In the last post, we looked at the body’s inherent ability to self-heal and self-regulate…and that this process is governed by its own timeframe and pace. This week we continue by looking at how osteopaths work with this process.

The process of healing is influenced by a multitude of factors, all of which are carefully considered by the osteopath during the case history information gathering, and through active and passive assessments. The process of healing is also considered through the Total Lesion Concept and the extent to which any of these elements is influencing the individual animal (centrality) – as this will provide key information on how to approach treatment and the animal’s potential response to treatment. The treatment is then tailored specifically for that animal; their health potential; and their current stage/phase of healing.

Osteopaths may begin with building trust (with an animal and/or owner) and this can take time depending on the situation. Preparing the animal for change can take time. Allowing the animal to properly assimilate treatment can take time. Environmental management processes can take time to take effect. For osteopaths, managing expectations around healing is an important part of the role. A return to exercise or gradual return to work may be an important part of the healing process; but does not necessarily signify that the healing process is complete. Sometimes, full recovery isn’t the endpoint; it’s about maximising health and wellbeing within the limitations of certain conditions (DJD for example).

Within the animal’s self-regulating and self-healing mechanism lies the body’s incredible ability to return to homeostasis if given the chance. Osteopaths understand this innate potential and see their role as facilitators, thoroughly assessing, identifying the primary cause, and removing the obstacles which may be impeding the body’s own healing journey. They remove both internal and external barriers to health; listen to the tissues; restore natural flow; work with the autonomic nervous system; work with the breath of life; and then step back and let the horse’s inherent wisdom and extraordinary ability to heal orchestrate its return to balance and homeostasis. This aligns with the osteopathic principle that rational treatment is based upon the other osteopathic principles: body unity; self-healing and self-regulation; the interrelationship of structure and function; and weaved through this process, that the rule of the artery is supreme.

Osteopaths rationally treat, all the while understanding and respecting that the body’s intelligence is governing the healing process and knows precisely how to do it! It just needs additional support at certain times, and the osteopath is that ally.