M6: Living, Breathing Bone

Everyday in practice we encounter patients who have suffered physical trauma in many forms and at different stages of their life and development. With highly developed palpatory skills, osteopaths have a unique insight into the effects of trauma.

In this module, we explore the effects of trauma with respect to the wonders of bone, sutures and joints throughout the body from their morphogenetic origins to their crystalline nature, from the macro-scale of biotensegrity in the pelvis to the quantum coherence of the specialised connective tissue itself.

Current research into the physiology of bone is examined and we discuss how this knowledge informs traditional osteopathic concepts laid down by the pioneers of our profession. The way bones function as ‘springs’ and how they dissipate forces within the connective tissue system is explored, enabling us to palpate clearly when trauma has disrupted this function. The role of the femur within the pelvis is considered to give an even more effective way of approaching low back and pelvic problems in clinic.

The biodynamics of the embryological metabolic fields in which the different types of bone are formed will be considered. There will be detailed study of each of the bones of the basicranium, their applied anatomy, relationships and clinical relevance. The different journey of each bone to their fully ossified form reveals and aids our understanding of the different qualities we feel in the structures under our hands. A study of growth and development of the cranium in the first ten years of life is essential knowledge for the treatment of children and also to understand the effects of past childhood trauma in adults.

Using these fluid models we study a range of techniques, including some intraoral releases, which have been handed down through osteopathic generations. When considered as specialized connective tissues with the similar dynamic, fluid, metabolic and communication properties as fascia, bones come alive under our hands.

Patterns of the cranial base, how they are reflected throughout the body via the connective tissue network and how we can use this understanding of patterns in clinical practice will be discussed.

As W.G.Sutherland said:

“What are bones but a different form of fluid?”

This course is full of applied principles and clinical relevance.

SCCO Course Providers: All SCCO courses are run by a resident Course Director, who is an Osteopath and a member of the SCCO Faculty. Pathway courses are delivered by SCCO Faculty and may be supported by guest speakers. Short courses are usually delivered by a visiting guest lecturer.  SCCO Faculty members all hold recognised osteopathic qualifications but may not be GOSC registered osteopaths.