The Philosophy of Osteopathy
Manual Medicine techniques such as those performed by Osteopaths have been documented for over 4000 years. It was not until the 1870’s however, that medical physician Andrew Taylor Still proposed the theory and practice of Osteopathic medicine.
His basic philosophy can be divided into four principles:
1. The Body is a Unit
The body is made up of many different systems that all work together in order to achieve an optimal function of the entire organism. Osteopaths believe that a problem in one area of the body affects other musculoskeletal regions and/or other body systems.
2. Structure and Function are Inter-related
Osteopaths strongly believe in the relationship between body structure and its ability to function. If a body’s structure is sound and balanced, then it can function at an optimal level.
3. The Somatic Component of Disease
Osteopaths believe that the musculoskeletal system is an integral part of total body health. For the body to recover completely from injury or disease, problems within the musculoskeletal system must be addressed.
4. The Healing Power of Nature
The body has within itself methods for protection, repair and regulation which are necessary for health maintenance and recovery from disease. The role of the Osteopath is to enhance this inherent capacity for health.
The Recognition of Osteopathy
Osteopaths complete a 5 year full time University degree that leads to a Bachelor/Masters qualification. They are government registered healthcare providers registered to treat WorkCover, TAC and Veterans’ Affairs patients.
Osteopaths are trained to recognise conditions which require medical referral or referral to another Allied Health Practitioner.
Osteopathy has been practised for more than 100 years in Australia. Globally, it is now widely recognised as one of the most scientifically validated and effective complementary therapies. Notably, the World Health Organisation recognises the osteopathic concept of somatic dysfunction as being scientifically proven. This concept, unique to osteopathic practice, describes impaired or altered function of the body framework (including the muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments and connective tissues). During your consultation, your Osteopath may refer to this diagnostic term.
Research on Osteopathy is undertaken continuously in Australia and abroad. Findings and outcomes from this research, published in the International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, sustain the growth and development of the profession.
Osteopaths in Australia are nationally registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Osteopathy Australia (OA), established in the mid 1900’s, acts as the national professional body representing Osteopaths. The Osteopaths at Canterbury Health Hub are both registered with the Osteopathy Board of Australia associated with AHPRA and are members of OA.
How do we treat?
Osteopaths pride themselves on their expertise in using hands-on techniques. Our treatment methods, addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal complaints, are considered some of the safest and most gentle forms of complementary therapies available. At Canterbury Health Hub, you will receive a personalised treatment program from your Osteopath. This will detail everything you need to know about your condition, so you can feel confident you are on the right path to finding a solution and achieving your healthcare goals.
A typical consultation includes the taking of a comprehensive case history, a thorough examination, followed by hands-on treatment. All techniques aim to restore movement to areas of the body identified as being tight or restricted in movement. This enables the body to function at its optimal level which in turn allows healing to occur quickly.
After our initial assessment, we develop a personalised treatment program for your unique situation, which outlines a summary of our initial assessment and everything you need to know about the path ahead.
Consistent with our whole person philosophy, advice for further management of your condition, including stretches, ergonomics, posture, rehabilitative exercises and nutrition may also be incorporated into a consultation to ensure that the condition is addressed thoroughly.
Osteopathy is suitable for treating people of all age groups. This includes newborn babies, children, teenagers, pregnant women, adults, the elderly, athletes, tradesmen and more.
We use a wide range of gentle treatment techniques including:
- Soft tissue massage and stretching techniques
- Articulation/mobilisation techniques – the movement of joints through their range of motion in order to restore function.
- High Velocity Low Amplitude techniques (HVLA) – the technical term for manipulation, whereby the Osteopath uses a gentle method of maintaining precise positioning of a joint, followed by a mild thrust action.
- Muscle Energy techniques (MET) – in which tight muscles are gently released by alternately being stretched and made to work against resistance. This helps to restore function to the muscles and surrounding joint structures.
- Counter-strain techniques – in which a release of restriction is achieved by the placement of the affected joint or muscle in a position of comfort, while applying a ‘counter’ stretch to the antagonists of the tight muscles.
- Functional techniques – whereby the dysfunctional joint is placed into its preferred resting position, allowing a gentle release of the joint to occur.
- Osteopathy in the Cranial Field/Biodynamic Approach – gentle release of all structures using the fluid forces of the body.
What we treat:
People of all age groups seek osteopathic treatment most commonly for musculoskeletal complaints including:
- Neck and Back Pain
- Repetitive Muscle Strains
- Sporting Injuries
- Headaches and Migraines
- Jaw Pain
- Arthritis and Joint Pain
- Muscular Pain
- Pregnancy Related Pain
- Sciatica
- Scoliosis
- Postural Problems
- Tennis Elbow
- Tendonitis
- Hip, Knee and Foot Pain
- Shoulder, Elbow and Wrist Pain
- Injuries from work or road accidents
Furthermore, Osteopathy, when used in conjunction with medical treatment, may help to reduce the severity of symptoms in conditions such as:
- Asthma
- Digestive problems
- Lowered immune response following illness