Osteopathy

What is Osteopathy?

Andrew_Taylor_Still_1914 Osteopathy is a manual therapy designed to support and restore a person’s optimal function. It was developed in the late 19th century by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, an American Physician.

Osteopaths use thorough diagnostic skills including palpation, motion testing, physical examination, neurological and orthopaedic testing to diagnose, treat and tailor a holistic management plan for each individual patient.

The first principle of Osteopathy is that the body is a single, whole unit of function. If, for example, an area of the body is restricted, then the rest of the body will naturally adapt and compensate. This compensation can result in altered function, inflammation, pain and stiffness. The Osteopath will assess the whole body in order to ascertain functioning patterns and the source of dysfunction.

How do Osteopaths treat?

Osteopaths focus on how the skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulation, connective tissues and internal organs function as a wholistic unit.

Osteopaths treat the whole person, not just the areas causing symptoms. An osteopath has many tools with which to treat and might use fascial release techniques, joint mobilisation or manipulation, stretching or muscle energy technique. The Osteopaths at Healthpoint Clinic have a particular interest in gentler, non-manipulative techniques, which are suitable for all age groups.

What qualifications do Osteopaths have?

Osteopathy is a five-year university course, which includes a degree and masters qualification. In Australia, all Osteopaths are government-registered allied health professionals. All major health funds recognise Osteopathy under their ancillary cover and a referral is not required. Osteopathy is also acknowledged by Medicare and attracts a rebate where a GP diagnoses a condition as chronic and provides a referral. For more information about Osteopathy, call us on (03)9489 0101.

Osteopathy and children

Osteopathy can address aches and pains in the musculoskeletal structures of the body of babies and children as well. For children, this may include postural strains, mobility issues and injuries from falls. For babies, this includes various mobility issues related to tissue restrictions.

Osteopaths who have done further paediatric study are well positioned to advise on optimal play, positioning and the identification of developmental milestones to assist parents to optimise their child’s physical well being.

Osteopathic treatment may also identify and relieve the physical tension generated by emotional stress (for example, jaw tension or postural over use of upper rib breathing muscles) and may assist the child to cope better.