WHAT IS OSTEOPATHY?
Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that focuses on facilitating healing and strengthening of the musculoskeletal structure, which includes the joints, muscles, spine and associated structures, in order to alleviate pain or dysfunction.
Dr. Andrew Taylor Still established the practice of Osteopathy in the late 1800s in the United States of America, with the aim of using manual ‘hands on’ techniques to improve circulation and correct altered biomechanics. Osteopathy is now a widely accepted form of healthcare throughout many parts of the world, and is used as an effective treatment for conditions such as neck & back pain, muscle & joint pain, headaches and sports injuries. Many people appreciate the more holistic approach osteopaths provide, because it seeks to address both muscle and bony dysfunction.
Osteopaths in America use the title D.O. and are fully integrated into the medical profession, performing surgery, prescribing drugs etc. as well as being highly trained in manual therapy techniques and being able to apply them when necessary. The base education level of American Osteopaths is 8 years full time University. In all other parts of the world Osteopaths work primarily as manual therapists, in Australia the base level education is a Bachelor/Masters degree normally with a minimum 5 years full time university study.
The main difference between Osteopathy (Osteopathic Manual Therapy – OMT) and other similar professions in our opinion is that Osteopaths maintain a holistic approach, performing mainly manual techniques to relevant areas of the body – not just the spine, and with possibly less focus on rehabilitative type treatment modalities – although we are still capable of doing so if required.
WHAT’S INVOLVED IN A CONSULTATION?
In order to properly diagnose and treat your musculoskeletal problems, Osteopaths take full medical case histories, perform appropriate physical & orthopaedic examinations, and where required, can request further examinations such as xray or suggest referral to another practitioner such as a GP. Once an Osteopath establishes a working diagnosis (what should be treated), he/she then moves onto treatment.
Our initial consultations take up to 45 minutes, and follow up consults up to 30 minutes.
TREATMENT TECHNIQUES USED
Once an Osteopath knows what to treat, he/she commonly uses techniques such as soft tissue massage, myofascial release, stretching, joint manipulation, and mobilization. Other techniques used include dry needling, cranial technique, functional release, muscle energy technique, exercise and stretching prescription, electrotherapy such as TENS and ultrasound, and postural & ergonomic advice.
For more information, or to book an osteopathic consultation, please call us on (07) 5568 7010.