Northside Therapies offers osteopathic and massage treatments in a beautifully renovated 1950’s farm house. The practice caters for all ages. Ramps and wide doorways allow easy access for wheelchairs and prams, along with full disabled bathroom facilities. The clinic has a family friendly focus and welcomes babies and children. We have a dedicated children’s waiting room with toys and activities to keep the kids entertained.
The practice has its own car park to the rear of the building, for easy accessibility. There is also a bus stop out the front of the practice. We are located on Anzac Ave, Kallangur, only a few hundred metres from the Bruce Highway.
We have 3 osteopaths and 2 massage therapists allowing us to offer a range of appointment times to suit your needs. All our practitioners are fully qualified and members of their professional associations.
SERVICES
Welcome to Northside Therapies
At Northside Therapies we pride ourselves on prividing excellence in our professional services and customer service. We have been a finalist 5 times in the Quest Business Acheiver Awards for professional services and healthcare categories.
Below we have provided some information on massage, followed by further information on osteopathy. Whilst we have endeavoured to cover the main questions here, we would encourage you to visit our website for more indepth information.
Massage
It is believed that massage has been performed for some five thousand years. There is evidence that massage was used to prepare gladiators prior to competition. With increasing knowledge and skill, massage has developed into an incredible state of the art therapy.
Massage and the body responses it creates, has the capability to positively effect all of our body systems as well as our psychosocial state. It is a natural therapy involving no drugs.
As a health care profession, it utilises the power of touch, both gentle and firm. Positive results can be produced in a wide area of complaints and conditions, including:
- Stress
- Relaxation
- Circulation Problems
- Muscular soreness and fatigue
- Pain
- Skin Conditions
- Digestion
- Pregnancy
- Massage for babies
- Joint Mobility
You do not have to feel ill to have a massage. Massage is used to promote a wellness in the body as a whole, inviting you to be more positive about yourself. Remember, maintaining your body at an optimum level of health is an achievable goal. Prevention of an illness is better than the time and effort taken to correct it.
There are many different forms of massage. At Northside Therapies we offer the following:
Remedial Massage
The remedial massage practitioner uses a wide range of modern techniques and deep tissue massage to find the underlying cause of a musculoskeletal disorder, and guides the body into healing itself.
Massage reduces muscle tension and increases the blood flow and lymphatic flow both to and from the area being treated, reducing pain, swelling and inflammation.
Remedial massage helps to break down fibrous tissue, balances the muscles and restores joint elasticity and mobility. It is important to identify the cause of the symptoms to prevent the problem reoccurring.
It can benefit people who have back pain and shoulder problems; sprains, strains or other injury; both pre and post natal; have arthritic conditions; and headaches.
Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage uses a gentle to firm pressure (depending on the wishes of the client), using rhythmic strokes to promote a feeling of deep relaxation, allowing the body a chance to rest and rejuvenate.
As with all massage, it relieves stress and muscle tension, improves general circulation, relieves headaches, and supports digestive problems.
It can be beneficial for those people who suffer from stress related disorders such as migraines, nervous exhaustion; abdominal problems such as constipation, irritable bowel; and muscular fatigue and aches.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
This is a gentle form of massage that uses a soft pumping technique to drain lymph nodes of water and trapped toxins. Sometimes our lymphatic systems become blocked, ultimately causing our entire system to become toxic, making us more susceptible to infection.
When our lymphatic system is stimulated by massage, toxins are eliminated so it works more efficiently, the immune system is boosted, and cells are supplied more readily with nutrients.
It can be beneficial for people who wish to reduce puffiness or swelling; those who lead sedentary lifestyles; and people that suffer regular colds and flu.
Pregnancy Massage
During the term of a pregnancy a woman’s body can undergo vast and exciting changes. These changes can be physical or emotional. As the mother comes to terms with her new role this can be a challenging and emotional and time.
Pregnancy massage can assist in balancing the body structurally, physically and emotionally. It may use a variety of techniques, with light to firm pressure, depending on the stage of pregnancy and the needs of the mother. It can help with the common aches and pains associated with pregnancy, as well as improving drainage to reduce fluid retention. It may also help the mother connect with her baby.
On request, simple massage techniques can be taught to the partner to use throughout the pregnancy and labour.
It is important that an expectant mum does not loose sight of the fact she is still a woman and taking time out for herself can help her give more to her new family.
The fitter and healthier you are physically and emotionally the more balanced your birth experience can be, giving the best possible start to your new baby.
What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a complementary health profession that offers expert hands on treatment to correct restrictions in the tissues of the body. Accidents, poor posture, repetitive strain, birth trauma and pregnancy are common causes of tension in the muscles, restriction of joint movement, poor circulation and more. These restrictions show themselves as symptoms such as: back pain, neck pain, headaches or migraines, arm or leg pain, sciatica, joint pain, recurrent ear infections, sinus problems, colic in infants and more.
Osteopaths use a range of hands on techniques to resolve restrictions and promote a healthy well functioning body. Treatment is safe and effective for all ages.
History of Osteopathy
Osteopathy was founded by and American doctor, Dr Andrew Taylor Still. Three of Dr Still’s children died from meningitis and he was upset that he was not able to do anything to save them. He was a very religious man who believed that God had given us the ability to heal ourselves. He believed that if the structure of the body was moving freely, then we would be able to function well, that is, we would be able to fight infections better, be pain free, have easier births etc. He started a detailed study of the anatomy and biomechanics of the human body, and then developed techniques to resolve any restrictions he identified in patients. This is the origins of Osteopathy.
How do Osteopaths treat?
Osteopathy recognises the importance of the link between the structure of the human body and the way it functions. Osteopaths focus on the body’s mechanical balance. It assesses how the muscles, joints, soft tissues, internal organs, circulation and nerves are functioning affecting each individual’s symptoms.
As no two people are the same, it is important for osteopaths to discover what factors are contributing to your condition. On your first visit, the osteopath will spend time taking a detailed medical history including important information about your lifestyle and diet. You will normally be asked to undress to your underwear (a gown is available on request) and perform a series of simple movements. This will allow a full diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your needs.
With their hands osteopaths identify abnormalities within the human structure and function. They then facilitate the body's ability to heal itself through a variety of stretching, mobilizing and manipulative techniques. With added exercises and health advice, osteopaths help to reduce the symptoms and improve your health and quality of life.
What do osteopaths treat?
The most common complaints for which patients consult Osteopaths include:
- Back and neck pain
- Sciatica and disc problems
- Headaches and migraines
- Pains in peripheral joints such as shoulders, knees and ankles
- Tendonitis and muscle strains
- Work-related and repetitive strain injuries
- Sports-related injuries
- Following motor vehicle accidents
- For pregnancy related complaints
- For children with recurrent ear infections, misshapen heads, colic and sleep problems.
Other conditions for which Osteopathy can play a significant role in reducing the severity of symptoms include:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Asthma
- Gynaecological dysfunction including period pain
- Arthritic conditions
- Chronic fatigue.
What techniques do osteopaths use?
Osteopaths work with their hands to perform a variety of techniques including:
Massage and stretching techniques – to release tension in the muscles.
Articulation techniques – moves the joints through their range of motion to improve joint mobility.
Muscle energy techniques – balances muscles around a joint to improve joint mobility.
Counterstrain techniques – works on “resetting” the neurological stimulation that causes muscles to be too tight. It involves holding the tissues in a position of ease to achieve the release.
Functional techniques – work with the ease of the tissues to achieve balance in the tissues.
Manipulation – this is where you may hear the “pop or crack” sound. It involves a quick movement in a specific position that allows the restricted joint to be freed. The noise is the separating of the joint surfaces, just like opening a jam jar for the first time it goes “pop”.
Visceral techniques – these work on the small inherent movement that occurs of the organs of the body. This movement is important for normal function of the organs.
Fascial techniques – the fascia is the connective tissue of the body. It surrounds all the other tissues, bones, nerves, muscles and blood vessels. (A bit like the pith of an orange.) It can get torsioned and twisted affecting the tissues it surrounds. Fascial techniques work to “untwist” the fascia.
Cranial Techniques – works on the small but important movement that occurs in the head and sacrum, that is reflected throughout the body. The movement occurs in the skull bones, membranes, cerebro-spinal fluid and brain itself.
Osteopathy and Pregnancy
Osteopathic care is wonderful during pregnancy. Not only can it help relieve some of the common symptoms of pregnancy but it also helps to improve birth outcomes. This is in two ways, first by ensuring the pelvic mechanics are moving freely thus allowing the birth to progress smoothly. Secondly, by aiding optimal foetal positioning, it aims to encourage the baby to present in a left occiput anterior presentation, which is a mechanically easier birth for the mother and baby.
Common conditions treated in pregnancy are:
- Back pain and sciatica
- Pubic symphysis pain
- Mid back pain
- Fluid congestion
- Rib pain
- Headaches
- Indigestion
- Breathing problems
A full case history and examination is taken, and techniques used to resolve the restrictions take into account the stage of pregnancy. The safety of the mother and baby is paramount. Research has also shown that osteopathic treatment can help shorten labour times.
Post-natal care
After the baby is born, it is important for both mother and child to be checked to ensure that any restrictions that may have been created by either the pregnancy or labour can be addressed.
Due to the sudden postural changes after giving birth, the mid back area is placed under increased pressure. This combined with breast feeding may often lead to back and shoulder pain. This is a very common complaint seen in new mothers and responds well to osteopathic treatment.
Other conditions treated in post partum women include:
- Coccyx pain
- Low back and pelvic pain
- Incontinence
- Depression
Osteopathy and Children
Many people believe that babies and children are too young and pliable to suffer from any structural stresses and strains, but in reality they do. Birth itself can be a very stressful time for the baby both physically and emotionally. If there are difficulties and complications with the birth this can put immense strain on certain structures within the baby’s body, left untreated these can cause problems in later life.
Many childhood problems may benefit from osteopathic treatment. For example:
- Colic
- Poor sleep patterns.
- General irritable behaviour, difficulty with settling
- Attachment and feeding problems
- Misshapen heads
- Constipation
- Postural problems, such as scoliosis, torticollis (head held twisted)
- Poor co-ordiantion
- Injuries from falls, sport etc.
- Mechanical restrictions associated with asthma.
Very effective and subtle manual techniques have been developed over the years which are particularly suited to the treatment of children and babies. This gentle approach is often referred to as “Cranial Osteopathy” although the techniques are not just limited to the head as the term may imply.
What is cranial osteopathy?
The head is made of up of over 20 bones. These bones allow a small but important rhythmic movement of the skull to occur. This rhythmic movement is separate from the heartbeat and breathing, it is called the cranial rhythm or primary respiratory mechanism.
Inside the skull there are membranes that guide the motion of the bones. These membranes extend down the spinal canal to the sacrum (the bone at the base of the spine). Thus the sacrum moves in relation to the skull movement. A rhythmic motion of the cerebrospinal fluid also occurs with the cranial rhythm.
Restrictions can occur in the movement of the bones, membranes or flow of the cerebrospinal fluid. These restrictions can be caused by trauma to the head, (e.g. car accidents, falls, childbirth,) sacrum (falls onto bottom, during pregnancy and delivery) or due to shock or ill health.
When the movement is restricted it can affect the function of nerves that pass through the membranes, between the bones or through holes in the bones, the general function of the central nervous system, the drainage of blood from the skull, and the movement of the sacrum and low back.
Cranial osteopaths will commonly treat infants and children for mis-shapen heads, colic, recurrent ear infections, attachment and feeding problems, eye disorders, (e.g. lazy eye), constipation, and attention deficit disorder.
Adults commonly seek treatment for headaches and migraines, face pain, following head trauma, emotional instability, concentration problems, sinus problems, low back complaints, period pains, hormonal problems, back pain during pregnancy and post natal depression.
Treatment involves very gentle assessment of the cranial rhythm and gentle release of any restrictions. It is safe for all ages from new-borns to the elderly.
Case study one:
Alex was three years old when he came to see me. He had been born prematurely at 24 weeks and against the odds had survived. He developed normally, except that he had terrible constipation. He had been on laxatives for over 2 years and was extremely fussy with food.
On examination Alex was found to have marked compression through the base of his skull. This was apparent visually with the bottom of his skull appearing small in relation to the top of his head.
This is a common appearance with compression through the base of the skull as the vault (top of the head bones) compensate for the lack of movement by moving more, giving the appearance of a large head.
Compression of the base of the skull was affecting the nerve supply to the digestive system (via the vagus nerve). Cranial treatment helped reduce the compression. Alex began to go to the toilet normally and his laxatives were gradually reduced. It took a while for his eating habits to improve, but gradually his diet did improve. Alex had 8 osteopathic treatments spread over 12 weeks.
It is common for premature babies to have increased compression through the skull as the bones are softer at birth and they loose the protective fluid environment provided in utero.
Case study two:
Olivia was 14 months when she was brought to see me. She had had recurrent ear infections since birth and had had six courses of antibiotics to date.
Olivia was born at 41 weeks. The labour had been long with Olivia arriving in a posterior presentation. No assistance was required for the delivery.
On examination Olivia had marked restriction of her sphenoid and temporal bones. These bones are very important in relation to the ear. This is because the Eustachian tube attaches to both bones. The Eustachian tube is the drainage for the middle ear. In the child the tube runs more horizontally and thus relies on the movement between the sphenoid and temporal bones to create a pumping effect to aid drainage. As a child grows the face elongates and the tube runs more vertically, thus aiding drainage. This is why ear infections are much more common in children than adults.
Cranial osteopathic treatment was given to Olivia. This helped improve the drainage from the ear and greatly reduced the amount of ear infections she had. In many case like Olivia, grommets are used to help resolve the problem. In Olivia’s case this was not required.
QUALIFICATION DETAILS
All our therapist are fully qualified and members of their professional associations. Please feel free to ask for individual practitioner qualifications.
Craniosacral Therapy, Cupping, Deep Tissue Massage, Indian Head Massage, Lymphatic Drainage, Osteopathy, Pregnancy Massage, Remedial Massage, Sports Massage, Stone Therapy Massage, Swedish Relaxation Massage
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