André Silva
About People. For people. Through people. Osteopathy doesn’t treat diseases, it doesn’t treat pathologies, it doesn’t treat any particular muscle. It deals with people, human beings, with a certain history, a set of beliefs and behaviors, and an experience built in a very specific way in a certain context.
That’s why each treatment is unique. Because every story counts. And because clinical communication is part of the process, it’s necessary to find the right words for that individual who is experiencing their pain or problem in a very specific way.
Manual techniques target the neuro-musculo-skeletal system and, being manual, are non-invasive par excellence. The results are often surprising, not because we deal with that particular region, but because the vision is global, comprehensive and complete. Treatment is guided by a rigorous clinical interview and an assessment where touch, the way the person moves and certain tests can help us find the way. Behind the scenes is clinical reasoning based on in-depth knowledge of anatomophysiology, biomechanics and pathology.
Sometimes the problem is beyond my competence and if that’s the case, the person will be referred to another health professional. Perhaps more capable or more suitable. Everything is explained to the person. She is at the center of the therapeutic process and in control of decision-making. So this is also a team effort. And in this recovery process, exercise can be a great ally. Exercise and our lifestyle, which is ultimately our great power.
That’s how it happened to me. There was a day when I did everything I could to find an osteopath to help me resolve a shoulder injury. This consultation had such an impact on me that a few years later I considered studying the profession. And I’m still studying today. I’m very happy in the classroom, this magical space that can change the world. I consider myself privileged to be able to teach, but I still have a great desire to learn, in a mixture of dissatisfaction and curiosity about what I don’t know.
And of course, I’m extremely happy at work. This is my story, but there are many people behind it. It’s about people. Everything in life is about people.
Pillars
that move me
Knowledge
Training never ends. I try to achieve not only technical skills that will make me more efficient as an osteopath, but also pedagogical skills that will make me a better teacher and psychosocial skills that will allow me to communicate more effectively with the person who comes to the consultation as well as with other health professionals.
Collaboration
With the person, with other osteopaths and with other health professionals. The recovery process often requires interprofessional education and interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary work. I make this referral whenever necessary.
Communication
Researchers now recognize that communication is a decisive skill in clinical success. There can be no doubt. It must be clear, coherent, safe and adapted to the individual. Always open to sharing relevant information, everything counts, even the tone of your voice.
Ethics and Integrity
Respecting and safeguarding the dignity of the person in pain or suffering from a physical disability is imperative in my clinical practice. I also guarantee compliance with the ethical, moral and legal rights of autonomy, privacy, confidentiality, freedom of choice and informed decision-making.
Universality
The world is our home. I welcome people from all over the world on a daily basis and, as a person and as a professional, I defend and promote the fundamental values of freedom, diversity, inclusion and equality.
