MANUAL THERAPIES

An Alternative and Complementary Medicine Resource Guide

Contents:

    Introduction
     General and Orthopedic Manual Therapy
    Massage Therapy
    Rolfing
   Chiropractic Therapy
    Craniosacral Therapy
    Osteopathy

INTRODUCTION

The resources contained in this information pack -books, journals, professional organizations, treatment centers, search services and Web resources - relate to alternative and complementary therapy options available for manipulative therapies.  They are not meant to be endorsements for any individual, group, or type of therapy over others.

Conventional medicine does not have many effective treatments for chronic illnesses and pain, spinal and joint difficulties, digestive disorders, and many other non-acute health problems are generally less effectively treated by conventional medicine. The main approach is to use drug therapy to dampen symptoms while the causal factor is usually ignored, and therefore left untreated. The manipulative therapies covered in this resource guide have been shown - both clinically and through research - to be beneficial for a wide range of problems that have previously failed to respond to conventional medicine.

[Back to Contents]

GENERAL AND ORTHOPEDIC MANUAL THERAPY

Manual therapy is a general term for modalities that use the hands to diagnose and treat illness and musculoskeletal disorders, as well as to maintain health.  Orthopedic manual therapy is a specialty of physiotherapy that is based upon three principles:

1)       Orthopedic: relating to disorders of structures forming joints, together with associated muscles, connective tissues, nerve roots and peripheral nerves (neuro-muscular-articular system)

2)       Manipulative: the skilled and specialized use of manual and/or mechanically applied movement techniques, as a part of comprehensive orthopedic physical therapy for disorders of the moving parts of body

3)       Therapy: relating to therapy by a physiotherapist, physical therapist

Manual therapy also includes modalities such as chiropractic therapy, craniosacral therapy, massage therapy, and osteopathic manipulative techniques/medicine (OMT/OMM).  Each of these modalities is addressed in deeper detail in later sections of this resource guide (click on Back to Contents to access these modalities).

[Back to Contents]

NOTE:  The following listings are not intended to be comprehensive, nor to be used as a guide for treatment. They are provided for information only.  The resources are selected and categorized to help you with your own research.

BOOKS

AUTHORITATIVE RESEARCH RESOURCES & TEXTBOOKS

	Jeffrey D. Boyling & Nigel Palastanga Grieve's Modern Manual Therapy: The Vertebral Column Churchill Livingstone, Inc., 1994
	B.H. Jones Diagnosis from the Spine: A Practical Method of Diagnosis & Non-Medical Treatment, Combining Manual Therapy, Hydrotherapy & Psychotherapy Gordon Press Publishers

Eyal Lederman Fundamentals of Manual Therapy: Physiology, Neurology & Psychology Churchill Livingstone, Inc., 1997

Sharon Weiselfish-Giammatteo Integrative Manual Therapy for the Upper and Lower Extremities: Introducing Muscle Energy & Beyond Techniques North Atlantic Books, 1998

Sharon Weiselfish-Giammatteo Integrative Manual Therapy for the Pelvis, Sacrum, Cervical, Thoracic, & Lumbar Spine with Muscle Energy & Beyond Technique: A Contemporary Clinical Analysis of Biomechanics North Atlantic Books, 1999

Dos Winkel, Andry Vleeming, Onno G. Meier Diagnosis & Treatment of the Spine: Nonoperative Orthopaedic Medicine & Manual Therapy Aspen Publishers, 1996

CASE STUDIES/OBSERVATIONAL DATA

Nick Spencer & Peter Spencer Case Studies for Manual Therapy: A Problem-Based Approach Churchill Livingstone, 1998

Early American Manual Therapy (refer also to the Web Resources within the Osteopathy section)
This book is a collection of historical documents (mostly on osteopathy) pertaining to manual therapy and is intended for use by health professionals. It should not be regarded as a guide to self-diagnosis or self-treatment.

[Back to Contents]

JOURNALS

The Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
http://www.pmr.vcu.edu/jbmr/
This is a journal whose main focus is to present practical information about musculoskeletal rehabilitation to clinicians who treat patients with back and musculoskeletal pain complaints. It will provide readers with both a general fund of knowledge on the assessment and management of specific problems and new information considered to be state-of-the-art in the field. The intended audience is multidisciplinary as well as multi-specialty.

Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy
http://home1.gte.net/jmmt
This journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists includes clinical studies pertinent to manual and manipulative medicine, original research from the basic sciences relevant to assessment, treatment, and prevetion of musculoskeletal disorder, case studies that describe innovative approaches to patient care, and more.

Journal of Orthopaedic Research
http://www.ors.org/jor/index.html
This is the official publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society, which reports new information on experimental, theoretical, and clinical aspects of orthopaedic research, including prospective clinical studies.

Manual Therapy
http://www.churchillmed.com/Journals/ManTherapy/jhome.html
This peer-reviewed journal of the Manipulation Association of Chartered Physiotherapists is written for the diverse needs of the various professions engaged in all aspects of manual therapy. Topics covered are relevant to how elements of the neuromusculoskeletal system influence therapy outcomes and effectiveness.

[Back to Contents]

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

American Academy Of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy (AAOMPT)
http://www.aaompt.org
P.O. Box 4777
Biloxi, MS 39535-4777
Phone: (228) 392-0028
Fax: (228) 392-0666
The AAOMPT is a professional organization dedicated to physical therapists and any educational, research or clinical institution with an interest in orthopaedic manual physical therapy.  Refer to the osteopathic medicine section for more information on osteopathy.

International Academy of Orthopedic Medicine (IAOM)-United States
http://www.iaomed.com
This organization presents the best internationally developed diagnostic and treatment techniques specifically designed for clinical use.

North American Institute of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy (NAIOMT)
http://naiomt.com
PMB 129, 1574 Coburg Road.
Eugene, OR 97401-4802
Phone: (800) 706-5550
Fax: (541) 349-1172
The NAIOMT is an organization dedicated to the advancement of orthopaedic manual and manipulative physical therapy, and the promotion of the highest quality physical therapy in the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal problems.

Osteopathic Health & Wellness Institute (OHWI)
http://www.ohwi.org
453 Baltimore Pike
Springfield, Pennsylvania 19064
Toll Free: (877) 333-5935
Phone: (610) 544-9551
Fax: (610) 544-7545
Email: care@ohwi.org
The OHWI is an institute for Osteopathic manipulative medicine, craniosacral therapy, and manipulative therapy education devoted to teaching gentle, yet potent, manipulative techniques that allow the body to heal itself.

[Back to Contents]

TREATMENT CENTERS

Manual Medicine Center
http://manualmedicine.com/
2203 Dekle Ave
Tampa, FL 33606
Phone: (813) 259-1800
Fax: (813) 259-9671
Provides personalized preventive and acute health care and education in various techniques, including different forms of massage and craniosacral therapy.

Manual Physical Therapy
http://www.njhealthserve.com/manualpt.html
66 North Van Brunt St.
Englewood, NJ 07631
Phone: (201) 568-2044
    and
2727 Kennedy Blvd.
Jersey City, NJ
Phone: (201) 369-2400
Email: ManualPT@earthlink.net
Manual Physical Therapy offers the "Australian method", which is hands on treatment for neuromusculoskeletal and peripheral joint disorders. The therapy promotes active self-treatment and provides a combination of innovative hands on techniques, state-of-the-art technology and exercise to aid in the rehabilitative process.

[Back to Contents]

WEB RESOURCES

Promotional and commercial sites are not included in this listing unless they provide significant impartial information resources.

Manual Therapy Research
http://www.cchs.usyd.edu.au/ESS/smrg/man_ther.html
This webpage is devoted to research and dissemination of the various forms of manual therapy of the joints of the human body, which is applied by physiotherapists, chiropractors, medical practitioners, and others.  Also included in this resource are links to relevant journals, forthcoming conferences, and a categorized listing of other web sites.

Orthopaedic Manual/Manipulative Therapy
http://www.omt.org/
Provides concise information on OMT in general, as a science, and related news.  This is a site linked to that of the AAOMPT (see Professional Organizations section).

Swodeam Consulting-Manual Therapy Online
http://swodeam.com/mto.html
Email: jmeadows@netcom.ca
The Manual Therapy Online Column is dedicated to ongoing events, both political and clinical, in manual therapy. Click on Current Column for access to full text articles from the current issue, and for access on items kept in the archive.

[Back to Contents]

MASSAGE THERAPY

The medicinal benefits of the various types of massage techniques are increasingly becoming recognized and accepted. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, the number of adults seeking massages nearly doubled between 1990 and 1997, with nearly 114 million visits in 1997 alone. Research has shown that massage can alleviate pain, increase alertness and reduce levels of circulating stress hormones. Massage’s effect on lower back pain is also promising, at least as effective as acupuncture or self-education approaches in reducing pain and increasing the ability to accomplish basic physical activities.

In finding a qualified and licensed massage therapist, there are some facts to be aware of. Currently there are approximately 120,000 therapists in the U.S., yet only 29 states and the District of Columbia require practitioners to be licensed. Although rules vary from state to state, applicants must usually complete 500 or more hours of education and pass a certification exam. Call your state health department to learn how to verify a state license. Additionally, you may want to determine if your therapist is certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

[Back to Contents]

NOTE:  The following listings are not intended to be comprehensive, nor to be used as a guide for treatment. They are provided for information only.  The resources are selected and categorized to help you with your own research.

BOOKS

There is a wealth of books available on the many disciplines of massage. The following are a small sample of titles that may be of interest.

Fred M. Houston Healing Benefits of Acupressure: Acupuncture without Needles NTC/Contemporary Publishing Company, 1993

Harish Johari Ayurvedic Massage: Traditional Indian Techniques for Balancing Body and Mind Inner Traditions Inernational, 1996 Ayurvedic massage works on both the physical and mental levels, transmitting a life-giving energy that assists all systems of the body in repairing and renewing themselves. Johari explains which oils work best for particular body types and shows how to stimulate self-healing.

Tokujiro Namikoshi Shiatsu: Japanese Finger-Pressure Therapy Japan Publications, 1995

Jwing-Ming Yang Chinese Qigong Massage: General Massage YMAA Publication Center, Inc., 1992 For thousands of years Chinese practitioners have used qigong massage--often in conjunction with herbs and acupuncture--to treat and prevent illnesses of the body and mind. In this comprehensive introduction to general relaxation massage, Dr. Yang provides an illuminating overview of the history and principles of this beneficial technique.

[Back to Contents]

JOURNALS

Massage Therapy Journal
The official journal of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). Refer to the Professional Organizations section for more on the AMTA and for contact and referral information.

[Back to Contents]

PROFESSIONAL & REFERRAL ORGANIZATIONS

American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)
http://www.amtamassage.org
820 Davis Street, Suite 100
Evanston, IL 60201-4444
Phone: (847) 864-0123
Fax: (847) 864-1178
The AMTA works to establish massage therapy as integral to the maintenance of good health and complementary to other therapeutic processes.  The AMTA also has information on how to find a massage therapist in your area.

American Oriental Bodywork Therapy Association (AOBTA)
http://www.healthy.net/aobta
Laurel Oak Corporate Center, Suite 408
1010 Haddonfield-Berlin Rd.
Voorhees, NJ 08043
Phone: (609) 782-1616
Fax: (609) 782-1653
Email: AOBTA@prodigy.net
The AOBTA is the national not-for-profit professional association of Oriental Bodywork Therapists, which formed from the unification of several associations representing individual disciplines.

National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)
http://www.ncbtmb.com/
8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 300
McLean, VA 22102
Phone: (800)-296-0664
          (703) 610-9015
Fax: (703) 610-9005
Email: mdownes@ncbtmb.com
The Board's mission is to foster high ethical and professional standards of practice and to assure competency in practitioners of therapeutic massage and bodywork through a recognized credentialing program.  Offers locator services to persons seeking certified therapists.

[Back to Contents]

TREATMENT CENTERS

There are numerous massage therapy centers across the country.  Please contact or visit the web sites of the AMTA and NCBTMB (listed above) to locate treatment centers in your area with certified/licensed massage therapists .

[Back to Contents]

WEB RESOURCES

Promotional and commercial sites are not included in this listing unless they provide significant impartial information resources.

Massage on the Web
http://www.lucifer.com/~sasha/massage.html
This site is a directory of some of the most interesting websites and books related to massage and muscular therapy, and some other health-related sites.

American Massage Therapy Association
http://www.amtamassage.org/home2.htm
Although already noted in a previous section, this site is an exceptional and comprehensive resource for massage. Click on News Room for up-to-date news and articles on massage, or About Massage Therapy to learn more about definitions, trends, research, and other sites of interest in the field.

[Back to Contents]

ROLFING

More than 50 years ago, Dr. Ida Rolf began her inquiry into creating a holistic system of soft tissue manipulation and movement education that would organize the whole body with respect to gravity. She discovered that she could achieve remarkable changes in posture and structure by manipulating the body's myofascial system. She eventually named this system "structural integration," although some still refer to it as "Rolfing," after its founder.

Rolfing®, or structural integration, balances and aligns the body along a natural vertical axis by gradually stretching, lengthening and repositioning the fascia, restoring its normal length and flexibility. The practitioner combines deep, gentle pressure with the client’s breathing and movement to free fascial restrictions. Rolfing® is said to improve alignment at any stage in life.

Although there are several organizations that offer courses in variations of Rolfing (see "Professional Organization" section), certification is earned through the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration. This certification enables graduates of the training program to become members of the Rolf Institute, and offer this work to the public, referring to themselves as "Certified Rolfers" and Rolf Movement Practitioners.

[Back to Contents]

NOTE:  The following listings are not intended to be comprehensive, nor to be used as a guide for treatment. They are provided for information only.  The resources are selected and categorized to help you with your own research.

BOOKS

AUTHORITATIVE RESEARCH RESOURCES

Ida P. Rolf, Ph.D. Rolfing: The Integration of Human Structures New York: Harper and Row, 1977

Ida Rolf, Ph.D. (Rosemary Feitis, Editor) Rolfing and Physical Reality Inner Traditions International, Limited, December 1990

Ida Rolf, Ph.D. Rolfing: Reestablishing the Natural Alignment and Structural Integration of the Human Body for Vitality and Well-Being Inner Traditions International, Limited, November 1990

CASE STUDIES/OBSERVATIONAL DATA

Mary Bond Balancing Your Body: A Self-Help Approach to Rolfing Movement Inner Traditions International, Limited, November 1996 Bond goes beyond good posture and movement efficiency in her description of rolfing. She combines touch and verbal messages to help the reader become more responsive to his/her body's inner cues, leading to a noticeable increase in health and vitality.

John Cottingham & Jeffrey Maitland Integrating Manual and Movement Therapy With Philosophical Counseling for Treatment of a Patient with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Case Study That Explores the Principles of Holistic Intervention Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine (2000), Vol. 6, No. 2, pp.1-8 Patient exhibited remarkable improvement in head-neck alignment, balance/mobility, autonomic activity, and worldview for a 2-month span.

John Cottingham & Jeffrey Maitland A Three-Paradigm Treatment Model Using Soft Tissue Mobilization and Guided Movement-Awareness Techniques for a Patient With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Case Study JOSPT (1997), Vol. 26, No. 3, pp.155-167 Patient exhibited sustained improvement after implementation of all three paradigms through a 4-week follow-up.

[Back to Contents]

ARTICLES

Cottingham, J., Porges, S., Lyon, T.
Effects of Soft Tissue Mobilization (Rolfing Pelvic Lift) on Parasympathetic Tone in Two Age Groups
Journal of American Physical Therapy Association (1988), Vol. 68, No. 3, pp. 352-356
Results contribute to the understanding of pelvic mobilization techniques and may help to exlain why these techniques have been clinically successful in treatment of dysfunctions due to reduced parasympathetic tone and excessive sympathetic activity.

Perry, J., Jones, M., Thomas, L.
Functional Evaluation of Rolfing in Cerebral Palsy
Develop. Med. Child Neurol. (1981), Vol 23, pp. 717-729
Results indicate the Rolfing can lead to improved performance in mildly affected patients because they possess the neurological capacity to make use of increased tissue mobility.

Julian Silverman, et. al.
Stress, Stimulus Intensity Control, and the Structural Integration Technique
Confinia Psychiatrica (1973), Vol. 16, pp.201-219
Effects of the structural integration technique on measures of psychological and physiological function were studied.  Changes after structural integration were indicative of increased openness and better modulated sensitivity to environmental stimulation.

Robert S. Weinberg & Valerie V. Hunt
Effects of Structural Integration on State-Trait Anxiety
Journal of Clinical Psychology (1979), Vol. 35, no. 2, pp. 319-322
Studied the effects of structural integration on state-trait anxiety.  Results were discussed in terms of the release of emotional tension stored up in the muscles due to structural integration.

[Back to Contents]

PROFESSIONAL & REFERRAL ORGANIZATIONS

The Guild for Structural Integration
http://www.rolfguild.org
PO Box 1559, Boulder CO 80306
Toll Free: (800) 447-0150
Phone: (303) 447-0122
Fax: (303) 447-0180
Email: gsi@rolfguild.org
The Guild for Structural Integration is a private, non-profit vocational school offering training in the 10-session series originally taught by Ida P. Rolf. This organization is comprised of educators and practitioners of Structural Integration, dedicated to teaching, research, and service. Visit their web site for an international directory of practitioners.

Hellerwork International, LLC
http://www.hellerwork.com
406 Berry Street
Mount Shasta, CA 96067
Toll Free: (800) 392-3900
Fax: (530) 926-6839
Email: hellerwork@hellerwork.com
With a foundation in Rolfing, Hellerwork is a series of one-hour sessions of deep tissue bodywork and movement education designed to realign the body and release chronic tension and stress. Some of the topics included in this site are testimonials, a list of practitioners nationwide, and an index of related articles.

The International Professional School of Bodywork (IPSB)
http://www.webcom.com/ipsb/ipsbgen.html
1366 Hornblend St.
San Diego, CA 92109
Toll Free: (800) 748-6497
Phone: (858) 272-4142
Fax: (858) 272-4772
Email: beingipsb@aol.com
Offers training in the Rolf Method as part of a comprehensive program in somatic bodywork. Includes a 10-session series as a basic framework, with extensive development in movement and touch communication.

The Rolf Institute of Structural Integration
http://www.rolf.org
205 Canyon Blvd.
Boulder , CO 80302
Toll Free:  (800) 530-8875
Phone(303) 449-5903
Fax: (303) 449-5978
The Rolf Institute was founded in 1971 by Dr. Rolf to train Rolfing practitioners and Rolf Movement Practitioners, support research, and promote Rolfing to the public. Visit their web site for an international directory of practitioners.

[Back to Contents]

Please contact or visit the web sites of the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration or the Guild for Structural Integration for an international directory of practitioners.

[Back to Contents]

WEB RESOURCES

Promotional and commercial sites are not included in this listing unless they provide significant impartial information resources.

About Rolfing
http://www.rolfnet.com/about.html
Includes information on research done on rolfing.

Edward W. Maupin, PhD: Papers on Rolfing (Structural Integration)
http://www.edmaupin.com/rolfing/rolfing.htm
Trained by Dr. Ida Rolf, Dr. Maupin details the concepts and method of Dr. Rolf’s discoveries, and includes links to papers on Rolfing.

Frome Physical Therapy: The Rolfing Technique of Structural Integration
http://www.fromept.com/
A comprehensive informative site that is categorized for easy browsing.

Yahoo! Health: Rolfing
http://health.yahoo.com/health/Alternative_Medicine/Alternative_Therapies/Rolfing/
A concise yet informative site on rolfing, including definitions, alternative names, related resources, and a discussion of various aspects of treatment.

[Back to Contents]

CHIROPRACTIC THERAPY

Chiropractors influence the body's nervous and immune systems by adjusting the spine and joints, thereby alleviating pain and bettering general health. This field takes a holistic approach to health and illness, and encourages the body's innate tendency towards health. Its effectiveness in administering to back pain, headaches, and other injuries and traumas has contributed to chiropractic’s place as the second largest primary health care field in the world.

The National Center for Quality Assurance (NCQA) defines specific standards about how credentials are to be determined in the chiropractic profession. Chiropractic practitioners earn a doctor of chiropractic (D.C.) degree from programs and solitary purpose institutions holding accredited status with the Council on Chiropractic Education in the United States. D.C.’s also are required to pass a state licensing board exam. While most chiropractors do not have hospital clinical privileges, this should not hinder practice or credentialing. These credential guidelines for chiropractors are provided by the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards at http://www.fclb.org/ncqa-tbl.asp.

[Back to Contents]

NOTE:  The following listings are not intended to be comprehensive, nor to be used as a guide for treatment. They are provided for information only.  The resources are selected and categorized to help you with your own research.

BOOKS

AUTHORITATIVE RESEARCH RESOURCES

Michael Coplan-Griffiths Dynamic Chiropractic Today: The Complete and Authoritative Guide to this Major Therapy Harper Collins, 1991 An authoritative source, combining descriptions of treatments, the history, philosophy, and practice of chiropractic.

Daniel David Palmer The Chiropractor's Adjuster Palmer College Press, 1992 Written by one of the fathers of chiropractic medicine, this book discusses the science, art and philosophy of chiropractic.

Daniel Redwood, "Spinal Adjustment for Low Back Pain", chapter 8 in Marc S. Micozzi, Ed. Current Review of Complementary Medicine Current Medicine, Inc., 1999 This chapter contains a clear description of the regulations on practice, training, and accreditation in chiropractic.

CASE STUDIES/OBSERVATIONAL DATA

Raquel Martin Today’s Health Alternative America West Publishers, 1992 This publication contains an overview and brief history of chiropractic, as well as many anecdotes on other related health issues.

Chester Wilk Chiropractic Speaks Out Wilk Publishing Co., 1975 A clear and concise account of chiropractic for both patients and doctors.

[Back to Contents]

JOURNALS

The first three journals listed below are published by the National University of Health Sciences, formerly the College of Chiropractic. Questions or comments can be directed to:

Dr. Claire Johnson, Editor
National University of Health Sciences, Journals
200 East Roosevelt Road
Lombard, Illinois 60148
Phone: (630) 297-32906524
Fax: (630) 889-6554
E-mail: cjohnson@nuhs.edu

Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
Includes scientific papers of interest to the chiropractic profession, such as original research, reviews of the literature, important case reports, commentaries and editorials.

Chiropractic Technique
Designed to stimulate interest and research in applied chiropractic sciences and to disseminate information to practitioners, educators and others concerned about positive practices and policies.

Journal of Chiropractic Humanities
Fosters learned debate and interaction within the chiropractic profession regarding the uses of philosophical and sociological scholarship in advancing the chiropractic tenets.

Journal of Subluxation Research
http://www.jvsr.com/
Peer-reviewed journal focusing on the subluxation and its impact on health.

Spine
http://www.spinejournal.com
International Journal for the Study of the Spine
Phone: (516) 741-1772
Fax: (516) 741-2247
An international and peer-reviewed forum for the sharing of important diagnostic and therapeutic advances to help reduce the infirmities of human spine dysfunction. Original articles cross the entire spectrum of spinal pain, deformity and disability, and include coverage of both conventional and alternative treatment modalities being employed both in the U.S. and internationally.

[Back to Contents]

PROFESSIONAL & REFERRAL ORGANIZATIONS

American Chiropractic Association (ACA)
http://www.amerchiro.org/index.html
1701 Clarendon Blvd
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll Free: (800) 986-4636
Phone: (703) 276-8800
Fax: (703) 243-2593
Email: memberinfo@amerchiro.org
This organization has a monthly publication and newsletter, a referral for a doctor of chiropractic in your area, and clinical councils with specialization in sports injuries, and physical fitness, mental health, neurology, diagnosis, and internal disorders, nutrition, orthopedics, physiological therapeutics, diagnostic imaging, and occupational health.

Association for Network Chiropractic Spinal Analysis
444 Main Street
Longmont, Colorado 80501
Phone: (303) 678-8101
Fax: (303) 678-8089
Offers referrals and support through workshops, seminars, journals, and newsletters.

International Chiropractors Association (ICA)
http://www.chiropractic.org
1110 North Glebe Rd., Suite 1000
Arlington, VA 22201
Toll Free: (800) 423-4690
Phone: (703) 528-5000
Fax: (703) 528-5023
E-mail: chiro@chiropractic.org
This is the original chiropractic association, founded by the son of the founder of chiropractic. Programs and services are provided to meet the needs of chiropractors, patients, students, and the public.  Click on Information on ICA's Expanded Referral Service to find a doctor of chiropractic near you.

Sacral Occipital Resource Society International (SORSI)
http://www.sorsi.com
PO Box 6067
Leawood, KS 66206
Phone: (888) 245-1011
Fax: (913) 341-7685
Email: fhl@ipa.net
SORSI teaches postgraduate courses and certifies chiropractors in sacro-occipital technique (SOT) and SOT craniopathy.

World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA)
http://www.worldchiropracticalliance.org/
2950 N. Dobson Rd, Suite1
Chandler, AZ 85224
Toll Free: (800) 347-1011
Fax: (480) 732-9313
An international association of chiropractors that offers guidance and assistance to professionals and provides public education and information.

World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC)
http://www.wfc.org
3080 Yonge Street, Suite 5065
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4N 3N1
Phone: (416) 484-9978
Fax: (416) 484-9665
E-mail: worldfed@sympatico.ca
The WFC acts with national and international organizations to provide information and other assistance in the fields of chiropractic and world health to promote uniform high standards of chiropractic education, research and practice.

[Back to Contents]

Promotional and commercial sites are not included in this listing unless they provide significant impartial information resources.

The Chiropractic Page
http://www.mbnet.mb.ca/~jwiens/chiro2.shtml
A great resource with several listings of organizations and journals.

The Chiropractic Resource Organization
http://www.chiro.org/
This is a non-partisan internet site that is both "for" chiropractors and maintained "by" chiropractors, working towards providing the best information and communication.

[Back to Contents]

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

In this type of therapy, the bones of the skull are gently manipulated to alleviate a wide range of conditions, including headaches, ear infections, strokes, spinal cord injuries, and cerebral palsy. The craniosacral movement created by the rhythmical increase and decrease in cerebrospinal fluid causes a predictable movement of the cranial bones. A cranial therapist is trained to palpate this motion and diagnose the movement of the system as a whole by locating critical points of restriction in the cranium.

Official certification can be obtained from the Upledger Institute (UI), through a rigorous two-level program. Therapists certified at UI must maintain their certification through continuing education credits.

[Back to Contents]

NOTE:  The following listings are not intended to be comprehensive, nor to be used as a guide for treatment. They are provided for information only. The resources are selected and categorized to help you with your own research.

BOOKS

AUTHORITATIVE RESEARCH RESOURCES

Alain Gehin Atlas of Manipulative Techniques for the Cranium & Face Eastland Press, 1985 With more than one hundred illustrated techniques, this book is one of the most comprehensive sources of cranial techniques available. Organized by bone, each technique is illustrated to depict the placement and movement of the practitioner's hands on the patient's head. The concise text systematically describes the purpose of the technique, the position of both patient and practitioner, the points of contact, and the movement of hands and fingers in relation to the cranial motion.

John E. Upledger, D.O., F.A.A.O. & Jon D. Vredevoogd, M.F.A. Craniosacral Therapy Eastland Press, 1983 This is one of the most practical, comprehensive textbooks in this rapidly growing field of therapy, defining the physiology and anatomy of the craniosacral system, its function in health, and relationship to disease processes. It provides practical instruction in developing and extending palpatory skills which will greatly benefit all forms of manipulation, as well as basic physical diagnosis.

John E. Upledger, D.O., F.A.A.O. Craniosacral Therapy II: Beyond the Dura Eastland Press, 1987 Building upon concepts in Craniosacral Therapy, Dr. Upledger further explores the anatomical and physiological bases and clinical implications of several important aspects of the craniosacral system. Topics included in this book are cranial nerves, the anatomy of the neck, the temporomandibular joint, clinical techniques, and an extensive glossary of terms and concepts.

Carol J. Manheim The Self Healing Body: Craniosacral Therapy and SomatoEmotional Release SLACK, Inc., 1989 Manheim provides a detailed description of the psychological and emotional perspectives of stored memory, craniosacral therapy, SomatoEmotional Release, types of patients, and the process of craniosacral therapy.

John E. Upledger, D.O., F.A.A.O. Your Inner Physician and You: Craniosacral Therapy and SomatoEmotional Release North Atlantic Books, 1992 This book is ideal for the layreader in its explanation of craniosacral therapy, its philosophy, mechanism of action, specific cases, and other treatable conditions.

[Back to Contents]

JOURNALS

Due to the relatively recent entrance of this technique into the medical field, there are no journals specific to craniosacral therapy published as of yet.

[Back to Contents]

PROFESSIONAL & REFERRAL ORGANIZATIONS

[Back to Contents]

TREATMENT CENTERS

Positive Life Center
http://homepage.interaccess.com/~plctp/page3.html
PO Box 3938
Oak Park, IL 60303-3938
Phone: (708) 848-0400
Email: plctp@interaccess.com
Practitioners at this center provide complementary care techniques that mobilize the natural inner healing potential and promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being in a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental environment.

[Back to Contents]

Promotional and commercial sites are not included in this listing unless they provide significant impartial information resources.

CranioSacral Therapy Fact Sheet
http://www.craniosacral.com/
This site gives a brief overview of what craniosacral therapy is, some medical problems that have been alleviated by it, facts, and a few resources.

Craniosacral Therapy
http://Home.InfoRamp.Net/~centre/cranio.htm
A brief description of the history and mechanism of action of craniosacral therapy.

[Back to Contents]

OSTEOPATHY

Osteopathy is a holistic and more preventive approach to medicine as compared to conventional medicine. The focus is to help restore balance between the structure and functionING of the musculoskeletal system, which is the largest and most energy-consuming system in the body. Tension or mechanical restriction anywhere in this system can adversely Affect other physiological systems and organs within the body. Research supports the fact that osteopathy can help or resolve many health problems that fail to respond to conventional medicine. A few of the illnesses helped by osteopathic manipulation are spinal and joint conditions, arthritis, allergies, cardiac diseases, breathing dysfunctions, chronic fatigue syndrome, hiatal hernias, high blood pressure, headaches, digestive disorders, bladder and menstrual problems, prostate congestion, and numerous neuritis disorders.

Practitioners earn a doctor of osteopathy (D.O.) degree from one of the 19 accredited osteopathic medical schools in the United States. D.O.'s have the same scope of practice as allopathic doctors (M.D.'s), including the ability to prescribe drugs and perform surgery. D.O.'s and M.D.'s complete four years of basic medical education, complete an internship and a residency program, must pass the same or equivalent state licensing examinations, and practice side by side in fully accredited and licensed hospitals and medical centers.

[Back to Contents]

NOTE:  The following listings are not intended to be comprehensive, nor to be used as a guide for treatment. They are provided for information only.  The resources are selected and categorized to help you with your own research.

BOOKS

AUTHORITATIVE RESEARCH RESOURCES & TEXTBOOKS

American Osteopathic Association
Osteopathic Medicine
AOA, 1996
Contact the AOA (see below) for more information on this publication.

Stanley X. Garrett Osteopathy: Index of New Developments & Modern Research ABBE Publishers Association of Washington, DC, 1993

Andrew Taylor Still Philosophy and Mechanical Principles of Osteopathy American Academy of Osteopathy, 1986 Contact the AAO (see Professional Organizations section) for more information on this publication.

Andrew Taylor Still Osteopathy Research & Practice Eastland Press (Reprint), 1992 This influential book is the last work of A.T. Still, the founder of osteopathy, whose ideas have greatly influenced the practice of all forms of manual medicine during this century. In this final summation of the fundamentals of osteopathy, Dr. Still expresses his vision of health and disease, and what it means to be an osteopath. He then looks at each region of the body and describes in detail his approach to the diagnosis and treatment of specific disorders. The book was first published in 1910, and has since been reprinted with a new introduction by Harold Goodman, D.O.

Robert C. Ward, John A. Jerome, and John M. Jones, III, Eds. Foundations for Osteopathic Medicine Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, 1997 Basic textbook for osteopathic medicine covering philosophy, history, research, and manipulative techniques.

CASE STUDIES/OBSERVATIONAL DATA

Leon Chaitow, D.O. Osteopathic Self-Treatment Thorsons, 1990 This book provides information on some of the safe "soft-tissue" methods used in osteopathic treatment, many of which are ideal for first aid use or to accompany treatment from a professional (osteopath, chiropractor, massage therapist, physical therapist).

Norman Gevitz, D.O. The D.O.'s: Osteopathic Medicine in America Johns Hopkins University Press, 1991 Gevitz completely chronicles the development of osteopathy from its origin in the 19th century, to the present, focusing on the philosophy, teaching, and practice of osteopathy, and its impact on the medical community.

[Back to Contents]

JOURNALS

AAO Journal
http://www.academyofosteopathy.org/journals.htm
The AAO Journal is the official journal of the American Academy of Osteopathy.

Journal of the American Osteopathic Association (JAOA)
http://www.am-osteo-assn.org/Publications/JAOA/jaoa.htm
The JAOA is a scholarly and official scientific publication of the AOA.  It provides a forum for communicating and disseminating philosophical concepts, clinical practice observations, and scientific information, and for defining the current status of the profession.  It is directed toward the osteopathic primary care physician with a broad range of interests and provides a clinical and scientific update for the osteopathic specialist.

[Back to Contents]

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO)
http://www.academyofosteopathy.org
3500 DePauw Blvd, Suite 1080
Indianapolis, IN 46268
Phone: (317) 879-1881
Fax: (317) 879-0563
This organization is a practice affiliate of the AOA, and represents D.O.’s who specialize in skilled OMT in their clinical practice.

American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM)
http://www.aacom.org/
5550 Friendship Blvd., Suite 310
Chevy Chase, MD 20815-7231
Phone: (301) 968-4100
The AACOM represents the administration, faculty and students at the 19 member osteopathic medical schools in the United States, and is actively involved in all areas of osteopathic medical education. 

American Osteopathic Association (AOA)
http://www.am-osteo-assn.org/
142 East Ontario St.
Chicago, IL 60611
Toll Free: (800) 621-1773
Phone: (312) 280-5854
Fax: (312) 202-8206
Email: info@aoa-net.org
All doctors of osteopathy (D.O.’s) within this association are trained in osteopathic manipulative treatments (OMT), with some specializing more in OMT, and others more in conventional medical techniques. The AOA is the national organization representing all D.O.'s.

American Osteopathic Healthcare Association (AOHA)
http://www.aoha.org/
5550 Friendship Blvd., Sutoe 300
Chevy Chase, MD  20815
Phone: (301) 968-AOHA (2642)
Fax: (301) 968-4195
Email: aoha@osteohdq.org
The AOHA is the only national association dedicated to the interests of osteopathic hospitals and healthcare systems.  The AOHA serves the osteopathic profession and its principles by increasing the recognition of osteopathy and promoting excellence in the delivery of health care and medical education.

[Back to Contents]

TREATMENT CENTERS

American Academy of Osteopathy
http://www.academyofosteopathy.org
3500 DePaw Boulevard, Suite 1080
Indianapolis, Indiana 46268-1136
Voice Mail: (317) 879-1881
Fax: (317) 879-0563
The American Academy of Osteopathy will be pleased to send you a list of physician members in your state. The list includes member physicians whose practices include the integration of osteopathic manipulative treatment in the health care management of their patients.

Osteopathic Center for Children
http://osteopathic-ctr-4child.org
4135 54^th Place
San Diego, California 92105
Phone: (619) 583-7611
Fax: (619) 583-0296
A non-profit center for children which uses osteopathy, neuro-developmental patterning, and integration, nutrition, natural medicines, and developmental optometry to treat children.

[Back to Contents]

WEB RESOURCES

Promotional and commercial sites are not included in this listing unless they provide significant impartial information resources.

American Whole Health Osteopathy Page
http://www.americanwholehealth.com/library/osteopathy/do.htm
Comprehensive overview of osteopathy, including its philosophy, history, references, osteopathic manipulation and much more.

Osteopathic Medicine: International WWW Resource Website
http://www.rscom.com/osteo/
This expanding site provides a forum for osteopaths around the world to unite, creating some interesting links.

[Back to Contents]