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 wholistic 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 

• hip pain or sacro-iliac problems 

• 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 

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. 

Amy Myhill

Originally from New Zealand, Amy trained in England as a remedial massage therapist before returning home to study osteopathy. She uses comfortable and effective osteopathic techniques with people of all ages and levels of fitness. 

Amy presents talks to various groups around Brisbane, has organised osteopathic seminars and attends regular post graduate courses relating to specialty fields of osteopathic diagnosis and treatment.