What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy involves the treatment of medical disorders through the manipulation and massage of the skeleton and musculature.
Osteopathy is based on the simple concept that any element of an individuals' musculoskeletal structure can significantly effect the function of the whole body. If any aspect of the structure is compromised pain and dysfunction can result.
The aim of an Osteopath is to facilitate the body's own ability to heal and function optimally. By maximising how it functions and moves, an osteopathic treatment may influence muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and the lymphatic and vascular circulatory systems. This is achieved with hands on techniques tailored to the individual. Techniques may include soft tissue therapy, stretching, joint mobilisation and dry needling.
Osteopaths are government registered practitioners that hold a 5 year double university degree in Health Sciences and Osteopathic medicine. They are trained to evaluate and diagnose conditions based on extensive study of anatomy, pathology, physiology and neurology.
WHAT DO WE TREAT?
Osteopaths treat a wide range of ailments. Back & neck pain and the spine compromise the majority of our presenting common conditions. Other common conditions we treat include;
- Sprained ankles
- Foot/knee pain
- Plantarfascitis
- Wrist pain/carpal tunnel
- Migraines/Headaches
- Sciatica
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Sports injuries
- Pregnancy related pain
- Arthritis
- Postural related pain
Whilst Osteopathic treatment focuses on reducing musculoskeletal pain, it has also been known to relieve other symptoms such as fatigue, recurrent colds, intestinal discomfort, digestive disturbances, severe period pain, baby colic and asthma.
There is no consistent scientific research to prove or disprove this correlation but if you are experiencing any of these conditions in association with musculoskeletal pain then they may very well be linked.
TREATMENT TECHNIQUES
Treatments are individual to patient's and their specific needs. Osteopathic treatments may involve one or more of the techniques listed below. During your treatment your Osteopath will explain each technique so you are aware of their purpose.
- Soft tissue Massage
- Trigger point therapy
- Joint Articulation
- Joint manipulation
- Muscle stretching
- Visceral
- Cranio-Sacral Therapy
- Dry-needling
- Ultrasound therapy
OSTEOPATHY FOR CHILDREN & BABIES
Active children are healthy children however falls, bumps and sports related injuries can cause pain and musculoskeletal issues.
Children, infants & adolescents can benefit enormously from Osteopathic treatment. Whilst there is no sufficient medical evidence to support Osteopathy in aiding some of the following conditions we still find many children, infants (and parents) benefit from our care.
POST TREATMENT CARE
Post treatment care and advice is imperative in enabling further improvement of your condition and in preventing re-injury in the future. Your Osteopath may recommend stretches, nutritional, ergonomic, postural and lifestyle advice.
We suggest abstaining from excessive exercise or activity for 24 hours post treatment to enable the body to settle and adapt to the changes made.
FREQUENCY OF TREATMENT
Frequency of treatment varies depending on individual needs. Our aim is to eliminate and manage pain as quickly as possible. This may require more than one treatment initially.
Osteopaths endeavour to find and treat the cause of pain and discomfort rather than just the symptoms. Emphasis is placed on post treatment care and advice to maximise on home maintenance. Following this advice can significantly reduced the need for repetitive treatments.
TCPs, WC, veterans Affairs, TAC
A proportion of Osteopathic Consultation fees is covered by most health care funds with ‘Extras’. TAC, workers compensations schemes, and veterans affairs patients can also be subsidised.
Limited Osteopathic Consults can also be subsidised under the TCP scheme. A GP referral is required for this.
Sessions
Please contact us for consultation rates.