The Name - its meaning & use
The word "ortho" is from the Greek root word "orthos" meaning straight. It is
used in many combinations and depends on the use for its intended meaning.
"Practics" is derived from the Greek
"prassein" - to do, to work (Webster's Dictionary)
In manual bodywork therapy, the term
orthopractics was originally used to convey the sense of techniques that were
more acceptable, safe or orthodox in practice.
An additional meaning of making the body right, straight or correct is
implied, so that an orthopractor is a "body-corrector" focusing on a
whole-of-person result.
It uses techniques such as manual mobilizing,
stretching, compression and soft-tissue releasing techniques which applied to
the body, achieve straightness, re-alignment and adjustment. Its techniques
work within the limits of the safe range of motion, without going into the
extended paraphysical range of motion used in manipulative thrust techniques.
History
In 2002
the term
"orthopractics"
was
adopted
as part
of the
name of
the "The
Australian
College
of
Orthopractics
Pty
Ltd", a
private
training
organization
and
formally
registered
in
Victoria
as a
Company.
In 2003
the term
"orthopractics"
was also
adopted
as part
of the
name of
the
"Australian
Orthopractic
Association
Inc."
and duly
registered
with
Consumer
Affairs,
Victoria
on the
8th
October
2003.
The college was formed to deliver training in
a whole-of-body approach to manual bodywork therapies. In the four initial
years, a pilot group of therapists was put through the formative training to
develop the training and refine the delivery of the courses.
The hands-on training
modules teach the successful and proven techniques learnt and practiced by the
founders over their combined 60 years of experience, with a foundational
emphasis on treating the feet with orthopractic foot joint mobilization.
When Gordon delivered our courses, the popularity of the massage course trebled, & attracted international & exchange students each semester from USA, Canada and Europe - his capacity to treat the variety of injuries is exemplary - none deal with conditions as comprehensively as he does - I could not have trained and competed to the level of Australian Ironman Championships without him!
Jay Henderson Director - Outdoor Education - Victoria University
Gordon Wilson brings with him a remarkable and long history in manual body work skills. With the invaluable legacy of a British Osteopath for his father, a variety of sporting skills in boxing and football, and the clinical expertise of some 35 years in remedial bodywork practices in Victoria and Queensland, he has a major contribution to make to any practitioner wishing to learn "hands-on" techniques that work in the real world.
He lectured for four years at VUT (Victorian University of Technology) in manual body therapies, teaching on
the most practical and effective ways of dealing with sports injuries, body re-alignment and deep tissue and muscular problems.
Highly regarded by his peers and colleagues for his hands-on experience, Gordon currently practices and lectures in the science of orthopractic body work.
He is the Australian College of Orthopractics director and principal,
and
founding
lecturer.
