Osteopathy

Different bodies,
Different treatments

In osteopathic medicine, understanding the links between different parts of a person and how they function together is the fundamental principle. This holistic approach to medicine allows the practitioner to assess a person as their parts, individually as well as collectively.

Using a variety of methods including soft tissue techniques, stretching, joint mobilization, exercise prescription, advice and discussion, dysfunction in the body can be identified and appropriate treatment provided.

The importance of understanding each patient as an individual with unique issues and needs is vital to osteopathy. This is why our practitioners take the time to hear you, through your voice and body.

Osteopathic principles:

An individual body is a whole interrelated unit in which the body’s structure, function and intention are dependent upon each other.
The body self-regulates and has the inherent capacity to protect and repair itself naturally without intervention.
Disease or injury occurs when the body’s normal adaptability is disrupted, or when environmental changes overcome our capacity for self-maintenance.

For more information about osteopathy we recommend reading the definition as published by the World Health Organisation (WHO), written by Dr. Jane Carreiro , DO.

In Australia, osteopaths are government-registered practitioners who complete a minimum of five years university training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, general medical diagnosis and osteopathic techniques. Osteopaths are primary healthcare practitioners and are trained to recognise conditions requiring medical referral. They are also trained to perform standard medical examinations of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems. Osteopathy is covered by most private health funds and by the Medicare Enhanced Primary Care scheme. Osteopaths are registered providers for workers compensation schemes and motor accident insurers.

A ittle insight into the founder of osteopathy can be found here at atstill.com .... Andrew Taylor Still... a pretty awesome guy to say the least.

Specific Osteopathy treatments

Cranial Osteopathy

Osteopaths trained in this area (as originally conceived and conceptualized by Dr. William Garner Sutherland) have the skill and understanding required to recognise stresses and injuries held within the body, and help address these issues through gentle and precise cranial work. This technique can be used on its own, or in conjunction with other osteopathic techniques to treat a variety of conditions in people of all ages. It is a particularly effective method for treating infants, where gentle care is paramount.

Cranial Osteopathy facilitates the body’s healing process by allowing it to move towards natural optimal function and health. Gentle touch aids in re-engaging the body’s own healing capacity between the body and its systems; including the bones, fluids, ligaments, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and organs. It aims to achieve allostasis within the body (the process of achieving stability).

Biodynamic Osteopathy

Extending the philosophical treatment model of Dr. William Garner Sutherland, Dr. James Jealous developed this expansion of osteopathy.

All living organisms are biodynamic in the sense that they are forever moving, changing, growing, and adapting to changes in the environment around them. This adaptation is generated and maintained by every individual part of the organism in cooperation with each other, and with the organism as a whole. The organism is more than just the sum of its parts; it is interrelated and connected, and heavily influenced by its surroundings.

Biodynamic Osteopathy embraces Dr. James Jealous' theories of fluid dynamics, and the links in the body formed during embryonic development (inspired by the findings of embryologist, Erich Blechschmidt, MD.). For the human body to function at its full potential, the parts and links must be working together as a whole. If one part is dysfunctional, others may be affected also. This means the symptoms that present may in fact be due to a combination of stresses originating from elsewhere in the body.

Treating during pregnancy

Our osteopaths have a high level of experience in treating mums and their babies. Pregnancy is a time of intense and rapid change for a woman’s body, the associated problems of which may be alleviated by gentle, specifically tailored osteopathic treatment. We treat many women throughout their entire pregnancy, but one off appointments can also be beneficial.

The list of complaints attributed to this potentially turbulent time includes:

Headaches
Back pain
Sciatica
Problems with pubic bone separation
Sacro-iliac joint pain
Pelvic instability
Peneral discomfort due to changing mechanics and growing baby

Treatment of infants and children

The gentle and precise nature of osteopathy makes it the perfect choice for treating infants and children. When you bring your child to us for treatment we will first talk about the presenting issues and any relevant medical or environmental history. The treatment itself will consist mostly of soft touch and possibly small, calm movements of the joints, depending on the issue presenting. There is never any heavy-handed manual manipulation or “cracking” involved.

Read / hear more about treatment of babies and children at the Australian Osteopathic Association here. This link will open audio.

Osteopaths embrace the treatment of children of all ages. Whether your child is experiencing pain due to sporting endeavours, body changes and growth, or posture problems, we offer a safe and friendly environment to encourage openness and promote a relaxed yet precise approach to healing. We feel it's important the patient is in control of the process of their healing, offering them tools which can be called upon to assist that process, and helping them to know when they need to seek assistance. Our osteopaths are trained to make referrals where necessary to optimise the continued well-being of all children and young adults.

Treatment of Orthopaedic Conditions and Injuries

Orthopaedic conditions cover a wide range of musculoskeletal issues ranging from congenital anomalies (e.g. scoliosis) and sudden musculoskeletal injury (e.g. ACL rupture) to more chronic conditions related to tissue overload (e.g. overuse injuries). Our osteopaths are experienced in assessing and treating a wide range of orthopaedic conditions and work well with other healthcare practitioners to provide a comprehensive rehabilitation plan. This is achieved through a thorough case history and orthopaedic examination, integrated with a holsitic osteopathic approach to treatment.

Posture Control Insoles

We also have practitioners who are fully qualified to prescribe posture control insoles (PCIs). PCIs are a functional insole which are designed to improve the body's postural alignment, function and performance from the feet up.
If you would like to know more about the PCIs then you can visit the homepage of Prokintecs Australia.

Treatment of Sports Injuries

Common sporting injuries including joint trauma, ligament inflammation, and muscle tear, can all be treated with osteopathy. Osteopaths can also help improve breathing function by assessing rib mechanics and diaphragm function. Often the root cause of injuries lies elsewhere in the body, for example shoulder injuries can be caused and amplified by tension in the ribs and upper back; shin splints occur through poor mechanics in the lower leg and foot; and osteitis pubis, hamstring, and groin injuries are often related to pelvic and lower back imbalances. Our osteopaths take this into consideration when assessing a patient’s injuries and will work with them to hasten their recovery, getting them safely back in the game as soon as possible. They will also assist in limiting recurring injuries by administering preventative treatment, and offering guidance around techniques that can be utilized by the patient to gain control in the management of their body, and reach their maximum sporting potential.