NAPRAPATH = Nah-prah–PATH’
NAPRAPATHY = Nah-PRAH’-pah-thee
Naprapathy is a growing, yet century old specialty in complementary manual medicine, this healthcare system utilizes hands-on healing techniques as well as nutritional counseling, modern medical technologies, therapeutic exercise, and stress management to treat a wide range of health problems. The word comes from the Czech napravit meaning "to correct," and the Greek pathos, for "suffering," and Doctors of Naprapathy (D.N.s) are dedicated to this cause.
Naprapathy was being developed in the late 1800s and founded in 1907 by Dr. Oakley Smith, who unexpectedly departed from his own chiropractic training after that method, and a relentless search of other popular healing methods popular of the time,failed to work for his own chronic back pain. After much experimentation on himself (with his own brother assisting), Dr. Oakley Smith discovered a "cure" for his back problem by manipulating the soft body tissues (muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia) surrounding the spine, rather than only correcting the spine itself.
Dr. Smith believed that contractures and blockages in these soft tissues not only were the cause of back problems like his but also led to a wide variety of other physical complaints. These blockages appear as muscular contractions in response to physical injuries, poor nutrition, improper posture ... and sometimes even psychological conflicts having a physiological affect on the body. Dr. Smith felt that the common denominator in any disease is stress - physically, biochemically and emotionally-based. Under stressful conditions connective tissue such as fascia, muscle sheath, ligaments and tendons can contract. As these tissues become restricted, normal function within the area decreases. The concept that disease results from blocked energy, though not a new concept - being central to Oriental and Ayurvedic medicine - was considered highly innovative at the time in America and Europe.
In 1908 Dr. Oakley Smith founded what is today known an the National College of Naprapathic Medicine.
Modern Naprapaths
Naprapathic Medicine today is a licensed complementary healthcare system. Modern Naprapaths practice evidence-based medicine specializing in connective tissue (ligaments, tendons, fascia, cartilage and spinal discs) disorders, neuromusculoskeletal disorders and nutritional counseling. It is currently licensed in Illinois and New Mexico and known internationally in countries such as Sweden and Denmark with countless practitioners in several other European and Asian countries.
Naprapaths use their hands to gently release specific points of tension in the body that have become abnormally tensed and contracted related to poor posture, injury, accidents, repetitive motion, poor nutrition, stress and/or other assaults on the body.
The goal of the Naprapath is to bring overall balance using the body's key "guide wire structures" to help decrease irritation, blockages, improve circulation and restore flexibility and resiliency to the body. In addition to performing manual manipulation, Naprapaths are trained as holistically-based nutritional counselors that believe a favorable internal environment is essential for good health.
Naprapaths utilize postural counseling, therapeutic exercise and modalities such as ultrasound electric muscle stimulation, low level laser therapy (cold laser), vibration, heat and/or cold therapy, and nutritional counseling to enhance the results of a treatment.
Naprapath Vs Chiropractor Vs Physical Therapist Vs Massage Therapist Vs Acupuncturist ...
All healthcare professionals (theoretically) have one thing in mind - to help the patient get better. Each system uses a different approach - though these approaches often overlap in technique. The MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR in choosing a practitioner is the EXPERIENCE, SKILL AND INTENT of the PRACTITIONERS themselves! Acupuncture can be just as effective as Physical Therapy for pain relief - just as the right Naprapathic treatment can reduce pain and restriction. Lakeshore Integrative HealthCare, Ltd is unique in the Chicagoland area as we combine a holistic combination of Eastern and Western technques utilizing conventional and complementary alternative methods which include licensed physical therapists, acupuncturists, physiatry, massage and naprapathy!
Remember that all Naprapaths, Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, Medical Doctors, Osteopaths and other healthcare professionals vary greatly in the skill of their craft - just as well as do plumbers, sales clerks, lawyers and all other professions vary a great deal in their respective fields. Be sure to choose carefully. At Lakeshore Integrative HealthCare, we integrate the highest level of quality within a multidisciplinary setting to provide you with the highest care available in conservative medicine available.
