What can an osteopath help with?
Our osteopaths have experience with a vast range of patients and conditions including, but not limited to:
- Neck pain
- Jaw/TMJ dysfunction/pain
- Headaches/migraines
- Lower back pain
- Disc injuries
- 'Sciatic' pain
- Chronic pain
- Postural/ergonomic/work-related issues
- Middle back pain
- Shoulder, elbow and wrist pain
- Hip and knee pain
- Ankle/foot pain
- Arthritis
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Sporting injuries/rehabilitation
- Postural/ergonomic/work-related issues
- Digestive complaints
- Pelvic pain
- Pregnancy and post-natal care
- Babies and children
What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a form of manual medicine. Osteopaths recognise the important link between the structure of the body and the way it functions, with a focus on how the skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulation, connective tissue and internal organs function as a holistic unit.
Treatment involves using hands-on techniques such as soft tissue massage, joint articulation, stretching, joint manipulation (where indicated) and dry needling (where indicated). We also offer indirect techniques which are much more gentle and subtle and involve taking the tissues in the body into a position of ease.
Osteopaths operate within the biopsychosocial model of health and believe in optimising and promoting health and wellbeing, rather than just ‘fixing’ or treating ill health once it arises.
We are unique in that we ensure that the root of the problem is identified and treated, rather than just continually treating symptoms and watching them reappear. This involves focusing on the area of concern, but also looking at the adjacent areas and the body as a whole.
When there is dysfunction in the body, often other areas of the body are being impacted or can actually be the reason as to why this particular issue is not resolving. Furthermore, factors that are beyond the tightness in our muscles or stiffness in our joints can also be contributing to the dysfunction.
Osteopaths are considered primary health care practitioners and therefore graduate with the knowledge to identify various health conditions and refer patients to appropriate professionals if needed. During a visit, your osteopath will take a thorough case history, including details about the main complaint and overall health (work, sleep, activity level, diet, mental health), past musculoskeletal issues, and general health conditions. This comprehensive information helps us offer a holistic approach to care.
