Osteopathy
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a manual form of medicine that is aimed at restoring function to the body by treating the causes of pain and imbalances. Practitioners will focus holistically, and often aim will be directed to issues with the alignment of the patient. Osteopaths understand the importance of balance and symmetry and acknowledge that a well-aligned body has the inherent ability to heal itself.
Treatment follows follow 3 primary concepts:
1. The body is a dynamic unit of function, everything within the body is interconnected
2. The body is able to self heal and regulate naturally
3. Structure governs function, meaning when in proper alignment the body may function the way it is supposed to.
Training & treatment approach
Our osteopaths are trained to treat a broad range of health conditions, treatment can be offered to patients musculoskeletal system (muscles and bones), vascular system (veins and arteries), nervous system (nerves), and the visceral system (organs).
They have have complete a 5 year degree as Masters of Osteopathy, and are registered with the health regulatory board AHPRA. They also have the relevant Osteopathic Insurance and are Members of Osteopathy Australia.
Osteopathy treatment can help with:
- Neck pain
- Lower back pain
- Musculoskeletal pain associated with Arthritis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Headaches
- Sciatica
- Knee, hip and ankle pain
- Shoulder, elbow and wrist pain
- Muscle strain pain
- Pregnancy related musculoskeletal pain
- Tennis elbow
- Postural problems
- Occupational injuries
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Assist in the management and rehabilitation of tendon issues
Osteopathic Treatment Techniques
Muscle Energy Technique / Advanced stretching techniques (MET)
Muscle energy techniques describe a form of manual therapy whereby a therapist uses the patient's own energy in the form of a gentle muscular contraction to relax and lengthen the patients restricted muscles.
Soft Tissue Technique
Soft tissue techniques include a broad range of techniques commonly utilised by musculoskeletal therapists; techniques include the use of light or firm pressure to muscles with the expected goals of reducing muscle tone. These techniques may also be aimed towards the patient's tendons, ligaments and other connective tissue such as fascia.
Spinal/Joint Manipulation
Our practitioners apply a direct thrust delivered quickly however gently to the desired joint, when delivered you may hear a pop or click of a joint.
Commonly the thrust is delivered towards the patient's restriction, the sound that many people associate with this technique Is due to the sudden increase in the range of motion of the affected joint.
Joint manipulation is a technique commonly practiced by both our osteopaths and chiropractors.
Dry Needling
Dry needling is the insertion of sterile, single use, fine filament needle (acupuncture needle) into a patient's muscle. Dry needling is effective at reducing pain, improving range of motion and releasing myo-fascial trigger points (knots in muscles).
Articulation
Involves passive movement of the affected joint to improve patient range of motion (ROM). The technique involves the repeated movement of a patient joint into and out of a motion barrier.
Diagnosis
Osteopaths take a detailed case history and preform a comprehensive physical examination on all patients. They will examine and test joint range of motion, muscle strength and durability and nervous system response. Practitioners will also utilise orthopaedic testing to further diagnose patients.
In some cases, practitioners will refer patients for imaging to support a diagnosis, which can further diagnose difficult cases. Imaging such as an MRI, Xray and ultrasound can help provide our patients with a clearer clinical picture of their condition.
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