realization in my clients. A client might come to me with shoulder pain but leave with a newfound appreciation for their whole body. Someone with chronic lower back pain may uncover layers of emotional tension and begin exploring the connection between their stress and physical discomfort. Others experience moments of stillness during treatments, allowing their nervous system to regulate while their body finds a place of deep rest.
Clients often slow down during sessions, tuning into their bodies. As they process the sensations from my touch, they naturally bring awareness to their bodies and connect more deeply - not only to their bodies but also to their minds and beyond. In today’s fast-paced world, where the roots of pain and discomfort are often overlooked, osteopathic manual therapy provides a safe space for inquiry, healing, and reconnection.
More Than a Therapeutic Approach
Like many healing traditions, osteopathy is grounded in the understanding that health manifests through every aspect of our being. This work reminds us that our bodies hold our stories, emotions, and an incredible capacity for self-healing. Looking back, I now understand that what the Australian osteopaths I saw had was the ability to listen - with their hands and their presence.
This is why the work remains humbling. Whether I see a client once, for several months, or over the span of years, I’m reminded that every body carries this remarkable capacity for self-healing. My role is to help them rediscover what they’ve always known, offering a framework for understanding and a safe space for connection. Ultimately, my job is to help them feel whole.
Disclaimer: I’m an Australian-trained osteopathic manual therapist, holding a Bachelor of Clinical Science and a Master of Osteopathic Medicine. I am not a licensed physician; and therefore, I do not prescribe or diagnose. I practice in accordance with California State Law Senate Bill-577.
