Life Is Motion & Visceral Osteopathy

Renowned osteopaths like Rollin E. Becker, D.O., have embraced the aphorism “Life is motion” as a fundamental principle in osteopathic medicine. This concept emphasizes that movement is intrinsic to all living things, serving as a defining element of life itself. Dr. Becker’s book, centers on this core concept.

The term “osteopathy,” is somewhat misleading because osteopathic medicine extends beyond bones. Every bodily tissue requires movement for optimal health, aligning with the aphorism “Life is motion.” Bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, fluids, and even organs possess inherent motions crucial for their well-being. Visceral osteopathy, follows the same principle: ensuring proper movement in all bodily tissues is vital for health and functionality. Consequently, a significant goal of treatment involves reinstating mobility to any tissue lacking proper movement.

Movement is equally essential for our organs. Consider the lungs. Encased in double pleural membranes containing lubricating fluid, the lungs facilitate smooth rotational movements during approximately 20,000 breaths per day. Conditions like severe colds, lung infections, inflammation, or pneumothorax, can cause adhesions between these membranes, restricting their gliding movements. Such adhesions can alter the lungs’ rotational axis, impacting surrounding ligaments, muscles, and organs, leading to cumulative strains due to the lungs’ frequent movement. Over time, this can weaken local lung tissue, decrease blood and lymph circulation, and elevate infection risk, outlining the potential effects of pleural adhesions.

This is where the osteopath steps in. Through accurate testing and diagnosis, identifying pleural adhesions becomes feasible, and appropriate treatment often eliminates them entirely in both children and adults. This beneficial outcome can have long-lasting implications. Whether addressing muscles, ligaments, fluids, or organs, the principle remains: “Life is Motion,” and ensuring proper movement is closely linked to health and vitality.