Osteopathy
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Why See an Osteopath
Osteopathy is probably the most complete of the modern day manual medicines, taking into account all factors of your problem, and addressing factors that can be changed within and outside the consultation.
Osteopaths rely mainly on hands-on techniques, such as massage, stretching and manipulation – so you are not going to be hooked up to any machinery and left alone. You won’t be just given exercises and won’t be in and out in 5 minutes flat!
You should be happy with the results of the first consultation immediately, even if the pain is not resolved in the first few consultations, we expect you will be so relieved with the advice, knowledge and confidence in us to resolve your problem completely and expertly.
Research into the effectiveness of osteopathy is expanding daily and appears more precise in its results for the support of osteopathy.
Osteoworks clinic maintains a healthy balance of research, continuing professional development and internal retrospective evaluation of the effectiveness of our own osteopaths and procedures.
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What is Osteopathy
Osteopathy is the science of the musculoskeletal system which involves manual external manipulation of the skeletal system and muscles to treat the patient. The central belief of this manual medicine is that a healthy body relies on a structurally sound musculoskeletal system. Only when the bones, joints and muscles are working smoothly and in sequence can the other systems of the body function at their best.
The body is believed incredibly capable of healing itself – and maintaining a healthy state – if barriers, such as structural problems and poor posture, are removed. Osteopathy was developed by a physician in the late 1800’s and has since gained world-wide recognition as a valuable and effective healing system.
Central to osteopathy is the study of ‘biomechanics’ – how each part of the musculoskeletal system interacts with and influences every other part. Any joint or muscle injury must therefore be treated in the context of the whole body, since other parts of the musculoskeletal system will also be affected. For instance, an ankle injury may mean that the patient limps and favours the other foot. Over time, this imbalance can lead to secondary injuries, such as soreness in the other ankle, knee or hip, or perhaps back pain. The osteopath will devise a strategy of treatment that takes into account the entire musculoskeletal system. Attention is given to other systems of the body – such as the circulatory, nervous and lymphatic systems – since these all play significant roles in the healing process.
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What can Osteopathy do for you
The key to osteopathic success in treating injuries is related to the ability to use muscular AND joint manipulation techniques which can cover majority of pain causing tissues. It is also more effective by looking globally at why your body is reacting to the injury or why it was caused in the first place.
There are many great examples of how the body ‘compensates’ for injuries and postural strain such as scoliosis and differing leg lengths which can complicate an otherwise simple injury.
Osteopaths provide comprehensive treatment and advice for your specific injury and can make allowances and adaptations based on pain tolerance and the rest of the posture. It is crucial to respond to all areas of the body to get the best result at the fastest rate of recovery possible.
We treat successfully and methodically through a range of injuries including:
- Back and neck pain
- Sciatica
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Sports injuries
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Arthritis
- Neuralgia
- Joint pain
- Jaw Pain
- Back pain during and after pregnancy
- Posture and mobility problems or maintenance
- Many breathing restrictions, digestive irritations or menstrual pains
Everyone from young children to the elderly are subject to basic forms of mechanical stress on their body from the moment they wake. Some bodies can handle this pressure with minimal problems, others struggle from the outset for a number of reasons. Osteopathy is designed to reduce the effect of such pressure and will strive to prevent the injuries from occurring where possible.
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What to expect
Firstly you will need to fill in a personal details form with some basic information about you and your medical history. If you have any x-rays, scans or tests that have been done, please bring them with you as they are most helpful in being accurate with your condition.
The osteopath will then take you into the room a conduct a more detailed questioning on your health and current injury state. This part will finish with the osteopath asking to check your posture and any movement testing that is required to eliminate or confirm serious problems.
Thereafter the treatment of the injury and its related areas will commence, using a number of treatment techniques which have been chosen specifically for your comfort and condition.
Osteopaths boast one of the largest variety of available techniques to ensure that we can treat more effectively, safely and comfortably. These include:
- Massage and stretching
- Muscle energy techniques – A more advanced style of stretching and gentle joint manipulation
- Articulation Forceful, small and safe joint movements
- Counterstrain techniques – Designed to most gently ease contracted muscle
- Joint manipulation – Direct and effective joint movements with ‘crack’ noise for highly effective improvements (only when safe)
- Cranial techniques – The gentle release technique best suited for children and frail
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Do I need a referral?
No. Osteopaths are primary care practitioners and do not require any referral to commence consultation with you.
The only time you will need a referral from your treating doctor is in the case of Veteran’s Affairs scheme, Workcover and Medicare plus (enhanced primary care) in Queensland only. If you wish to claim under these schemes please refer to your doctor or our information page for Veteran’s Affairs scheme, Workcover and Medicare plus
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Safe and effective
It is a common misconception that Osteopathic theories have not been scientifically validated. In fact there exists a great deal of research which not only provides a physiological basis for Osteopathic concepts and techniques, but also provides statistical data on outcomes.
Reports have shown not only a consistent level of successful outcome, but also a high degree of patient satisfaction. If you wish to read further on this subject, a list of references is provided in the further reading section of this site.
There’s no form of medical treatment which is guaranteed safe in every case. That said, however, Osteopathy has one of the best safety records of any medically-related profession. Some specialist medical practitioners have professional insurance premiums of $100,000 per year, where osteopathic professional insurance is still under $1000 per year.
Osteopaths are trained to recognise any condition that might make Osteopathic treatment inadvisable, and will refer patients for appropriate medical attention in such cases. Just as a Doctor regards safety as the most important factor in selecting the appropriate medication for a particular patient, so an Osteopath will also select the most appropriate style of treatment with safety as the prime consideration.