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What is Osteopathy?

Osteopaths are highly qualified allied health professionals who complete a  five-year full time university degree (Bachelor and Master) and are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

 

Osteopathy is a form of manual healthcare which provides 'hands on' treatment of the musculoskeletal system and recognises the important link between the structure of the body and its capacity to function efficiently. Osteopaths also believe that the skeleton, joints, muscles, connective tissues, circulation, nerves and internal organs function as a holistic unit.

 

We treat people of all ages to alleviate pain, reduce discomfort and enhance mobility. This pain can be from sport and work related injuries, to pregnancy pain, arthritis and sciatica. To ensure an accurate diagnosis is made, Osteopaths examine more than just the site of your pain or discomfort, they also examine surrounding and related body parts. The aim is to treat the cause of your pain, not just the symptoms.

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Using physical, orthopaedic and neurological examinations, osteopaths can identify restrictions in joint movement, tension and tightness in muscles and dysfunction in ligaments and connective tissues.

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Osteopathic treatment involves a large variety of hands on techniques such as soft tissue massage, stretching, muscle energy technique (MET), joint mobilisation, manipulation and indirect (gently applied) techniques. Indirect techniques are very gentle techniques we use to treat babies and children and also adults who prefer a gentler approach. The choice of technique used depends on the condition the patient presents with as well as patient preference.

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Patient specific stretching, strengthening exercises and ergonomic advice can be given to further enhance treatment results. This allow patients to effectively manage their health and provide long-lasting pain relief and injury prevention.

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When appropriate, Osteopaths can refer for x-rays and MRI scans. Osteopaths work within a broad healthcare framework which incorporates medical practitioners, podiatrists, acupuncturists and other allied health professionals.

 

Osteopathy may aid in the treatment of:
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  • Postural and mobility problems

  • Neck and back pain

  • Muscle and ligament strains

  • Sports injuries

  • Pregnancy related pain

  • Sciatica

  • Headaches

  • Digestive problems

  • Arthritis pain

  • TMJ and jaw pain

  • Hip, knee and ankle pain

  • Sports injuries

  • Bursitis

  • Tennis elbow

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Wrist complaints and carpal tunnel

  • Sore or aching muscles

  • Rib pain

  • And so much more!

Is Osteopathy new?

Osteopathy was developed in America in 1874 by Dr Andrew Taylor Still. Dr. Still was a physician and surgeon who wanted to develop a system of medicine that used medication and surgery as a last resort. This contrasted with popular medical opinion of the time.

 

He believed that the body was created as a perfect, harmonious whole and contained the basics necessary for its own healing. He reasoned that disease could have its origins in slight anatomical deviation from normal. He then proved he could restore health by treating the body with his hands, using techniques such as soft tissue massage, stretching and manipulation of the muscles and spine. He named his innovative approach to restoring health: Osteopathy.

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Osteopathy has been practicised in Australia for over 100 years and has been taught in universities since the early 1980s.

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