The CAO Critical Thinking
How Does the CAO-trained manual Osteopath Think?
Critical thinking is at the foundation of Osteopathy. Critical thinking, combined with an in-depth understanding of the Osteopathic philosophy and principles, is integrated throughout the entire educational experience at the CAO. This process is directly related to clinical success.
How Does the CAO-trained manual Osteopath Evaluate?
Osteopathic treatment uses numerous methods of manual diagnosis and treatment methodology. During the initial consultation, the Osteopath typically listens to the patient’s complaints, takes a complete health history, and conducts a full-body screening examination. All medical information should be evaluated including relevant past medical imaging and laboratory results.
This thorough evaluation process is done in part to assure patient safety. At the CAO, throughout the entire educational experience, professors discuss emergency care and the importance of identifying serious medical conditions. This process also allows for effective communications between Osteopaths and other health-care practitioners.
What is the Osteopathic Structural Evaluation?
The Osteopath will evaluate the patient to find imbalances and disturbances within the body. These are called Somatic Dysfunctions. Somatic Dysfunction is said to be present if one or more of the following are found;
- Asymmetry
- Restricted or altered motion
- Tissue texture changes
- Sensorial changes or tenderness
Asymmetry can be thought of in static and dynamic terms and indicates the presence of imbalances in neural and myofasical structures and motions.
Restricted or altered motion is an indicator of where strain patterns are manifest and can help predict what structures have altered structure (anatomy) and function (physiology).
Tissue texture changes indicate neurological imbalances, strain patterns, as well as possible underlying visceral disturbances.
Sensorial changes or tenderness are patient complaints that can often assist the Osteopath in locating the underlying problems.