Inner Balance Health Clinics

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Osteopathy

Osteopaths diagnose and treat holistically, considering what impact others regions of the body have on the complaint. The treatment techniques used at the clinic include soft tissue, articulation, MET, manipulation, stretching, functional/fascial, balance ligament tension and counterstrain. Osteopaths are required to register with the government and have completed a five year full time study. Osteopathic treatment is commonly sought for musculo-skeletal problems such as:

• Postural and/or mobility problems
• Back and neck pain
• Arthritis
• Joint and muscle pain or strain
• Back pain during and after pregnancy
• Sport injuries
• RSI
• Headaches and migraines
• Jaw pain
• Sciatica
• Assist with conditions such as asthma, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and digestion

The aim of all osteopathic treatments is to restore the body's natural ability for healing and repair using techniques in conjunction with lifestyle modifications. Osteopaths also offer personal advice on stretching and strengthening exercises, posture, ergonomics, diet, lifting procedures and stress management. Practitioners at the clinic have HICAPs facilities for osteopathic treatment. Workcover, TAC and Medicare patients are most welcome.

The philosophy of Osteopathy is to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. It places emphasis on the relationships between the body's structure, framework and function, teaching the appreciation of the body's ability to heal itself.

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Osteopaths work with their hands to perform such treatment using a variety of techniques:

• Massage and stretching techniques
• Articulation techniques - passive joint mobilisation
• Muscle energy techniques - releasing contracted muscles by working against resistance
• Counterstrain techniques - counter stretching restricted joints and muscles whilst in position of comfort in order to achieve release
• Functional techniques - gentle joint mobilisation
• Manipulation Visceral techniques - management of conditions affecting internal organs involving gentle and rhythmical stretching of the visceral areas

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Why See an Osteopath?

The most common complaints for which patients consult Osteopaths include back and neck pain, sciatica, headaches, pains in peripheral joints such as shoulders, knees and ankles, tendinitis and muscle strains, work-related and repetitive strain injuries, and sports-related injuries. Other conditions for which Osteopathy can play a significant role in reducing the severity of symptoms include asthma, gynaecological dysfunction, arthritic conditions and chronic fatigue. When visiting an osteopath for the first time, a full case history will be taken as well as an examination.

This generally requires the removing of some clothing and the performance of a simple series of movements. The Osteopath will use a highly developed sense of touch, called palpation, to identify any points of weakness or excessive strain throughout the body. Osteopathic treatments are tailored to the requirements of the individual patient, and techniques are selected which are appropriate to the patient's needs. For some acute pain, one to two treatments may be all that is necessary. Chronic conditions may need ongoing maintenance averaging six to eight sessions.

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Therapeutic Massage

trong techniques are used to stimulate deeper tissues, stimulate circulation and regenerate lymphatic flow, promoting detoxification & oxygenation of stagnant tissues.

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Remedial Techniques

It uses several specialised techniques to locate and repair damage and to support and speed up the body's own repair mechanisms. The massage is applied directly to the skin using a lubricating medium, usually oil, which ensures that the muscles associated with the disorder and mobilisation of the joint are deeply penetrated. Passive stretching moves are also used.

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Benefits of Remedial Massage

Key benefits of Remedial Massage include: the stimulation to the blood supply allowing toxins in the muscles to be removed; the calming of the peripheral nervous system to ease pain and discomfort; and the toning and relaxing of muscles to improve joint mobility. An improvement to the health of the cells, the repairing of tissues, and the easing of stiffness and tension can also be experienced through therapeutic relaxation.

Muscular and skeletal dysfunctions often addressed with Remedial Massage include Fibrositis, Spondylitis, Arthritis, frozen shoulder, muscular cramps, Whiplash, muscular atrophy, sports and dancing injuries.

Sessions usually take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the whether the practitioner will just address a specific area or give a whole body massage.As oil is used, it is necessary for the patient to be unclothed for the treatment.