About Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a form of manual medicine which recognises the important link between the structure of the body and the way it functions. Osteopaths focus on how the skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulation, connective tissue, and internal organs function as a holistic unit. Using skilled evaluation, diagnosis and a wide range of hands-on techniques, osteopaths can identify important types of dysfunction in your body. Osteopathic treatment uses techniques such as stretching and massage for general treatment of the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, and ligaments) along with mobilisation of specific joints and soft tissues.

In Australia, osteopaths are government-registered practitioners who complete a minimum of five years of university training.

Osteopathy is covered by most private health funds and the Medicare Enhanced Primary Care scheme. Osteopaths are registered providers for workers’ compensation schemes and motor accident insurers

Osteopaths treat a wide variety of musculo-skeletal problems and also have a role to play in the management of a number of other conditions. The most common complaints for which patients consult Osteopaths include:

• lower back pain
• neck and shoulder pain
• headaches and migraines
• sciatica
• arthritis
• joint pain including, shoulders, elbows, knees and ankles
• muscle and ligament sprains and strains
• tendinitis
• work-related and repetitive strain injuries
• sports-related injuries

However, Osteopathy can also play a significant role in pain management or when used in conjunction with medical treatment.

Many pregnant women find Osteopathic treatment very beneficial both to reduce back pain during pregnancy and also to help prepare the body for birth.

Osteopaths believe that continually returning for further treatment is not the best form of long-term preventive care. The key to preventing health problems from recurring, and developing long-term solutions, lies in increasing patients’ awareness of the causes of problems, and in giving them the help they need to take responsibility for their own health.