What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a holistic system of manual therapy. It originated in America over 140 years ago and has spread across the western world. Osteopaths look at the body as a whole unit, how one area of the body effects other areas.
Osteopaths respect the bodies self healing and regulating mechanisms and treatment aims to support these. Osteopaths are nationally registered primary care practitioners (no referral necessary), and their training involves five years of university education.
What do Osteopaths treat?
We treat all aches and pains including neck and back pain, sports injuries, repetitive strain injuries, joint pain, arthritis and head aches.
Osteopaths can also assist in the management of chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, asthma and fibromyalgia.
What does a consultation involve?
The first consultation involves a detailed medical history to help identify the diagnosis and cause of your problem. The osteopaths conduct a thorough musculoskeletal examination which may involve orthopaedic testing. We will explain and discuss our diagnosis and management plan in terms you understand.
Osteopathic treatment involves many different gentle manual techniques including stretching, soft tissue massage, joint articulation/mobilisation and sometimes manipulation if appropriate. We prescribe exercises specific to your problem to prevent ongoing problems.
Osteopaths can refer for x-ray and other testing if necessary and work in conjunction with your GP and other healthcare practitioners.
The first consultation takes approx. 45-60 minutes and subsequent consultations take approx. 30 minutes.
References
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