What is Osteopathy?
“Osteopathy is a form of manual medicine which recognises the important link between the structure of the body and the way it functions. Osteopaths assist healing by focusing on how the skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulation, connective tissue and internal organs function together as a holistic unit.
Using skilled evaluation, diagnosis and a wide range of hands-on techniques, osteopaths can identify important types of dysfunction in your body. Osteopathic treatment uses techniques such as stretching and massage for general treatment of the soft tissues (muscles, tendons and ligaments) along with mobilisation and manipulation of specific joints and soft tissues using direct or indirect techniques”
- Osteopaths New Zealand 2023
Neck and Back Pain
Back and neck pain are the most common issues that osteopaths treat. The sedentary and seated nature of jobs can led to prolonged overloading of these areas and lead to pain and dysfunction.
Headaches
There are many types of headaches with various causes and treatments options. During your initial consultation we will determine the exact type of headache and propose a treatment plan or correct referal.
Spinal Health
A healthy spine needs to be able to distribute force along its entire length to prevent overloading and injury. If you have concerns about the health of your spine book an assessment today.
Pre and Post-natal
During pregnancy the body undergoes incredible change. This can lead to pelvic and rib related discomfort. After birth the mothers body needs to regain balance and stability in order to meet the physical demands of an infant. Osteopathic treatment can support the mothers body from 2nd trimester through to post-partum recovery.
Joint Pain and Arthritis
Joint pain can occur after traumatic injury, long term overloading or due to an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis. Osteopathic treatment can provide relief by optimizing the bodies biomechanics and reducing compressive forces through the joint.
Sporting Injuries
Sporting injuries often involve high impact or high velocity damage. Osteopathic treatment can significantly reduce the recovery time needed to get back to high level performance again.
What to expect
Talking about your injury and background
A detailed history of your injury or problem will be taken and followed up with further questions about your past medical and family history. This is important to gain a thorough understanding of all factors that may be involved in your injury and recovery.
Physical Assessment
I will undertake a comprehensive physical assessment that will identify the tissues that are symptomatic and any biomechanical root cause of the problem. Unrestictive clothing is advised so that all movements can be properly assessed.
Hands on treatment
A treatment will be catered to the needs of each individual. Treatment may consist of gentle subtle indirect techniques which aim to bring balance across the body or firmer structural based techniques that release locked up areas of the body.
Cranio-sacral techniques may also be used to alter fluid and pressure dynamics in the body.
Take home advice and exercise
The session will finish with advice on how to best manage your injury and a few exercises that will help rehabilitation of the injury and build resilience to avoid reinjury.