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WHAT IS OSTEOPATHY & WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

 

Osteopathy is a form of manual medicine which recognises the important link between the structure of the body and the way it functions. Osteopaths assist healing by providing a ‘whole body’ approach to treatment. While treatment may be directed towards different tissue types in the body including joints, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, connective tissue and internal organs, the overall goal of treatment is to help reduce the effects of pain, improve function and facilitate repair/regeneration/health of affected tissues.

 

Using skilled evaluation, diagnosis and a wide range of hands-on techniques, osteopaths can identify important areas of dysfunction in your body. Osteopathic treatment uses techniques such as stretching and massage for general treatment of the soft tissues (muscles, tendons and ligaments) along with mobilisation and manipulation of specific joints and soft tissues using direct or indirect techniques. Many Osteopaths complete further post-graduate qualifications that enhance their treatment ‘toolbox’, that include the use of acupuncture, sport-specific rehabilitation, exercise prescription, pain management strategies and paediatric care.

 

Conditions that Osteopaths successfully treat and manage include (but are not limited to):

 

• Neck and back pain

• Headaches disorders

• Whiplash-associated disorders

• Regional disorders including hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow and wrist pain

• TMJ (jaw) pain

• Postural/occupational overuse syndromes

• Sciatica/disc injuries

• Rotator cuff disorders

• Sports injuries (sprains/strains/hematomas)

• Tendon disorders (Plantarfascitis, Achilles, Patella, Gluteal tendon disorders, Tennis/Golfers elbow

• Pregnancy-related pain and recovery

• Pediatric conditions (reflux, unsettled infants, feeding and latching problems, ‘flat head’/plagiocephaly, developmental delay)

  

Osteopaths have a particular interest in evidence-based diagnosis and treatment of the neuro-musculoskeletal system, and in pain management. The ever-evolving nature of modern medicine means that Osteopaths require a thorough understanding of the interconnectedness of various body systems, including body and mind. Osteopaths undergo 25 hours of self directed professional development each year which means they can keep up to date and engaged within the profession, as well as the wider healthcare sector.

 

The onset of pain and dysfunction can sometimes occur as the result of a complex interplay between various body systems (especially in the absence of injury or trauma), therefore identifying the cause(s) of symptoms is critical. These potential causes may also include important lifestyle factors related to work/home life, nutrition, sleep, stress/anxiety disorders, or other significant life events. Additionally, other chronic health problems can complicate your wellbeing further. It is with compassion, empathy and understanding we seek to help you.

 

Through thorough assessment we aim to identify a probable diagnosis, followed by appropriate treatment and management strategies. We are here to help you navigate your way through our health system to provide the care you need and deserve. It is through this process Osteopaths work in collaboration with other healthcare providers to ensure patients receive holistic health and well-being advice and guidance.