Naprapathy

Naprapathy (Czech náprava, correction - from napravit, to correct) - is a branch of complementary medicine (Manipulative therapy), that focuses on the evaluation and treatment of neuro-musculoskeletal conditions. Doctors of Naprapathy (naprapaths) are connective tissue specialists.

Naprapathic treatment consists of naprapathic manipulative techniques, adjunctive (additional) treatments, and nutritional counseling.

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Naprapathy was founded in the early 1900s by Dr. Oakley Smith, an early chiropractor, who called his manual medical technique naprapathy. It is a derivative of osteopathy and chiropractic, which focuses on spine and subluxations. Naprapaths working with the spine emphasize the underlying ligaments. Dr. Oakley Smith, the first Naprapath, founded the science of Naprapathy in 1907 after devising a systematic treatment method of evaluating and healing damaged connective tissues. He discovered that structural imbalances (often situated in the spine) were sources of pain which can build slowly and spread throughout the body.

The cause of such imbalances, which deplete the suppleness of connective tissue, include poor posture, trauma ( whiplash and sports injuries) and general wear. Naprapathy teaches that, over time, the resulting stiffness can produce pinched nerves. These trigger or contribute to chronic conditions like arthritis, migraine headache, carpal tunnel syndrome, TMJ, herniated disc, bursitis, tendonitis, fibromyalgia, sciatica, chronic back pain, joint pain, shoulder pain and stress related pain.

In Naprapathy, treatment begins with a medical case history and a spinal examination to identify the precise location of pain. Naprapathic therapy includes manual manipulations designed to stretch specific connective tissues, improve structural alignment, promote balance and provide pain relief.

The oldest and largest naprapathic school is the National College of Naprapathic Medicine in Chicago. The NCNM offers a four-year program, a 3-year accelerated program and a five-year program. Graduates receive a DN or Doctor of Naprapathy degree.

In Sweden, naprapaths - doctors of naprapatic medicine, (D.N. or DN) undergoing a 5 year full-time education at the Scandinavian University-College of Manual Medicine currently are the biggest group [of] practitioners of orthopaedic medicine. Naprapaths in Sweden are licensed by the state board of health and welfare. In Finland, naprapathic studies are held in Kotka at the University of Applied Sciences. There are also naprapaths in Germany and in the Czech Republic.

In Illinois, Naprapathic treatment is covered by Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Humana and Prudential Insurance. Naprapathic physicians can provide patients with a "super-bill" which they can use to submit their claims to insurance companies.

Naprapaths utilize their hands and also modalities (such as ultrasound, electical stimulation, cryotherapy and lasers) to manage neuromusculoskeletal and soft tissue related pain.

Naprapaths in the US are licensed as in Illinois and New Mexico, regulated in Ohio and may also practice in California, New York, Florida, Texas, Washington and other states where freedom of access statutes permit one to practice as a naprapathic doctor without a license. Although the term Oakley Smith Method is trade marked, the word naprapathy is not.

Massage therapists who want to practice naprapathy in California, Florida or other states in which naprapathy is not regulated can complete an unregulated online DN program (e.g. Corllins University, Belford University), or at the Blue Heron Academy which is recognized by the American Manual Medicine Association, and the North American Naprapathic Association and the American Institute of Naprapathic Medicine, but not by NCNM, the ANA or the INA.

Translation of "Naprapathy"

Norwegian (Bokmål): Naprapati, Finnish: Naprapatia, Swedish: Naprapati.