Osteopathy is a form of manual medicine that dates from the Civil War period in America, but is not so well known to Australians. Founded by Andrew Taylor Still, a disenchanted medical doctor of the time, he went back to basics and built up a treatment approach that is still sound today. Improve joint range of motion, improve blood supply and liberate the body’s ability to heal itself are behind many of the techniques we still use.
Developed by intuition and experimentation, the approaches are now supported by the scientific model and evidence-based medical tenets.
The practice has osteopaths working in a variety of styles. Working mostly in the structural school, emphasis is on gentle and specific approaches to release patterns of dysfunction. Where manipulation is done, the goal is always to be subtle and specific so that force is minimised. Manipulation by osteopaths is often gets comments that it is gentler than other styles.
All new graduates have tertiary qualifications, and we proudly have some from UWS Sydney.
Structural or Cranial?
Whilst the practice has a 'structural' orientation, many practitioners have training in the modern, gentler and indirect techniques. Treatment is a path or outcome negotiated between patient and therapist. Difficult or chronic cases often may need additional, concurrent supplementary therapies. Regularly acupuncture, podiatry or exercise therapy may be prescribed in accordance with contemporary evidence-based practice.
Patients need to understand osteopathic treatment involves body contact and trust, and is very different to say a medical consultation. However, all practitioners here have a good understanding as to how the other practitioners work, and can often help out in a complementary manner for sudden acute episodes, and if seeing your preferred person is not possible.
I'd only see an Osteopath!
Osteopathy is complementary to usual medical care. It is not a substitute for regular health checks or interventions. Having said that, patients will reap benefit from structural care for many conditions where medical treatment is also happening. Conditions such as headaches, dysmenorrhea, bronchitis, sinus and blocked ears etc. regularly are helped by some manual intervention. Pain and immobility of Osteo-arthritis can benefit from osteopathic mobilisation. Paediatric concerns like poor neck motion in newborns, colic, poor suckling or sleeping at night, all regularly respond to gentle early osteopathic care. Babies as young as 3-4 weeks old can get treatment. The clinic supports all suggested vaccination advice.
Can I only see one person?
All patients should understand they can see other members of the staff. Often an osteopath may suggest a course of treatment that is best completed by seeing a masseur, likewise the masseurs may suggest their problem is best tended by an osteopath or a different modality. One of the major benefits of group practice is the ready availability of a second opinion or alternate approach.
Can pregnant women get treatment?
Pregnant women regularly feel the structural care they get is very helpful, especially in the last trimester. Some pregnant women book up regular four to six weekly visits, they value the benefits so much for pregnancy. One treatment room has a pregnancy bench allowing women to be comfortable right up to term, for massage or osteopathic treatment, just request it at the time of booking.