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Osteopathy

What is Osteopathy?

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Osteopaths are nationally recognised allied health practitioners who undertake a 3 year undergraduate Clinical Sciences Degree followed by a two year Masters Degree in Osteopathy. As holistic practitioners, osteopaths look at how the skeleton, muscles, joints, nerves, circulation, connective tissue and internal organs function as a complete unit. Osteopaths examine the neuromuscular system for muscle symmetry, co-ordination, postural control and gait patterns and look for any skeletal anomalies that can affect biomechanics leading to compensations elsewhere in the body causing dysfunction or pain.
 
Osteopaths often take into account medication use, diagnosed conditions, prior surgery, previous injury, level of fitness and psychological wellbeing in formulating our treatment plans, and may perform various simple non-invasive orthopaedic and musculoskeletal tests and we may perform some standard medical examinations of the cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems to assist in reaching a diagnosis.

As holistic practitioners, we also can work closely with other health practitioners to provide you with the best overall care. You do not need a referral to see an osteopath. Osteopathy is covered by most private health insurers and the Medicare Chronic Disease Management Scheme.

 

All osteopathic treatments at Healthy Living Osteopathy are performed in a safe and controlled way using hands-on techniques to influence the body's structure and function. Techniques used can vary from person to person depending on the nature of the condition being treated and unique individual factors.

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​Osteopathic techniques that are used in a treatment may include any of the following:

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  • Deep tissue massage and myofascial techniques to encourage muscle relaxation.

  • Stretching of muscles and their periarticular structures to stimulate circulation and relieve congestion.

  • Passive joint articulation and rhythmic traction to promote fluid circulation to joints, tendons & ligaments and improve joint range of movement.

  • Spinal manipulation to improve joint nutrition and release restrictions to restore joint mechanics.

  • Functional/indirect/counterstrain techniques to assist with the re-setting of neural control.

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What Should I Expect During My First Visit?

 

Medical History

 

Because osteopaths are holistic practitioners, we need to obtain a detailed medical history to obtain a full clinical picture of your presenting complaint. Questions relating to your past medical history, presentmedical state and also lifestyle factors, assist us in reaching a diagnosis and formulating the most appropriate and effective treatment and management plan.

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​Physical Examination

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In order to examine the area causing the symptoms, at Healthy Living Osteopathy, we will examine other structures also to determine what may be the underlying cause

Examinations may include:

 

  • Observing the muscular system for symmetry.

  • Looking at spinal & joint range of motion (noting any restriction to active movement).

  • Passive movement of joints to assess the integrity of peri-articular structures.

  • Palpation of muscles and underlying structures to determine tenderness and tissue texture.

  • Assessing resistance to muscle isometric contractions.

  • Simple & non-invasive orthopaedic tests to examine joint structures and joint neurological components.

  • Simple & non-invasive medical examinations to determine if any underlying medical pathology might be present which may be associated with, or influencing, the presenting complaint.

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Osteopathic Treatment

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Depending on the working diagnosis and other lifestyle factors, various techniques may be used to address the underlying cause and also treat the associated symptoms. This is why techniques used in treatment can vary greatly from person to person. At Healthy Living Osteopathy, we obtain consent prior to initiating treatment and discuss with you your diagnosis and your treatment plan. We ensure at all times that you are comfortable throughout the consultation and pride ourselves in encouraging any questions that you may have about your presenting complaint or treatment.

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Holistic Management & Exercise Advice

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Before you leave our clinic, we will equip you with exercise, lifestyle &/or ergonomic advice to help address the cause of your symptoms and help maintain your relief from your osteopathic treatments.

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