Osteopathy is a holistic and natural hands-on approach to health care . It aims at treating musculo-skeletal acute and chronic conditions as well as improving overall health.

Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment which recognizes that structure and function of the body are interrelated. It emphasizes unity of function of all the systems throughout the body, the nervous system which connects and integrates all body functions, the circulatory systems which supplies blood flow throughout, the skeletal system that supports the structure of the body, and another system comprised of a connective tissue called fascia. (Fascia plays an important role in Osteopathy, as it surrounds every muscle, organ, nerve and blood vessel and is all one piece that folds over and blends into itself. Its function is to support and lubricate, providing a medium for the flow of fluids. The fascia can become compressed and twisted by trauma and can pull from one part of the body to another, affecting the function of seemingly unrelated structures.)

Osteopaths use a variety of manual techniques to balance and integrate structure and function, assisting the body’s innate capacity to self-heal and promoting a healthy and balanced state of body, mind and spirit.

the origin of osteopathy

Dr Andrew Taylor Still was a doctor and surgeon during the American civil war. He was an inquisitive, tenacious and independent man, who possessed a detailed knowledge of anatomy and bio-mechanics and a keen observation. His faith into the power of nature made him realize that the human body was potentially perfect in its form and function and that pain and disease were a departure from its intended design. His interest lay in enhancing nature's ability to heal, and he began to develop a philosophy of diagnosis and treatment to restore the equilibrium between structure and function of the body through manual manipulation. By 1892, at the age of 64, Dr Still began teaching formally, founding the American School of Osteopathy in Kirksville, Missouri.

what do osteopaths treat?

Osteopathy is particularly suitable for treating musculo-skeletal chronic and acute pain & trauma. An osteopathic treatment may balance the central nervous system and improve the functioning of the respiratory, digestive and eliminative systems as well as maximizing overall health. It effectively treats the following conditions:

how do osteopaths treat?

Osteopaths assess the musculo-skeletal system through observation and by using a finely trained sense of touch in a process called palpatory diagnosis. Treatment is tailored according to each individual patient and the presenting problem, which makes it a safe, gentle and non-invasive approach. Osteopaths can choose from a variety of techniques to restore correct structure and physiological function, such as stretching, soft tissue/myofascial release, joint articulation, visceral and joint manipulation, MET (muscle energy technique), strain/counterstrain techniques and Cranio-Sacral Osteopathy.

how many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments needed varies widely and depends on the condition as well as the responsiveness of the client. In some situations 1 or 2 treatments may be all that is needed but in many cases a minimum of 3-6 treatment may be required to restore balance. Most private health funds offer rebates for osteopathic treatments.

practitioners

Ilona McGavock B.App.Sc,M.H.Sc.(Osteo)Memb.AOA

Allanna Treweek B.App.Sc(Clin Sci),B.App.Sc(Osteo)Memb.AOA

Anna Myers B.App.Sc(Clin Sc),B.Clin.Sc(Osteo)Memb.AOA

fees

For current fees, please view our fees page