What do Osteopaths do?
An osteopath is like a body mechanic; we find parts that aren’t working properly & using manual techniques, help the body to restore & maintain optimal function.
Osteopaths aim to establish the underlying cause of what the patient presents with, and, if appropriate, treat the musculoskeletal system to address that underlying cause. The goal is to remove the barrier(s) that are preventing the body from its innate ability to heal itself. Thus leading to improved function and/or a better quality of life for the patient.
How do Osteopaths do this?
Osteopaths have extensive training in anatomy (structures of the body), physiology (how the body works) and a highly trained sense of touch (palpation).
When an osteopath examines a patient, by having a 3-D anatomical picture of the body in their minds they know what structures are there, and can assess by palpation and observation of the tissues what state it is in and hypothesis how it could have got to this state.
Osteopaths then relate this information to what the patient has told them and any medical test results to give a diagnosis of what structure in the body could be causing the symptoms and a hypothesis as to why and how this could have become dysfunctional.
Osteopaths are trained in a wide range of treatment techniques and will select the type of treatment appropriate for your age, sensitivities and condition. This may range from very gentle techniques such as functional, counterstrain, positional release to more forceful techniques such as soft tissue massage, stretching and manipulation. The osteopath will use techniques to release strain patterns in your body to support you in your return to health. Treatment will be explained to you prior to commencing, and any uncertainties that you have can be addressed by your osteopath. Treatment only commences with your consent.
As osteopaths receive extensive training on the musculoskeletal system, they have a better understanding of the ways that an injury or illness in one part of the body can affect another. This is why on occasions treatment is directed away from the area of the patients body that is sore or the structure that is causing pain. If you have any questions during your treatment, please ask your osteopath.
Osteopathy has success with…
- Health promotion – wellness
- Pre & post pregnancy related problems
- Improved sport performance
- Back & leg (sciatic) pain
- Headaches & migraine
- Postural issues
- Neck & arm pain
- Baby post-birth checks using gentle techniques
- Injury recovery – whiplash, sport, falls
- Recovery from surgery
- Stress/tension management
- Arthritis