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Osteopathy was developed in the late 1800's by an American doctor, Andrew Taylor Still. He found that if the body was free from strain and in proper alignment it would be free from disease. Osteopathy is a unique treatment modality that encompasses the whole body with its specific philosophy and principles. Osteopathy is a precise form of manual medicine which uses 'hands-on' techniques to influence the way the body works. One of the defining aspects of Osteopathy is that by using biomechanical principles it acknowledges the link between all systems in the body and how they affect each other. This means Osteopaths always consider the anatomical links involved in pain or dysfunction (a restriction in your bowel can cause knee pain!). Osteopaths study full time at university for 5 years to develop these skills in touch and diagnosis. They are well established in most parts of the world and have been for more than 100 years. Osteopathy is a registered Primary Health care modality, meaning you don't need a referral to visit, It can also be used to complement other therapies. To read more about Osteopathy go to www.osteohome.com or phone us at Pilates and Healing and we will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. I've tried Physio and Chiro, what does Osteopathy offer?Traditional Physiotherapy focuses on rehabilitation of injured tissues using exercise, mobilisation and electrotherapies. Traditional Chiropractic diagnosis is usually based on X-rays and treatment is focused on spinal correction using manipulation. Osteopathy is more holistic in nature and looks at the mechanical function of the entire body. It is not defined by a single technique giving Osteopaths a wider range of manual techniques to use - such as joint mobilization, manipulation, exercise, stretching, nutrition, soft tissue massage, trigger point therapy, strain-counterstrain, functional technique and many more. Osteopaths use physical examinationcan to diagnose your symptoms and can also order scans and X-rays if required. So the real difference is the osteopathic understanding of the total nature of your injury, and the total effect the injury has on your whole body. By considering your body as a unit, osteopathy presents as an ideal therapy when you are looking for a true and complete solution for your injuries. How can it help me?
Osteopathy can provide safe, effective relief from:
• chronic and acute pain • joint pain of any kind • back and neck pain • headaches or jaw pain • nerve pain • rib pain • period pain • pre- and post-natal complaints • pelvic dysfunction including incontinence • whiplash or high impact falls or injuries • organ-related complaints such as sinus, breathing or gastro- intestinal issues • shoulder, arm, elbow and hand issues • knee leg and foot issues including sporting injuries and pain management • hip pain or sacro-iliac problems What is involved during my session?
• A detailed medical history will be taken. This involves providing any information about the medication you are taking or any significant injuries you may have sustained since childhood.
• Please bring any imaging such as MRI, CT scans, X-rays or blood test results • You may be asked to remove the top layer of clothing for the physical exam. This usually involves you moving the affected parts of your body so the osteopath can check your posture and mobility. • Treatment with discussion about any findings. While treating your osteopath will endeavour to make the treatment as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. • Importantly, in order to treat the whole body, some parts which seem unrelated may be treated. For example if you have shoulder pain your back or your wrist may also be treated. • Follow-up analysis to check on progress, home exercises and preventative strategies are always an osteopath’s primary objective. |
