How do Osteopaths treat?

In carrying out treatments, Osteopaths can call upon what is probably the largest range of techniques used in any manual therapy.

These include massage and stretching techniques; articulation techniques in which joints are mobilised by being passively taken through their range of motion; muscle energy techniques in which contracted muscles are released by alternately being stretched and made to work against resistance; functional techniques which involve gentle mobilisation of joints in a way which “probes” barriers to normal movement until a way is found through the restriction; and manipulation, which may be used where it is appropriate and safe to do so, though it is not the mainstay of most Osteopathic treatments.

What’s the difference between Osteopaths, Chiropractors and Physiotherapists?

It’s not the role of any health professional to try to define what another health care professional is, and what they do. If you want a definition, it would be best to ask people in those professions. What we can do is tell you about the defining characteristics of Osteopathy, which are its underlying philosophy and its broad range of techniques.

While “Biomechanics” has become one of the most rapidly developing areas of medicine in recent years, Osteopathy was an early profession to incorporate biomechanical analysis of how injuries occur and what the secondary effects are likely to be.

Do I need a referral to see an Osteopath?

You can simply contact an Osteopath directly. It is uncommon for your health fund to need a dr’s referral first.

Is Osteopathic treatment safe?

Osteopathy has one of the best safety records of any medically-related profession. Osteopaths are trained to recognise any condition that might make Osteopathic treatment inadvisable, and will refer patients for appropriate medical attention in such cases. Just as a Doctor regards safety as the most important factor in selecting the appropriate medication for a particular patient, an Osteopath will also select the most appropriate style of treatment with safety as the prime consideration. Your osteopath will discuss with you any risk associated with particular treatment.