A safe, gentle and effective method of healing
Osteopathy is a physical form of holistic natural medicine. Osteopathy aims to identify areas of the body that are restricted or inflamed and then gently manipulates these areas to promote better functioning and less pain. Techniques include soft tissue work, mobilisation and manipulation.
Spinal manipulation has been used for thousands of years. It is believed that the ancient Greeks used to manipulate the spine long before it was incorporated into Chiropractic and Osteopathic medicine in the 19th Century. Of course, spinal manipulation is only a small part of what osteopaths are trained to do.
Osteopathy may be helpful for:
- Back and neck aches / pains
- Migraines and headaches
- Asthma
- Sporting injuries
- Spinal problems including disc problems, sciatica and trapped nerves
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Sinus and adenoidal problems
- Pregnancy related pain
The field of Osteopathy was developed by an American doctor who believed that healing could be achieved by gentle holistic methods.
Dr Andrew Taylor Still (1828 – 1917) began the field of Osteopathy in 1874. A medical doctor living on the Missouri frontier, Dr Still formed the opinion that optimal health is only possible when all the tissues and cells of the body are functioning in harmony. He reasoned that disease could have its origins in anatomical deviation from normal. As a result, health could be restored by a gentle manipulation known as Osteopathy. The idea of seeing and treating the body as a whole is why osteopathy is known as a form of holistic treatment.
Today, osteopathy is the fastest growing modality of alternative medicine in Australia. The number of people choosing to visit an osteopath has increased by 48 per cent over the past two years alone proving it is a safe and effective means of health treatment.
In Australia, all osteopaths complete a minimum of five years university training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, general medical diagnosis and osteopathic techniques. Osteopaths are trained to perform standard medical examinations of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems. Many osteopaths hold either a double Bachelors or Master qualification.
Osteopaths are required, by law, to maintain ongoing professional development and education every year to stay in practice. In Australia, all osteopaths are required to be government registered practitioners. Your doctor may refer you to an osteopath for treatment using an Enhanced Primary Care Plan.
Unlike other physical forms of treatment, osteopaths employ a range of gentle techniques to encourage your body’s natural healing. By ‘switching on’ appropriate muscles, postural strains are avoided and better functioning ensues.
Prior to your first treatment, your practitioner will outline their treatment plan. If you have any questions or health concerns, please do not hesitate to bring these up with your practitioner.
No two treatments are the same as patients are assessed and treated holistically. Patients are encouraged to work with their practitioner to achieve optimal health, this may include a stretching routine, the suggestion of dietary changes and / or the use of anti-inflammatory support.
For more information about the Code of Conduct that applies to osteopaths, please visit:
Schedule 3 Code of conduct for non-registered health practitioners
All consultations are between 40 – 45 minutes.
In that time, your osteopath will ask you about your problem and symptoms. Other information asked may include your medical history, medications you may be taking and family history.
Your osteopath will advise you if they can treat you or if you need to be referred. Examinations may include:
- Diagnostic tests
- Orthopedic tests
- Neurological tests
- Postural assessments
- Active and / or passive movements.
Your osteopath may lift your arms or legs and you may be asked to bend over. Be sure to wear comfortable, flexible and appropriate underwear. For some assessments you may be asked to remove outer clothing however you will be given a gown. If you feel uncomfortable at any point in time, please mention this to your osteopath.
Osteopathy takes a whole-body approach to treatment meaning they will consider other affected areas. For example, a sore knee may impact your posture and gait so your osteopath may look at your ankle, pelvis and back. Your osteopath may also provide education and advice to help you manage your condition between treatments. This may include giving you exercises to do at home or work.