What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a system of healthcare which, instead of using drugs, uses the practitioner's knowledge of the body to seek out the underlying causes of pain and carry out treatment using a variety of corrective procedures. Particular focus is placed on the physical body. The musculoskeletal system is the largest of the body's systems and has far reaching effects on all systems of the body. Osteopathy allows the practitioner to assist the patient to restore natural function and movement through work on the body and its tensions.
Osteopathic training is such that although the structure is the primary focus, all disease processes are looked at from both a structural and organic point of view.
Osteopathy aims to normalise proper blood and nerve supply to all parts of the body by removing joint and tissue strains, restrictions and immobility. Health is aided by reducing pain, restoring proper fluid flow and normalizing nerve supply.
Can anyone try it?
Who can benefit ?
Osteopathy is effective for people of all ages, from infants to the elderly. It is a gentle technique with a broad approach so that the therapist can detect problems without necessarily having the benefit of a specific complaint, often difficult to obtain from very young children.
Osteopathy teaches patients to “manage” their own health so that “good health” is no longer considered as opposed to illness, but as a quality of life and the opportunity to live it to the full.
Everyone can be treated osteopathically from babies through to the elderly. It is very safe to have osteopathic care during pregnancy aswell. Treatment by an osteopath can help the body adjust to changes during pregnancy.
What is “cracking”?
High Velocity (HVLA) treatment is just one manipulation technique your osteopath may use. The “cracking” sound comes as the opposing joint surfaces of the joints being manipulated gap apart. It is like a vacuum effect and tiny nitrogen bubbles are thought to be released from the synovial fluid the fills the joint space. The therapeutic effect is to stretch the deep muscles controlling the joint and return the joint to better alignment.
Is cervical (neck) adjustment harmful?
Osteopaths are carefully trained to perform cervical manipulations in a safe and effective manner. The incidence of a serious complication after cervical manipulation is extremely rare and is significantly lower than everyday events such as having a serious car accident, or complications from taking pain killers.
What can I do after treatments?
Your osteopaths will discuss the things you should or should not do for your particular case, but as a general rule after treatment you should:
• Avoid strenuous movement or sports for 24-48 hours
• Take it easy for several hours
• Drink plenty of water to help your body clean away toxins
If you are not sure, in most cases, heat (hot water, heat pack) will bring relief.
Will I need another appointment?
Most likely, yes! Around three to five treatments corrects the most common problems, however this can change depending how long you have had the condition. A deep rooted problem that has been there for many years may require regular sessions which could be weekly then fortnightly and move on to monthly as the condition responds. It takes time to train the body into a new way of being. Your osteopath will advise you of your treatment plan on your first visit. At Health Dimensions, we are committed to getting you better as soon as possible. In some cases your practitioner may feel that your recovery will be sped up by you seeing an associated practitioner to deal with an underlying cause of your position.
Health Insurance rebates, Work Cover, Transport & Accident, DVA
Private health funds provide varying levels of cover for osteopathic treatment. These can be claimed directly through the Hicaps system directly from your health fund at the time of your consultation.
Osteopaths regularly provide services under Work Cover and Transport, Accident insurance claims. Cover for these services must be arranged with your insurance company and you must provide your claim number and contact details at the time of your consultation.
Medicare now covers part of the treatment cost of up to five treatments per year for those who are referred by their GP.
You need to have your GP complete an Enhanced Primary Care form and bring it with you to your consultation. You then pay at the time of treatment and take your receipt and the form to Medicare for your rebate.
Some practitioners are also contracted to the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA). A doctor's referral may be required so please check with DVA prior to your treatment.
Can Osteopathy be used in conjunction with other methods of treatment?
Although this depends on your particular case, we have found the results of osteopathic treatment are often enhanced by the use of other modalities. Osteopaths frequently refer to podiatrists to help solve recurrent mechanical problems, particularly in the lower back, hips and knees; massage therapists to reduce the level of muscle spasm experienced in chronic situations; naturopaths to reduce the effects of ill health in the organ system reflexing to the musculoskeletal system. Acupuncture can help with inflammation, muscle spasm and chronic pain.
What happens in a treatment?
Your osteopath will require a complete medical history which may include questions on lifestyle, diet and your emotional status. Particularly relevant are past injuries, traumas such as motor vehicle accidents and falls or even birth traumas.
Following this a physical examination will be conducted to determine the location and possible causes of your condition, and whether or not there is evidence of joint and tissue restrictions. Neurological orthopaedic tests may be used to augment the findings of osteopathic motion testing. Where necessary X rays may be ordered, or the patient referred by their GP for further tests such as blood tests or CT scans.
The initial consultation is normally around 45 minutes. Depending on the findings in the history and examination the osteopath will discuss your diagnosis and proposed treatment plan with you., and commence treatment. In simple cases usually 3-6 treatments are required. Problems of a chronic or repetitive nature will usually last much longer.
Your osteopath may suggest referral to another health professional such as a GP, dentist, podiatrist, naturopath, massage therapist or similar should it be required.
Because there are a wide variety of techniques to choose from for your treatments, please feel free to discuss your preferences with your osteopath.
Osteopathy is most commonly sought for musculoskeletal problems such as:
Back Pain
Many of our patients suffer from back troubles. Postural strains, joint dysfunction and spinal disc injuries are common.
Women's Health problems
Women suffering from back problems is very common as they are under a great deal of physical and emotional stress, caring for children often as well as working a full or part time job. Menstrual disorders may also reflex to the spine causing pain and discomfort, and will in turn be affected by strains in the low lumbar spine and pelvis.
Work related strains and injuries
So many people sit long hours at computer terminals and working in industry which causes related structural and postural strains and injuries. As people are working more in sedentary jobs their bodies are becoming less supple allowing more injuries to result.
Relief for the elderly
The elderly need a gentle form of pain relief and treatment to minimise stiffness and pain.
Osteopathy is very beneficial for your body, just as a tune up is to your car, as a preventative measure.
Osteopathy can help:
Back and neck pain
Head pains such as migraine, jaw pain,neuralgia and tension, headaches
Joint pain
Postural problems
Mobility problems
Structural pain during and after pregnancy
Sciatica
Sports injuries
Post traumatic injury rehabilitation
Osteopathic treatment may also help symptoms such as:
Asthma and other breathing difficulties
Digestive problems
Gynaecological problems
Childhood behavioural problems
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