WHAT IS OSTEOPATHY?

Osteopathy relies on manual contact for diagnosis and treatment. It respects the relationship of body, mind and spirit in health and disease; it lays emphasis on the structural and functional integrity of the body and the body's intrinsic tendency for self-healing. Osteopathic practitioners use a wide variety of therapeutic manual techniques to improve physiological function and/or support homeostasis that has been altered by somatic (body framework) dysfunction, i.e. impaired or altered function of related components of the somatic system; skeletal, arthrodial and myofascial structures; and related vascular, lymphatic, and neural systems.

Osteopaths are autonomous primary contact practitioners who treat patients from across the life span. 90% of patients access osteopathic care without a referral. Osteopaths have a professional focus on conditions affecting the neuro-musculoskeletal system and the management of pain.

 

WHAT IS CRANIAL OSTEOPATHY?

Cranial osteopathy is not different to osteopathy, it is the name given to a subtle and refined treatment approach to osteopathy that follows all the principles of osteopathy, and it is used throughout the body not just in the head.

This gentle approach works on reducing any acute or chronic states of tension and strain in tissue throughout the whole body, supporting the inherent restoration of normal to occur.

Both Mike and Loretta have undertaken post graduate training in the Biodynamic approach to Cranial Osteopathy.

It is important to note that the Principles of Practice of Osteopathy treat the body as a ‘whole unit of form and function’, therefore detailing a long list of conditions the we treat would be too narrow a focus. Often the presenting complaint is more than just that.

It must be noted that under Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) we are entitled to advise people of what osteopaths do treat provided there is sufficient evidence to support those claims.

For current evidence and research within our scope or practice, please refer to the below link that demonstrates the effectiveness that Osteopathy may offer:   http://www.osteopathy.org.au/pages/research-and-evidence.html

 

TEENAGE TO ADULT YEARS

The journey through growth and development is considerable during this period. Sports activities generally increase and so do related impact injuries. Postural adaptations can occur around this age so it is important that awareness of how you sit (long hours at the laptop doing homework or gaming) during these times, and the value of having regular breaks. Osteopathy may help with acute and chronic sports injuries and poor posture related symptoms in teenagers such as back, neck and pelvic and joint pain.

Whether it be working, stay at home parenting, playing your sport or regular activities, injuries can be picked up on the way. Osteopathy may help you to get back on track doing the things you love.

Adults who visit osteopaths often present with back and neck pain, migraines and headaches, joint mobility restrictions (age or injury initiated) and sciatic related symptoms.

Whilst there is currently a lack of evidence into the efficacy of treatment of non-musculoskeletal related conditions, as osteopaths we do see adults with stress related GIT (gastro-intestinal tract) symptoms, and patients have reported that osteopathy has been beneficial to them.

Additional research:
Bronfort 2010;  Qaseem 2017;  Bischoff 2006;
https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sedentary#reportcasestudy

 

YOUR PREGNANCY JOURNEY

Your body undergoes a transformation through each trimester as the foetus develops. There are changes to your musculoskeletal system, hormonal changes and the increase of weight. These changes may place stress on your body and old injuries may re-emerge, and new symptoms develop.

Expectant mothers may seek help for pregnancy related back, neck and pelvic pain and headaches. This also applies to post pregnancy.

Additional Research:
Licciardone JC 2009;  Pennick V 2010;  Frawley J 2016

Whilst there is currently a lack of evidence supporting the effectiveness of osteopathy in other pregnancy related complaints (such as reflux, fluid retention, pregnancy related carpal tunnel), we as osteopaths, as well as patients, often report that osteopathy has been beneficial to the above mentioned symptoms.

 

BABIES AND CHILDREN

Both Loretta and Mike have undertaken additional post-graduate studies in the treatment of children as we have a special clinical interest in this area of practice. It is important to note that we are not qualified ‘specialists’ nor ‘experts' in this field.

The pregnancy and birth process may place a lot of stress on the baby's body. Generally, through feeding (sucking / swallowing), crying, movement and respiration these strains tend to settle. Occasionally however, these natural processes may not be enough and we find musculo-skeletal strains and tension throughout the body.

In accordance to evidence based practice, babies that have difficulty with feeding, latching or reflux ‘related to postural asymmetry’ may benefit from osteopathy. Babies presenting with plagiocephaly (flat head) from primary (in-utero) or secondary (constant lying on back, head to one side) causes may also benefit with osteopathy.

Additional research:
Philippi H 2006;  Kelmanson IA 2006

With respect to colic, this is generally a multifactorial presentation of which osteopathic intervention may play a part in the overall treatment plan.

Additional research:
Miller JE 2006;  (It is important to note that this Chiropractic study involved gentle movement of the spine; one of the modalities that Osteopaths use.)

Currently there is a lack of evidence supporting the effectiveness of osteopathy in relation to the treatment of the ‘unsettled’ baby and / or child. However, we as clinicians and the parents of the children who visit the clinic often report that treatment has been beneficial to them.

 

If you have concerns about any condition that you, or a family member may have, that has not been listed above, please feel to call and discuss as we have the knowledge and skills to determine as to whether Osteopathy is right for you, or refer to the appropriate professional body that may help you.