Osteopathy

Browse the local directory for Osteopathy

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.

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.

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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References

Talking Osteopathy

Melanie Alexander interviews Rachael from Central Sydney Osteoapthy.

Are You Ergonomically Sound?

Do you feel like the hunchback of Notre Dame after a busy day in the office? Becoming ergonomically sound is not all that hard, though it does take a bit of awareness to make it work.

Assessing and Improving Your Workstation

I have come to learn through many years of carrying out workplace assessments and clinical practice that there are many simple strategies that can be adopted in order to reduce ones risk of developing overuse or postural related injuries.

De Quervains Tenosynovitis

De Quervain's Tenosynovitis is a condition in which one suffers from inflammation of the tendons in the wrist and thumb.

Osteopathy and Sports Injuries

Muscular flexibility and joint range of motion are taken for granted by most people and rarely a major focus in fitness and training regimes, yet they are the major precursor to injury and a limiting factor to sporting performance.

Osteopathy and Heel Arch Pain

Painful feet are very debilitating. Pain in the heel area is especially common and may be associated with a calcaneal spur, usually referred to as a heel spur.

Associations


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