ABOUT
Our Approach
At Diaz Osteopathy & Massage, we live by the philosophy: “Find it. Fix it. Leave it alone.” Inspired by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of osteopathic manual medicine, we aim to identify and address the root causes of your discomfort, allowing your body to do what it does best—heal itself.
Our team brings diverse perspectives and extensive experience to treat a wide range of conditions. We believe true health starts with you. By taking an active role in your wellness journey and choosing consistent, intentional care, you set the stage for lasting physical and mental well-being.
We're here to support you every step of the way, as long as you're committed to your own health.
“I don't view you as one or two problems that need to be fixed; You are a whole person, and your physical and mental body operates as a whole. That’s how I approach treatment.”
-Nacho Diaz
About Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a gentle, hands-on, holistic therapy that focuses on the body's structure and function. Rather than just treating symptoms, we look for the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction. Our bodies are incredibly adaptive, often compensating for imbalances for years before symptoms appear. Through careful assessment, we trace these patterns to address the true source of your discomfort.
For instance, a shoulder issue might stem from long-standing postural imbalances or past injuries. By identifying and treating these root causes, we aim for not just symptom relief but long-term recovery and resilience.
Osteopathy is suitable for all ages and can address various conditions, including:
Back and neck pain
Joint and muscle issues
Headaches and migraines
Digestive problems
Stress-related tension
Our goal is to restore balance, enhance mobility, and support your body's natural healing processes.
A little deeper…
Core Philosophy & History
Roots: Founded by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still in the late 1800s, classic osteopathy emphasizes the body's innate intelligence, structure-function unity, self-healing, and a principle-based approach—not formulaic techniques.
Principles Still established:
Whole-body unity
Self-regulation and self-healing
Structure governs function
Care based on these truths
Original focus: a drug-free, hands-on method relying on touch to identify and correct dysfunctions—fluid dynamics and movement were central metaphors for health.
Diagnosis: From Hands to Function
Classic method: Still taught practitioners to “listen with their hands”—palpating tissue texture, tension, asymmetry, and movement restrictions (known as STAR principles) to pinpoint “somatic dysfunction”.
Modern enhancements:
Functional tests—joint range of motion, gait, posture assessments, ergonomic evaluations, and strength/balance screenings identify how your body actually performs.
Orthopaedic and neurological exams—used when there are symptoms like nerve pain, pins/needles, or postural imbalances.
Holistic review—medical history, lifestyle, and sometimes imaging or lab work are integrated to build a full picture.
This modern blend enables osteopaths to answer: Is there dysfunction? Where is it? What is causing it?
Treatment: Hands-On, Holistic & Tailored
Still’s original approach featured gentle manual adjustments to restore fluid flow and structural balance across the body’s systems .
Modern techniques include:
Soft tissue/myofascial release
Muscle energy and strain-counterstrain
Joint mobilization and gentle HVA
Visceral manipulation and cranial work
Comprehensive care:
Exercises, stretching, posture coaching
Ergonomic advice and lifestyle modifications
Goal: restore structure, function, and body harmony—allowing self-healing
Preventive & Proactive
Still's vision prioritized prevention—identifying blockages before they turned into disease .
Today, osteopaths:
Use functional screenings for workplace, sports, daily life challenges
Coach clients on posture and environment adjustments
Provide tailored exercise programs to strengthen and maintain balance
Personalized Artistry
Then and now, classic osteopathy isn’t about rigid recipes—it’s a principle-based craft. Practitioners adapt their hands and care to fit each person, not a standard protocol .
Now, with richer diagnostic tools, this artistry is informed by a more complete understanding of each individual’s functional movement, limiting the risk of treat‑and‑run care.
Classic osteopathy, founded by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still in the 1870s, remains a hands‑on, principle‑driven healthcare approach rooted in body unity, self‑healing, and the structural basis of function. Practitioners continue to palpate tissue restrictions and movement patterns, now enriched with modern diagnostics—functional movement tests, orthopaedic and neurological evaluations—to pinpoint dysfunctions more accurately. Treatment still centers on skilled, full‑body manual adjustments, cranial and visceral techniques to restore fluid dynamics and biomechanical balance. Additionally, modern practitioners complement hands‑on care with personalized exercises, posture and ergonomic coaching, and lifestyle guidance to support prevention and resilience. In essence, today’s classical osteopathy honors Still’s foundational philosophy while integrating enhanced functional assessment and proactive health strategies.
“Our practices blend seamlessly—osteopathy is like the expert mechanic I send patients to when a deeper fix is needed.”
-Sara Diaz
Health is a journey, not a destination. Once acute symptoms are managed, we focus on maintaining your well-being through regular check-ins and proactive care. By addressing minor issues before they escalate, we help you stay ahead of potential problems.
Think of us as your wellness partners, committed to helping you achieve and maintain optimal health.
Ready to take the next step? Book an appointment with us today and experience the benefits of osteopathic and massage therapy.