Patterson Allied Health

How Osteopathy Works

Osteopathy is whole body, manual treatment. It is based on strengthening and balancing the musculoskeletal framework (including spine, muscles and joints). The treatment does not just focus on one isolated area. If one area of the body is in pain or restricted, it will impact the rest of the body.

Osteopathic treatment works on restoring balance to all the systems of the body, for overall health and wellbeing. With positive effects on not only the musculoskeletal system, but also the lymphatic, nervous, and circulatory systems.

The technique is non-invasive and does not use drugs. The primary goal is minimising pain and reducing body stress. From there, osteopathy aims to provide a person with greater mobility so the body can begin to heal itself.

Who is an Osteopath

Osteopathic therapy is a unique holistic approach to health care. The philosophy is what sets it apart from other disciplines as it is based on all parts of the body functioning together in an integrated manner. When the body is free of restrictions in movement, osteopathic treatment assists the body with pain minimisation, reduced stress and greater mobility providing the body with the opportunity to heal itself.

Osteopaths use a board range of gentle hands-on techniques including soft tissue, stretching, deep tactile pressure, and mobilisation or manipulation of joints. Using these techniques, osteopaths treat a range of conditions including, neck and back pain, sports injuries, arthritic conditions, work-related injuries, pregnancy-related pain, headaches, migraines, and joint pain.

What you can expect from an Osteopathy Session

Your Osteopathy session will begin with the practitioner asking you questions about your current state and also your medical and physical history. They may ask you to remove some outer layers of clothing and request that you do some simple movements so they can observe how your body is moving and where any stiffness and difficulties are to be.

The treatment itself will involve gentle hands-on techniques including mobilisation and manipulation of joints, soft tissue stretching, and deep tactile pressure.

Your osteopath may refer you for blood tests or X-rays to assist with or confirm a diagnosis. They may also refer you to another health professional (GP, or another allied health professional) if your condition requires further assistance.

The first session takes around 60 minutes and your osteopath will discuss your diagnosis with you and suggest a treatment program.

Positive Impacts of Osteopathy can Include:

• Relief from chronic and acute pain
• Better and more restful sleep
• Increased energy and vitality levels
• Better overall health

Our clinic is situated in the middle of Berwick with ample parking, which is quite easily accessible for all residents of Berwick, Narre Warren, Cranbourne and Hampton Park.