The Life and Times of John Martin Littlejohn

The Life and Times of John Martin Littlejohn

by | Oct 17, 2016 | Bookshop

The Life and Times of John Martin Littlejohn

The Life and Times of John Martin Littlejohn

In his biography The Life and Times of John Martin Littlejohn, published in 1999, John Wernham begins his introduction  “Any attempt to analyse the character of John Martin Littlejohn is confronted with a complex that has no entry and no completion.  He was and remains an enigma.”

This book is a true account by the one man who knew him, lived next door to him, travelled with him, studied under him and spent his lifetime practising, teaching and publishing what Littlejohn taught him — John Wernham.

In The Life and Times of John Martin Littlejohn, John Wernham writes that Littlejohn was “a warm parent and a tough disciplinarian; he was a quiet man, soft-spoken and with a manner that was diffident and sometimes withdrawn to the point of indifference.  Wryly, perhaps, it was often noted that his farewell was a shade more cordial than his greeting and there can be no doubt at all that he was a man who preferred to be left alone.

My first encounter with John Martin was on the cricket field, a family field it must be said and I, being something of a fast bowler at the age of eight years, had reached sufficient renown to show the head of the house something of my true metal.  With all this very much in my mind, I put on every ounce of speed of which my puny arm was capable in the determination to topple the great man’s stumps.  But the batsman retired without losing his wicket and the bowler never completed the over and has never quite made it ever since”.

In The Life and Times of John Martin Littlejohn, John Wernham also wrote “He was orientated to his beloved osteopathy to such an extent that domestic affairs sometimes took second place.  Not that the family lacked the basic necessities of life.  One friend of the family once remarked, ‘If you are feeling down, pay a call on the Littlejohns and you will feel the better for it.’  There were many such friends who took advantage of this American style in hospitality and the house was often bulging with all kinds and types of guests.”

To read more of “The Life and Times of John Martin Littlejohn” you can purchase a copy from the JWCCO Bookshop for £25 here: http://www.johnwernhamclassicalosteopathy.com/product/the-life-and-times-of-john-martin-littlejohn/

 

Mechanics of the Spine and Pelvis

Mechanics of the Spine and Pelvis

by | Aug 15, 2016 | Bookshop

Mechanics of the Spine and Pelvis

Mechanics of the Spine and Pelvis

In the Preface of the Mechanics of the Spine and Pelvis, John Wernham writes: “The present study in the Mechanics of the Spine and Pelvis is based on some original research carried out by Dr. J.M. Littlejohn about the year 1900.  The text has been prepared form lecture notes delivered at the British School of Osteopathy in 1934.  (Dr. J.M. Littlejohn’s Lecture Notes are held in the John Wernham College of Classical Osteopathy Library and Archive.)  The diagrams illustrating the text were produced by John Wernham and T.E. Hall in 1955.

The human body is not a machine; it is a living, and highly sensitive organism.  None-the-less, it is subject to the laws of gravity and if the mechanical aspect of our physiological life does not receive its proper and due acknowledgement, and if adequate clinical procedures are not adopted, then the ultimate breakdown in the body unity will become inevitable”.

In the Mechanics of the Spine and Pelvis the second chapter refers to Applied Mechanics of the Spine and Pelvis.  “If a solid body is suspended, its balance is maintained at a definite point and the line of action of supporting power passes through the centre of gravity, if the body is at rest.  In the human body this point is to be found in the 3rd lumbar vertebra.  If the movement of the body is properly balanced its equilibrium is maintained in standing or walking around this point and is under the control of muscles and soft tissues in the dorsal, lumbar and sacral areas.  In the erect posture, the pelvis represents suspension through the legs which operate as the support in relation to standing or walking.  This is why the legs become tired in abnormal postural conditions of the body, and why, in its true gravital position the body is suspended from the pelvis, and supported upward from the pelvis”.

Also in this chapter, John Wernham writes about The Anterior Body Line; The Non-Parallel Lines; The Curved Lines; The Dorso-Lumbar Arch; The First Examination of a Patient; The Posterior and Anterior Curvatures.

To read more of “Mechanics of the Spine and Pelvis” you can purchase a copy from the JWCCO Bookshop for £15 here: http://www.johnwernhamclassicalosteopathy.com/mechanics-of-the-spine-and-pelvis/

Dr. J.M. Littlejohn’s Lectures on the Pathology of the Osteopathic Lesion

Dr. J.M. Littlejohn’s Lectures on the Pathology of the Osteopathic Lesion

by | Jul 7, 2016 | Bookshop

Dr Littlejohn’s Lectures on the Pathology of the Osteopathic Lesion

Dr. Littlejohn’s Lectures on the Pathology of the Osteopathic Lesion

The publication of Dr. J.M. Littlejohn’s Lectures on the Pathology of the Osteopathic Lesion commences with The Pathology of the Osteopathic Lesion “The foundation of all disease is some deficiency in the immunising power of the body, and the principles underlying disease therefore are variations from normal in structure and/or function.

Susceptibility to disease depends on the degree of variation from normal in body integrity; the normal resisting capacity of the parts of the body; and capacity of toxins and/or micro-organisms to invade and produce resultant changes in the body, which lay the foundation for degenerative processes.”

In the second section of Lectures on the Pathology of the Osteopathic Lesion, Dr. J.M. Littlejohn writes on the subject of Osteopathic Pathology: “Pathology is obstructive or irritative conditions, resulting in disturbed structure or function. This result secondarily establishes:

1. Abnormal blood, i.e. malnutrition; or
2. Neurosis, i.e. weakening of the functions of the nervous system or a part of it.”

Dr. J.M. Littlejohn further writes in this section: “The fundamental characteristic of the body is harmony and equilibrium in the organism. If the latter is normal there is no struggle for life among the different parts of the body, each being a unity in itself which consists of co-operation among fibres, cells, tissues and fluids, each of which derives its value from the place it occupies and the work it does in the organism. Hence, the body is not a colony of cells but an organism in which all cellular elements are united together each cooperating with the other to form the unity of the body. Hence if one part of the body is in revolt (disease) then all other body forces must be used to end the revolt”.

To read more of “Dr J.M Littlejohn Lecture’s on the Pathology of the Osteopathic Lesion” you can purchase a copy from the JWCCO Bookshop for £15 here: http://www.johnwernhamclassicalosteopathy.com/dr-j-m-littlejohns-lectures-on-the-pathology-of-the-osteopathic-lesion/

Dr. J.M. Littlejohn’s Orthopaedics

Dr. J.M. Littlejohn’s Orthopaedics

by | May 10, 2016 | Bookshop

Orthopedics

Orthopaedics

Dr. J.M. Littlejohn’s Lectures on Orthopaedics commences “Properly speaking, orthopaedics deals with deformities of the child but in practice it covers all forms of deformity in the spine and extremities.  The foundation is in the inherent weakness of the spine which results from some abnormal development.  At birth, the musculo‑vertebtral column is free from architectural defect, the spinal reflexes are absent, the activity of the voluntary nervous system is at a minimum, so that voluntary muscular control is impossible.  It is only when this control begins to show in the spine that the typical curves begin to form.  Hence we can lay down two propositions: (1) If the brain development with the spine accessorily is normal in the child, the normal curves are established early but, (2) As deficiency develops in the cerebro spinal nervous system the curves become more atypical, indicating that outside trauma all treatment should be directed to the C.S.N.S.

It must be emphasized that the motor nerve supply to the vertebral tissues is of supreme importance and if we are to obtain the correct foundation on which to build the normal spine we must look to this mechanism after the appearance of the physiological curves.  In a high proportion of cases the muscular vertebral column is weak at puberty and is to be localized in the intrinsic nervous mechanism.  That is to say, the central nervous system is equal to the task of making the spine normal, but the spinal and accessory nervous mechanism is too weak to make this possible.  Therefore, it can be said that the vertebral column as a whole is structurally and functionally normal in development, but that functionally it is inadequate to maintain the integrity of the muscular system in and around the spine, so that, functionally, it is unable to bear the weight of the body as and when it assumes the postural erect position.”

Orthopaedics edited by John Wernham from Dr. J.M. Littlejohn’s lectures covers the subjects Sprains; Dislocations; Shoulder; Lower Extremities; Ankle; Knee; Hip; The Sacral Plexus; The Locked Lesion; Postural Integrity; The Development of Posture; The Lumbo-Sacral Area; and Relation of Accommodation and Compensation to Deformity.

To read more of “Dr J.M Littlejohn Lecture’s on Orthopaedics” you can purchase a copy from the JWCCO Bookshop for £15 here: http://www.johnwernhamclassicalosteopathy.com/dr-j-m-littlejohn-lectures-on-orthopaedics/

Notes on Dr. J.M. Littlejohn’s Principles of Osteopathy

Notes on Dr. J.M. Littlejohn’s Principles of Osteopathy

by | Apr 21, 2016 | Bookshop

Notes on the Principles of Osteopathy Front

Notes on Dr. J.M. Littlejohn’s Principles of Osteopathy

JWCCO is pleased to announce the launch of its new website www.jwccolearning.org.uk
By registering on this website you will be able to read this publication (Notes on the Principles of Osteopathy) and other publications free of charge.

Notes on Dr. J.M. Littlejohn’s Principles of Osteopathy, John Martin Littlejohn writes: “In discussing the theory of the treatment of disease we must differentiate between the condition of disease and the state of disease.  If treatment is to be successful it must be based on the relation of cause and effect and the diagnosis must cover every aspect and sequence of that relationship.  We deal with vitality as the sum total of all the activities of the body, and we distinguish between health that is vital and that which is merely nutritive.  Here are included:  (1) The supply of materials on a nutritive basis; (2) the power of reception and rejection of the proximate principles so provided, and (3) the power of assimilation to its own substance after the body has received, digested and absorbed the food materials.  In vital health, however, we have to consider: (4) the adjustment of all the different parts of the body on a structural basis, and (5) the adjustment of all the functional activities of the body on the basis of vitality.

“Vital unhealth as distinguished from vital health means that some impairment or deficiency is present in any one or more of these five points.  This disturbing element is expressed in the term ‘Osteopathic Lesion’ which, in its widest sense, may have its origin in the food supply; in the power to receive or assimilate and in the structural or functional activities of the body.  Disease is an effect and not a cause.  It is an effect from the disturbed vital health and the state that we call disease is always a result of a previous condition of un-health.  If we take disease as a starting point and attempt to trace it backwards, there are three topics which emerge for discussion, namely, the Etiology, Symptomatology, and the Effects, or results of disease.”

In the Notes on Principles of Osteopathy, Dr. John Martin Littlejohn further writes about the Principles of Treatment where he states that…..“Osteopathic work is palliative or curative.  Palliative treatment aims at the mitigation of pain, or the relief of some inflammatory condition, exudation, accumulation, etc.  It is accomplished mainly by the relaxation of muscular contractures and through the sensory nerve connections.  The curative work is corrective of irritability, having a three-fold object in view.  All treatment is, or ought to be, directed to the vital force through the property of the irritability of tissue, of which nerve tissue is the most highly irritable.  Every lesion involves some modification in the irritability so that the principles and practice of treatment should appeal to the irritability or to the vital force through the irritability.  In appealing to the irritability we first correct the condition of the muscles, bones, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels and so on in order to alter, or modify the irritability.  Secondly, hyper-irritability at a particular local point is lessened by inhibitory pressure over that point.  The inhibition equalises the impulses of their irritability and distribute them equally among all the different parts of the body, using the vital force as the governing principle of the distribution.  Similarly, equal distribution may be obtained by a moving pressure to stimulate when the irritability is sub-normal.  The curative work appeals more largely to the motor or efferent side of the nervous system. While the palliative work is valuable to check pain and inhibit the excessively stimulated processes which are tending to the pathological condition, the curative work employs the three methods described to restore the adjustment, coordination and cooperation of the structures and tissues through the efferent side of the nervous system.  The corrective appeals to the body as an animated mechanism based on physiological mechanics.”

To read more of “Notes on Dr. J.M. Littlejohn’s Principles of Osteopathy” you can purchase a copy from the JWCCO Bookshop for £10.00 here: http://www.johnwernhamclassicalosteopathy.com/notes-on-dr-j-m-littlejohns-principles-of-osteopathy-centenary-edition/

Dr. J.M. Littlejohn’s Lectures on Applied Anatomy

Dr. J.M. Littlejohn’s Lectures on Applied Anatomy

by | Feb 16, 2016 | Bookshop

Lectures on Applied Anatomy

Dr. J.M. Littlejohn’s Lectures on Applied Anatomy

Dr. John Martin Littlejohn’s Lectures on Applied Anatomy commences with an Introduction by John Wernham “The Applied Anatomy presented here by J.M. Littlejohn is essential reading for any student of Classical Osteopathy. Covering every aspect of the human body it begins with an outline of the spinal mechanics, supported by the four arches and their function.  The nervous systems, sympathetic and central, with special reference to the 5th and 10th cranial nerves are given a prominence in osteopathic thinking that is unknown to Medicine.  Ganglia and plexuses receive close attention with their sub-divisions and the great spinal centres are included in a survey that yields a very considerable amount of information and fundamental knowledge in 68 pages that is unobtainable elsewhere.”

The opening chapter begins: “Applied anatomy is the application of our general knowledge of the anatomy of the body as it lives and moves from day to day. Anatomy in general gives bones, muscles, etc., but we have to know the superficial anatomical landmarks and their relations to all the organs and structures of the body.  The final object is to obtain a knowledge of the normal adjustment of each part of the body to every other part and to the body as whole.”

In his writings on Applied Anatomy J.M. Littlejohn further writes “The science and system of therapeutics we call osteopathy constitutes the application of physical treatment for conversion into a physiological process within the body.  This implies that the body is living and has the vital power to convert the physical into the physiological and that this living body is a mechanism which, together with the vital organism, is in control of all its different parts.  It is this control which enables us to give osteopathic treatment.  If the body did not possess this power of taking a treatment given in the abdomen and applying it to the head, our treatment would be valueless.  This means that the nervous system, presided over by the brain, with the assistance of the spine, is at the head of all the work that can be carried out to deal with disease, osteopathically.”

To read more of “Dr. J.M Littlejohns Lectures on Applied Anatomy” you can purchase a copy from the JWCCO Bookshop for £18.00 here: http://www.johnwernhamclassicalosteopathy.com/dr-j-m-littlejohns-lectures-on-applied-anatomy

Lesionology

Lesionology

by | Jan 12, 2016 | Bookshop

Leisonology

Lesionology

Dr. John Martin Littlejohn’s lectures on Lesionology include: The Cervical Region; The Dorsal Region; Vertebral Lesion in the Neoplasms; The Tenth Dorsal Region; The Ninth Dorsal Region; Bone Lesions and Infectious Diseases.

J.M. Littlejohn states in the book entitled Lesionology that “The osteopathic lesion is not to be regarded as a malformation, or even a maladjustment of structures, but should be defined in terms of mobility.  That is to say, the lesion is a physiological and not an anatomical condition.  It is a modification of the movements of extension, flexion, rotation and sidebending as an isolated change, or an abnormal and artificial group movement.

In the lesion field, the involuntary movements are chiefly at fault, and the technique of diagnosis and treatment is to be discussed from the point of view of mobility, locally and generally.  The physiological movements for the purposes of adjustment are represented by the normal movements of the body trunk, the extremities, and parts of these in so far as they are unified in the body activity. Therefore the central factor to be considered is the gravity centre and the gravity lines of the body, all movements being around some axis in relation to these central lines, or points.

The movements are in circles, or modifications of circles.  The foundation of the body and its equilibrium of movement is found in the pelvis, which represents a circle, or its modification.  These movements are all in relation to the sacro-iliac articulations, the fifth lumbar and the sacral articulation on either side of the pelvis.  Also the sacro-coccygeal articulation as a unit of the gravity line movement and the triangles of the body trunk.  Lastly the femoral articulations in relation to the innominates, forming the angles of the basal triangles of support, and foundation for the trunk and the extremities.”

J.M. Littlejohn states further:  “In the acute lesion the synovial membrane shows a slight redness and the amount of synovial fluid is increased, while on the lymphatic side there is some oedema of the membrane.  In the chronic state the membrane is irregular and thickened on one side.  Post mortem there is often found a small pad of fatty material left by the disturbance of the articular relations, and derived from the synovial membrane with which the surfaces are continuous.  The pad of fat is larger where the articulation has been disturbed by strain – as in the sprained ankle.

In the early stages of the lesion condition, the most noticeable effect is that of oedema.  In the second stage there is fibrosis of the ligaments, especially the capsular ligament, followed by changes in the tendons of the muscles that move the joints with a resultant stiffening, or rigidity.  At this stage there is swelling of the periosteum over the articular processes and around the insertions of the tendons.  The joints are painful on movement and mark the beginning of the immobility which leads to the arthritic articulation.  The swelling is hard, especially on the side of the strain, indicating capsular ligament involvement, and corresponding to that side to which the spinous process is rotated.”

J.M. Littlejohn also comments that: “Frequently, an apparent lesion is a compensatory change and, in the case of vertebral immobility we find hypermobility in the neighbouring joints, which is a natural attempt to compensate for the effects of the rigidity.  The hypermobile condition is due to: (1) Weakness in tension of the supporting cartilage, ligament or muscle.  The lost tone should be re‑established and the rigid vertebrae corrected by simple articulation from the hypermobile to the rigid area, (2) An oedematous condition of the discs, caused by acidosis which should be dealt with dietetically, together with persistent traction-extension.  Simple articulation of the vertebrae towards the area of rigidity will correct.  (3) In some cases the group in which the lesion is present may be normal, but outside the group compensation may exist in the form of rigidity, swelling etc.  Although the vertebral lesion is individual, the treatment is for the group and in the arch relation.  Note that 7C and 9D are the key vertebrae in problems of group lesioning, the articulation moving from the key to the lesion field.  (4) The passive movement of an articulation.  If the lesion is recent, the mobility is increased, the elasticity of the joint muscles and the tonicity of adjacent muscles being diminished, resulting in an imbalance between the hard and soft tissues and laying the foundation for oedema.  In the treatment first attention must be given to the tonicity and elasticity before correction is attempted.  Begin by stretching the soft tissues in relation to rotation of the arm down to 8D and flexion and rotation of the leg from 5L to 9D.  Follow with spinal articulation towards the lesion.”

 

To read more of “Lesionology” you can purchase a copy from the JWCCO Bookshop for £10.00 here:http://www.johnwernhamclassicalosteopathy.com/dr-j-m-littlejohns-lectures-on-lesionology/

Lectures on Osteopathy Volume 2

Lectures on Osteopathy Volume 2

by | Dec 10, 2015 | Bookshop

Lectures in Osteopathy Volume 2

Lectures on Osteopathy Volume 2

In his Introduction to “Lectures on Osteopathy” Volume 2, John Wernham writes: “For this second issue of the Osteopathic Lectures we are publishing material from the archives, especially from the lectures delivered by J. M. Littlejohn at the British School of Osteopathy during the nineteen thirties. During his lifetime, he refused to publish the lectures, but now, fifty years after his death, it is important to make his teaching known to the modern student. The early lectures from the period in question have already been printed and it is appropriate to select the best of the later lectures, which are much better recorded.

The research and practice carried out over five generations in osteopathy has been jettisoned by the sixth generation for reasons best known to itself and in spite of the well-known aphorism, that if we forget our past, then we have no future. Inevitably, perhaps, the collection of techniques now in vogue are not giving the clinical satisfaction that was once expected and questions are being asked for which there is no answer, except to look back to our forebears, where the solution might be found.

It is important to remember that this present volume is composed of a series of lectures rather than a textbook. Differing occasions and authors will mean that some repetition is likely to occur; in addition the old records which include all the ‘asides’ do not lend themselves to the printed page and there are problems of editorship.

The greater part of the archival subject matter is drawn from the old lectures with the exception of the contribution from Jonathan Scott on a most important and difficult subject which he has called ‘A Nexus of Rhythm’. The author chose this subject for his graduation thesis and it is well worthy of a place in this present collection.

It would appear that the promise of a doctorate or a degree is sufficient to convince the practitioner or student that the good standing of osteopathy is thus preserved, but the truth is neither of these educational elevations is capable of producing an osteopathic craftsman. Osteopathy is a subject in its own right, having its own educational standards and its own interpretation of scientific data and these must not be made subject to other disciplines.

We do not presume to offer any kind of criticism to other members of other therapies but we do request that the osteopathic profession should be allowed to teach and practice according to the great precepts laid down by Still and Littlejohn and which have given a service of undeniable excellence for more than a hundred years.”

John Wernham concludes Volume 2 with a brief history of Osteopathy in particular the early years in the U.K. when J. M. Littlejohn established his new school and where he taught unremittingly for over twenty years alongside a private practice in Buckingham Gate and Dover Street, Piccadilly.

To read more of “Lectures on Osteopathy Volume II” you can purchase a copy from the JWCCO Bookshop for £25 here: http://www.johnwernhamclassicalosteopathy.com/lectures-on-osteopathy-volume-2/

 

Life and Times of John Martin Littlejohn

Life and Times of John Martin Littlejohn

by | Nov 19, 2015 | Bookshop

The Life and Times of John Martin Littlejohn

The Life and Times of John Martin Littlejohn

In his biography The Life and Times of John Martin Littlejohn, published in 1999, John Wernham begins his introduction “Any attempt to analyse the character of J. M. Littlejohn is confronted with a complex that has no entry and no completion.  He was and remains an enigma.”

This book is a true account by the one man who knew him, lived next door to him, travelled with him, studied under him and spent his lifetime practising, teaching and publishing what Littlejohn taught him…..John Wernham.

In The Life and Times of John Martin Littlejohn, John Wernham writes that Littlejohn was “a warm parent and a tough disciplinarian; he was a quiet man, soft-spoken and with a manner that was diffident and sometimes withdrawn to the point of indifference.  Wryly, perhaps, it was often noted that his farewell was a shade more cordial than his greeting and there can be no doubt at all that he was a man who preferred to be left alone.

My first encounter with John Martin was on the cricket field, a family field it must be said and I, being something of a fast bowler at the age of eight years, had reached sufficient renown to show the head of the house something of my true metal.  With all this very much in my mind, I put on every ounce of speed of which my puny arm was capable in the determination to topple the great man’s stumps.  But the batsman retired without losing his wicket and the bowler never completed the over and has never quite made it ever since”.

In The Life and Times of John Martin Littlejohn, John Wernham also wrote “He was orientated to his beloved osteopathy to such an extent that domestic affairs sometimes took second place.  Not that the family lacked the basic necessities of life.  One friend of the family once remarked, ‘If you are feeling down, pay a call on the Littlejohns and you will feel the better for it.’  There were many such friends who took advantage of this American style in hospitality and the house was often bulging with all kinds and types of guests.”

To read more of “The Life and Times of John Martin Littlejohn” you can purchase a copy from the JWCCO Bookshop for £25 here: http://www.johnwernhamclassicalosteopathy.com/the-life-and-times-of-john-martin-littlejohn

Dr J.M. Littlejohn Lectures on the Fundamentals of Osteopathic Technique

Dr J.M. Littlejohn Lectures on the Fundamentals of Osteopathic Technique

by | Nov 11, 2015 | Bookshop

Dr. J. M. Littlejohn’s Lectures on the Fundamentals of Osteopathic TechniqueDr J. M. Littlejohn Lectures on the Fundamentals of Osteopathic Technique

An excerpt from Dr J.M Littlejohn Fundamentals of Osteopathic Technique discusses the Osteopathic Lesion: “A lesion is a maladjustment in any field that perverts physiology. The structural, or anatomical lesion results in a precession of attachments: the intraosseous lesion involving, two or more bones, interferes with the attachment of the soft tissues, and the intervertebral lesion is the one that is sufficient to disturb the issuing nerves. A primary lesion produces mechanically a physiological imbalance without reference to the extent to which the imbalance is found within the body. A secondary lesion is one which maintains the existence of perverted functioning.”

In his Fundamentals of Osteopathic Technique Dr J.M Littlejohn concludes: “The principle to be laid down in dealing with these structural lesions is to first attack the secondary lesion and then deal with the primary lesion. The bones are our primary objective because these form the fundamental framework to which all structures are attached”

Dr J. M. Littlejohn Lectures on the Fundamentals of Osteopathic Technique can be purchased from the JWCCO Bookshop for £35 here: http://www.johnwernhamclassicalosteopathy.com/dr-j-m-littlejohns-lectures-on-the-fundamentals-of-osteopathic-technique