Osteopathy is a form of complementary medicine that focuses on the musculoskeletal system and the interrelationship between different systems in the body.
Osteopathy can benefit many patients, from children to older adults. It can help to relieve pain, improve function, and enhance overall well-being.
Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, an acute injury, or simply looking to improve your overall health, an osteopath may be able to provide the relief and support you need.
What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare that aims to restore balance to the body by treating the musculoskeletal system. Osteopaths believe that the body can heal itself and that removing any obstacles to this healing process can help patients recover from their injuries or conditions more quickly.
Osteopaths use a hands-on approach to diagnose, treat, and prevent various conditions and injuries.
Osteopathic principles
Osteopathy is based on a set of principles, namely:
- The body is a unit: Osteopaths view the body as a whole, interconnected system rather than a collection of individual parts.
- Structure and function are interrelated: The body’s structure, such as bones, muscles, and joints, directly affects its function, and vice versa.
- The body has a self-healing mechanism: Osteopaths believe that the body has a natural ability to heal itself and that by removing any obstacles to this healing process, they can facilitate the body’s own healing mechanisms.
Treatment should be tailored to the individual. Osteopaths believe that each patient is unique and that treatment should be tailored to their needs, considering their medical history, lifestyle, and goals.
What does an osteopath do?
As osteopaths, our primary focus is on the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, muscles, ligaments, and joints.
We use various hands-on techniques to manipulate and mobilise these structures to restore balance, improve circulation, correct altered biomechanics and function in the body without using drugs.
Osteopathic techniques
- Soft tissue massage: This involves using our hands to apply pressure to the muscles and other soft tissues in the body. It can help to relieve pain and tension and improve circulation.
- Joint mobilisation: This involves using gentle movements to manipulate the joints in the body. It can help to improve the range of motion and reduce pain.
- Myofascial release: This involves using sustained pressure to release tension in the fascia, which is the connective tissue surrounding the body’s muscles and organs.
- Exercise prescription: We also prescribe exercises to help patients improve their strength, flexibility, and range of motion. These exercises are tailored to each patient’s individual needs and goals.
During a typical session, we take a detailed medical history and perform a physical examination to assess the patient’s musculoskeletal system. Based on this assessment, we develop a diagnosis and a customised treatment plan that addresses their individual needs.
Common conditions osteopaths treat
Some of the conditions that osteopathy can help with include:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Knee pain
- Hip pain
- Foot pain
- Shoulder pain
- Sports injuries
- Arthritis
- Headaches and migraines
- Pregnancy-related issues
- Postural problems
How to find an osteopath
If you’re interested in trying osteopathy for your musculoskeletal issues, finding a qualified and experienced practitioner is essential.
Tips for finding an osteopath
- Ask your friends and family if they have been to see an osteopath they would recommend.
- Check the Osteopathy Australia website. You can find a list of accredited osteopaths near you.
- Use a search engine such as Google to find an osteopath in your local area.
Final thoughts on osteopathy
An osteopath is a healthcare professional who looks at the body as a whole and uses hands-on techniques to promote healing and overall wellness. Whether you’re suffering from a specific injury or just looking to improve your overall health, an osteopath can help.
So if you’re ready to take control of your health and well-being, consider seeing an osteopath today!
Book an appointment with one of our experienced practitioners at Flow Osteopathy for a comprehensive assessment and treatment plan.
