By Eleanor Andrews

In osteopathy, we often hear the term “the body is a unit”. In fact, it forms one of the cornerstones of osteopathic philosophy. But many do not wholly embrace this principle for when we consider the body as a unit, we must remember to look at the macro as well as the micro.

It’s important to understand that every part of the body influences every other aspect. The body is more than just a collection of individual parts. On one front the theory of this is straightforward: if you remove one leg of a table, the table will become unstable. But, if you balance the diagonal corner with a heavy enough object, stability, on some level can be resumed.

However, when you dive into this topic more deeply, the interwoven connections throughout the body, within and between each system are vast and their influence extensive.

It is crucial to understand that every part of the body is interconnected and can affect one another. The body is not just a collection of individual parts working independently. Rather, it is an intricate system, where each component is interdependent on the others, this may be for example, on a musculoskeletal level, a visceral level, or a cellular level.

When working with animals, it is essential to recognise that if there is a dysfunction in one area, it can have a domino effect throughout the entire body. For example, from a musculoskeletal perspective, if an animal has a hip problem, it can lead to issues with the pelvis, joints, limbs, neck, and head. However, it will also impact the immune system, the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, the urogenital system, the neurological system and so on.

Therefore, it is vital to consider the whole body when assessing and treating any issues. By taking a holistic approach to animal health, we can consider the extensive impact an injury or issue can have, address the root cause of any problems and improve overall well-being. If you notice any signs of discomfort or pain in your animal, it is essential to evaluate the animal’s health as a whole and provide the best treatment plan possible.