What Is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a "whole body" system of manual medicine which incorporates a wide range of techniques to treat musculoskeletal problems and other functional disorders of the body.  The guiding principles of osteopathy are.

•·         The body is a unit of function

•·         Structure and function are interrelated

•·         Homeostasis is the main mechanism of health

•·         Treatment is based on these three principles

What is the history of Osteopathy?

Osteopathy was founded in America in the 1870's by Dr Andrew Taylor Still.  He was a practicing physician in Missouri who wanted to find a non invasive treatment alternative that did not rely on drugs and surgery.  Since that time osteopathy has spread across the globe and there have been osteopaths in Australia since 1909.

What training does an Osteopath Have?

Osteopaths are state registered primary health care practitioners.  To become qualified as an osteopath you have to have completed a five year university degree.

Osteopaths can diagnose, treat and prevent many conditions such as:

•·         Back Pain

•·         Neck Pain

•·         Disc Bulge

•·         Sciatica

•·         Whiplash

•·         Sports Injuries

•·         Frozen Shoulder

•·         Headache, Migraine and Jaw Pain

•·         Muscle Strains and Spasms

•·         Hip, Knee, Ankle, Elbow and Wrist Pain

•·         Arthritis and Osteoporosis

•·         Fibromyalgia

•·         Chronic Fatigue

•·         Pre and Post Natal Care

•·         Children's Posture

•·         Crying and Irritable Baby's

•·         Breathing Difficulties

•·         Digestive Problems

•·         Stress and Tension

•·         Work Related Injuries

•·         Postural and Mobility Problems

What can I expect to experience in an Osteopathic treatment?

Osteopathic treatment aims to restore normal biomechanical alignment and reduce the affects of inflammation and nerve irritation.

Patients are taken through a comprehensive diagnostic process which involves a history, observation of the patient's movement and posture and any physical examinations which are indicated such as orthopedic and neurological assessments. 

Treatments are guided by the history and findings from the examination. Appropriate techniques are selected from a wide range of options based on analysis of the patient's condition. These could include:

• • Soft tissue massage and trigger point therapy.
  • Joint mobilization, articulation and manipulation.
  • Muscle energy technique and counter strain.
  • Cranial Osteopathy and Functional techniques.
  • Myo-fasciael release and PNF stretching.
  • Dry Needling
  • Pilates based rehabilitation
  • Postural and Ergonomic Advice