Ahead of his Keynote at camexpo, leading osteopath Leon Chaitow discusses the emerging trends of research into fascia/connective tissue in this exclusive Q&A.
Leon Chaitow ND DO is lead author of ‘Recognizing & Treating Breathing Disorders’ (Elsevier 2014) and numerous other health-related texts. He is editor-in-chief of ‘The Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies’,
Who or what has been the biggest influence on your career?
My father’s cousin Stanley Lief ND DO DC, who founded Champneys Health Resort (1925), and also, in 1935, what is now the British College of Osteopathic Medicine (previously British College of Naturopathy & Osteopathy). Lief was a colossus, and his influence on me has been profound and lasting.
What’s your most memorable work moment?
Receiving an Honorary Fellowship from the University of Westminster (2005) “For services to Osteopathy and Natural Medicine”.
What’s the single biggest challenge in your work?
Keeping up to date with the evidence that emerges from scientific and clinical research. This requires a great deal of reading and study - particularly when trying to translate basic science studies into clinical relevance.
What’s one emerging trend or research that anyone working in your field should know?
The growing understanding that research is revealing of the roles of fascia/connective tissue in the evolution of pain and dysfunction. On another level, evidence of the profound effects on the economy of the body of breathing pattern disorders - ranging from altered pain thresholds to the influence of breathing dysfunction on pelvic pain and function. These are areas that all therapists should be aware of, particularly those involved in management of patients with chronic problems.
Do you expect complementary therapies to play a larger role in primary care in the years to come?
Undoubtedly. It’s interesting to see just how much that was rejected as quackery when I graduated, now being incorporated into mainstream medical understanding, particularly the influence of diet, nutrition and stress management (in all its many facets) in health care.
What tips and advice would you give someone who is just starting their career in health care/complementary medicine?
Work with what fascinates and interests you most. Study, read, attend seminars, refine skills, lecture, write, teach…become an expert, and those who need your expertise will find you.
What are the key points you’ll be covering in your Keynote at this year’s camexpo?
One week before my camexpo presentation I will be a Keynote speaker at the 4th International Fascia Research Congress in Washington DC. For my talk at camexpo I will distill the information that I have prepared for the Washington event, as well as including the very latest highlights from it.
The most critical evidence that is emerging from research into this topic is the importance for manual therapists and practitioners (osteopaths, chiropractors, physiotherapists, and massage therapists etc) - of being able to modulate and refine their treatment methods. Dosage is vital…it’s not just what we do, but how we do it that matters. Very small differences in the degree, directions, duration (time) and many other variables, influence outcomes - and we are beginning to get research evidence that can guide our work more clearly. I will outline some of this.
In addition to your Keynote, why would you recommend practitioners/therapists visit camexpo?
The sheer range of exhibits, workshops, keynote presentations at camexpo makes this an important venue for anyone who wishes to stay aware of options and possibilities.
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