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​OSTEOPATHY 

The philosophy of Osteopathy is to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. It places emphasis on the relationships between the body's structure, framework and function, teaching the appreciation of the body's ability to heal itself.

 

Structural therapies work within the framework of the body to help ensure that freedom of movement is kept or regained, and that a person has the optimum mobility levels and quality of life

 

The Benefits of Structural Therapies

All structural therapies aim to improve the way that the body moves, so that movement becomes easier, posture is improved, and pain is minimised or eradicated altogether. The actual structure or framework of the body is being worked upon. As well as working on the body, structural therapies also work on the mind, as they understand that the body and the mind work together.Undergoing treatment with a structural therapy is beneficial as movement, balance and coordination are all improved. In fact, the key benefit of a structural therapy is the regaining of the freedom of movement. Movement may have been previously restricted due to stress, tension in the body, injuries, illnesses, or incorrect body posture or movement. Structural therapies aim to track down the source of restriction or pain and eliminate it.

 

Why See an Osteopath?

The most common complaints for which patients consult Osteopaths include back and neck pain, sciatica, headaches, pains in peripheral joints such as shoulders, knees and ankles, tendinitis and muscle strains, work-related and repetitive strain injuries, and sports-related injuries. Other conditions for which Osteopathy can play a significant role in reducing the severity of symptoms include asthma, gynaecological dysfunction, arthritic conditions and chronic fatigue.When visiting an osteopath for the first time, a full case history will be taken as well as an examination. This generally requires the removing of some clothing and the performance of a simple series of movements.The Osteopath will use a highly developed sense of touch, called palpation, to identify any points of weakness or excessive strain throughout the body. Osteopathic treatments are tailored to the requirements of the individual patient, and techniques are selected which are appropriate to the patient's needs. For some acute pain, one to two treatments may be all that is necessary. Chronic conditions may need ongoing maintenance averaging six to eight sessions.

 

Osteopaths work with their hands to perform such treatment using a variety of techniques:

Massage and stretching techniques

Articulation techniques – passive joint mobilisation and active 'cracks'

Muscle energy techniques – releasing contracted muscles by working against resistance

Counterstrain techniques – counter stretching restricted joints and muscles whilst in position of comfort in order to achieve releaseFunctional techniques – gentle joint mobilisation

 

For even more info: http://www.osteopathy.org.au