What can an Osteopath do for me?

What can an Osteopath do for me?

What Is An OsteopathOsteopathic treatment is a procedure, which involves identification, treatment and prevention of various health issues by stretching, moving, and massaging the muscles and joints of a patient. When performed correctly, the process may help to achieve following positive outcomes.

  • Relieves muscle tension
  • Increases mobility of joints
  • Helps your body to heal quickly
  • Maintains regular blood supply to the tissues

Osteotherapy works on a principle that the health of a person relies heavily on the proper functioning of the musculoskeletal system. This includes integrated and synchronised working of various body parts such as muscles, bones, connective tissues and ligaments.

Usually, osteopaths focus on the muscles, spine, and joints. The basic aim of such a treatment is to cast positive impact over the circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems of a patient. Osteopaths use numerous techniques with a view to cure the disease. However, administration of drugs is not necessary during Osteopathic treatment.

On the contrary, Osteotherapy relies of Manual Medicine, which suggests that the whole process of diagnosis and treatment is executed only with hands. Some of the widely acknowledged benefits of Osteopathy are mentioned as under:

  • The major focus of an osteopath revolves around the specific parts of a body including muscles, joints, and spine
  • Regular Osteopathic intervention may help to treat back pain, arthritis, tennis elbow, digestive issues, postural problems, and headaches
  • Osteopathy also regulates the proper functioning of circulatory, nervous, and lymphatic systems
  • Helps to maintain healthy sleep cycles

What Exactly Osteopaths do

An osteopath identifies the losses and blockades in mobility of all the joints and muscles, associated with the complaint. For instance, the local Osteopaths will probe into the main cause of a problem and treat it through muscle energy techniques, mobilisations and manipulations. It is interesting to know that an osteopath does not heal, but enhances the healing capacity of a body.

This is done by eradicating the mobility and blockade issues, which are serving as the major impediments during the natural healing process. The body is given some time after the treatment to respond properly to the applied techniques. Hence, it is ensured to maintain a gap of at least one week after every Osteopathic treatment.

Procedures Followed During First Appointment

Osteotherapy is a system of healthcare, which is mainly patient-centred. The duration of the first appointment is 45 minutes to one hour approximately. This provides adequate time for an osteopath to ask questions regarding your health issues, general health and other medical treatments that you are receiving.

Each and every information is recorded in the case notes. The osteopath is ethically and legally bound to maintain the confidentiality of given information. Being professionals, Local Osteopaths also look for any sign of serious illness, which is not curable through Osteopathic treatment. In this situation, they will advise a patient to see a GP or visit a healthcare facility.

Physical Examination

Physical examination is the most essential part of an Osteotherapy. For this purpose, the patients are advised to remove some clothes. However, the privacy of each patient is respected during such an examination.

You will be asked to repeat certain stretches and movements to analyze your mobility and posture. The osteopath will conduct a detailed examination of the joints, ligaments, and tissues with hands. This method relies on ‘Palpation’, which is considered as a highly developed sense of touch.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you are suffering from back pain, aches or other mobility joint issues, visiting one of the local Osteopaths will be a wise decision. This is so, as Osteopathic treatment is a specialised way to diagnose, treat and prevent musculoskeletal disorders and other similar problems.

After a physical examination, an osteopath will thoroughly explain regarding what has been diagnosed during such a procedure. Furthermore, a suitable treatment plan, as well as duration and number of sessions, is also discussed with the patient.

The benefits of such a treatment and involvement of anticipated risks are also explained. It is essential to know what is achievable through this treatment and how many sessions are necessary to seek considerable improvements.

Osteopathy is a hands-on procedure, which includes joints and spine manipulation techniques along with soft tissue massage. Normally, an osteopath proposes a customized treatment plan to meet the individual needs of each patient.

Post-Treatment Advice

Osteotherapy promotes the notion of self-healing; hence, an osteopath will also advise home exercise programs, dietary changes, and some lifestyle alterations. The hands-on work is done in a gentle way, which feels a bit relaxing. However, after an exhaustive physical activity during manipulation of joints and spine, the patient might feel muscular pain for a day or two.

Book Online Now or Call (02)9524 4620 for Sutherland Shire area.

Osteopathic Treatment for Headaches and Neck Pain

Osteopathic Treatment for Headaches and Neck Pain

Osteotherapy is a manipulative treatment, which is based on the concept that an individual is a combination of mind, body, and spirit. Osteopathic treatment takes its strength from the self-healing ability of a body. The process of osteopathy involves diagnosis and treatment plan that depends largely on the interrelationship of the following.

  • Structure and function
  • Precise palpation
  • Manual tests
  • Techniques to find the causes of dysfunction and treat them
  • Restore mobility of every part of the body

This type of manual therapy and medicine has been widely used for the treatment of facial, head, and neck pain. You can also consult one of the local osteopaths serving in your area to avail the benefits of Osteopathy.

The success of manipulative treatment is based on the precise and non-invasive techniques. Hence, when adapted, tissue quality responds to these techniques and circulation of body fluids is maintained properly.

Types of Headaches and their Treatment through Osteotherapy

A headache is considered as the most common disorder, which affects the major portion of the population. The most reported types of headaches include Cervical and Tension headaches.

Cervical and Tension Headaches

Osteopaths often treat these two types of headaches, which may affect the whole head or its parts. The patient usually complains about a gripping feel or a strong pressure around the head.

Cervical Headaches

A Cervical headache appears gradually after weeks of an injury such as whiplash, caused due to a road accident. Apart from this, another cause associated with this headache is a poor sitting posture where the neck is arched back and head jutting forward.

An irritation to the nerve roots of the upper neck is another cause of a Cervical headache. This condition appears after any restrictions or damage to the ligaments and joints of the lower or upper part of the neck.

Tension Headache

Typically, tension headache initially feels on the area where head and neck meet and usually travels to the forehead. The normal cause of this kind of a headache is stiffness of the neck muscles. The condition is further aggravated by constant head and neck movements or by keeping the neck in a specific position for a while.

Treatment

Benefits of Osteopathy are numerous, especially during treatment of headaches and neck pain. If you are suffering from any type of a headache, contacting one of the local Osteopaths is surely a good idea. Osteotherapy includes careful examination of the muscles, joints, and neural structures of the neck region.

In addition, screening and postural assessment of some other areas are also conducted. This process allows an osteopath to look for certain imbalances, which may have been adding tension to the neck, lower back, thoracic spine shoulders, and pelvis.

Osteopathic Treatment helps to improve the function of a particular area by facilitating joint mobility and reducing facial tension. With the application of relevant soft tissue techniques and mobilization, the patient experiences a noticeable relief from a headache and neck pain.

Osteopath gives ergonomic and postural advice, once the treatment is over. Furthermore, particular self-treatment exercises are also suggested in order to reduce tension and maintain a strong flexible posture.

Osteopathic Treatment for Neck pain

Cervicalgia or commonly known as neck pain is a general health issue faced by most of the people. Neck pain can be classified into acute and chronic, depending on the actual causes.

Some of the most notified causes of acute neck pain are sleeping in a poor position, whiplash or trauma. The chronic neck pain is usually caused by an uncomfortable driving position, poor sitting posture or pathological conditions including spinal Osteoarthritis or Stenosis.

Osteotherapy is referred as one of the ideal ways to relieve neck pain. Based on a corrective manual therapy, osteopathic treatment facilitates the muscular and bone alignment of the neck. Given below are some of the Benefits of Osteopathy, especially with reference to the neck pain.

  • Osteopaths apply gentle manipulation techniques depending on the gravity of the disease and age of the patient, which ensures the safety of a patient
  • Once the diagnosis is complete, osteopath manages to lower muscular tension in the neck by implementing a wide range of osteopathic techniques
  • Movements of the neck joints are improved with soft tissues massage. This releases the tension and relaxes the stiffened neck muscles
  • Local Osteopaths may also render advice regarding sitting posture in the car or at your workplace. You will be advised to follow a simple self-exercise regime, which involves stretching movements, designed for maintaining the natural mobility of the neck muscles
  • After just a few sessions of Osteotherapy, you will definitely experience a soothing and relaxing feel

Book Online Now or Call (02)9524 4620 for Sutherland Shire area.

Cranial Osteopathy for Newborns and Children

Cranial Osteopathy for Newborns and Children

Osteopath for Babies Sutherland ShireCranial Osteopathy is a specific form of osteopathy, where particular spots on a child’s skull receive soft massage. Osteo for babies is relatively gentle and subtle, which helps to address a wide range of health issues faced by newborns and children. During a detailed examination of the child’s head, the osteopath looks for even a minor deformity and its influence over the general health of an infant.

The benefits of Osteopathy are endless, especially when it comes to the treatment of newborns and children, you can rely on the professional abilities of an osteopath. Despite its name, Cranial Osteopathy is equally effective for addressing any issue with reference to the whole body of a child, including the head.

For instance, if a baby suffers from reflux, the osteopath will assess the gastrointestinal tract as well as look for compression’s in the cranium, causing irritation to nerves. Apart from this, you may also take your child to an osteopath for general consultation. This will ensure the overall well-being of a child. Osteo for kids can help in some other ways, which are mentioned below.

  • Children settle down easily for naps and sleep better
  • Kids feel more comfortable
  • Feed properly
  • Fewer chances of colic, crying, and reflux issues

Benefits of Osteopathy for Newborns

Given below are some benefits of Osteo for babies, which will persuade you to think about this alternative therapy.

  1. Questions about Pregnancy Experiences

An osteopath may ask the mother about pregnancy experiences. These questions may include:

  • The overall health of a mother during pregnancy
  • How much time consumed during labor and birth
  • whether forceps or vacuum was used for assistance during the birth of your child
  • The general health condition of the infant after birth including heart-rate, weight and breathing

These questions will assist an osteopath to understand the health condition of a child. This allows ascertaining that which part of baby’s body is causing the health issues.

  1. Thorough Examination

The presence of symptoms in the newborn is quite difficult to compare with “normal”. During the examination process, certain areas of tension are normally found in the spine or head of an infant. This is an indication that the baby is not comfortable at all. It is not possible for a baby to complain about a headache or back pain, one can only ascertain with the crying that a child is unsettled.

If the baby has passed through any birth complications, it is beneficial to examine and treat the problems at an early stage in order to avoid any further complications. Hence, Osteo for kids and infants is a way to thoroughly examine their body and address prevailing health issues.

  1. Gentle Treatment

Trained Osteopaths have the right experience to conduct Cranial Osteopathy. They apply osteopathy technique in an extremely gentle way while releasing any tension and restriction on child’s skull.

  1. Safe for Infants

As long as an accredited practitioner is carrying out the Osteopathy procedure, there is no need to be worried about the safety of your child. It is one of the safest methods, which allows proper diagnosis and treatment of your child’s discomfort. So, the age of a child doesn’t matter at all.

Benefits of Osteopathy for Newborns

Apart from the newborns, Osteopathy is also beneficial for older children. Discussed below are the symptoms, which can be addressed by using Cranial Osteopathy.

  • Posture problems
  • Headaches
  • Pains and aches linked with growth

It is essential to treat the problem at its early stage, as if left unaddressed, it would be more difficult to achieve a state of healthy body and mind. This is so, as children grow rapidly, which makes the process of the body’s adaptation more complex. Osteo for kids and babies helps to diagnose the actual cause of an abnormality and by applying subtle osteopathy techniques, the future health of a child can be easily secured.

How Cranial Osteopathy Works for Children and Newborns

As stated earlier, Cranial Osteopathy is an effective, safe, and gentle procedure for newborns and children. In order to obtain maximum benefits through this type of manual treatment, gentle pressure is carefully applied on an affected part of child’s body, including the head. This triggers the natural healing ability of the body, which in turn provides the required assistance to release muscular tension or stress.

Physical Impacts of Cranial Osteopathy

After administering Osteopathy treatment to children and infants, mixed reactions have been observed. Usually the child or baby appears to be very relaxed after such a treatment. The sleep duration increases, which casts a positive impact over a child’s activity. The baby feeds well and as a result, his/her energy level is also elevated.

Book Online Now or Call (02)9524 4620 for Sutherland Shire area.

Osteopathy Pregnancy

Osteopathy Pregnancy and its Benefits

Osteopathy PregnancyPregnancy involves certain ongoing adaptations, which assist the proper development of a child during each phase. This includes softening of the ligaments, changes in the spine curve and alteration in overall body posture. As the child continues to grow, the center of gravity moves forward gradually. It changes the impact of natural mechanical stress on the body and magnifies the sensation of arching in the lower back. Due to these changes, the pressure on the muscles, ligaments and spinal joints increase to a great extent.

The philosophy of Osteotherapy is based on the basic functions of a body, which are integrated and coordinated through the musculoskeletal system. Osteopaths have the experience and knowledge to assess, diagnose, and treat the symptoms or abnormalities faced by a patient. Osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) is a tried and tested method, which evaluates and treats the body as a whole. This results in the removal of impediments to achieve optimal health and physiologic functioning of a body.

Osteopathic pregnancy helps the body to overcome certain impacts of the changes appeared during stages of the pregnancy. Osteotherapy is an ideal treatment for maintaining body’s balance by regulating nervous, lymphatic and circulatory systems. Osteopathy treatment is a non-invasive and gentle process, which is conducted by a qualified osteopath.

This kind of therapy facilitates the body to adjust its biomechanical and physiological requirements during pregnancy. It has been observed that women who undergo regular sessions of Osteotherapy had experienced less back pain and shorter labor.

Advantages of Osteopathy Pregnancy

As stated earlier, pregnancy introduces various chemical, emotional and physical changes within the short span of time. The body faces constant physical strain with reference to its tissues, joints, organs, and ligaments. With a view to preparing a body to adapt to such changes, the pregnant woman needs to alter her walking, sitting and sleeping postures, which arises new pains and aches. In these circumstances, Osteopathic treatment may provide some relief from typical symptoms associated with pregnancy. Some of the benefits of osteopathy pregnancy are as under.

  • Minimizes Groin, pubic symphysis and lower abdominal pain
  • Lowers Sciatica pain and Headaches
  • Deals effectively with the muscular tension, shoulder, neck and back pain
  • Relieves the symptoms of Heartburn and Nausea
  • Improves breathing by lowering the rib and mid back pain
  • Manages circulatory issues including swelling in the varicose veins and legs due to immense abdominal pressure

Procedures Adopted During Osteopathic Treatment

After consultation, an osteopath will take into account any past medical history and current symptoms. Each patient receives a different treatment, which includes techniques like cranial Osteopathy, soft tissue massage, and mobilizations. These procedures help to stretch muscles, relieve pain, mobilize joints and release stress.

Once the required level of improvement is achieved, the patient will receive maintenance treatment to handle specific parts of a body and spine, which require special attention. Osteopathy pregnancy can minimize the gravity of discomfort and stress leading to an easy and natural pregnancy.

In order to achieve better results, an Osteopath will help the patient in the following manner.

  • Assists the patient to relive any pains and aches
  • Suggests exercises, stretches and breathing techniques for maintaining a healthy body during pregnancy
  • Gives necessary advice to enhance the flexibility of the abdomen and pelvis
  • Assist mother for a quick recovery after birth

Contraindications of Osteopathy Pregnancy

The Osteopathic treatment has proved to be both effective and safe during pregnancy. The Osteotherapy techniques are carefully designed and selected for pregnant women. This is done to avail maximum benefits and with the minimized risk factor. During this treatment, the comfort of the mother and the safety of her child is always taken into consideration. Therefore, each patient receives a customized treatment with a view to addressing particular issues. However, there are certain conditions where such a treatment should be avoided. These include:

  • Abruption placentae
  • Rupture of membranes without labor
  • Eclampsia, and ectopic pregnancy
  • Premature labor
  • Incompetent cervix

Post-Pregnancy Osteopathic Treatment

After the child is born, it is recommended that both the infant and mother should see an osteopath for routine check-up or treatment, if necessary. It can help to restore the pelvic alignment and maintain mobility. As a result, the patient will quickly recover from the symptoms of any discomfort and pain after the childbirth. In addition, Osteotherapy after pregnancy may assist in:

  • Achieving previous body shape quickly
  • Revitalizing the body by regaining flexibility and strength

Looking for any strains in the pelvis or backbone and treat them

Book Online Now or Call (02)9524 4620 for Sutherland Shire area.

Benefits Of Osteopathy

Benefits of Osteopathy

Benefits of Osteopathy TreatmentsWith the passage of time, as we grow old, feeling a sensation of pain, aches, and strain is normal. However, there is nothing to worry about, as now you can relieve your body from stress and pain through Osteopathic treatment. It is a proven method to rejuvenate and reclaim a healthy body.  Osteopathy provides desired results irrespective of age factor and proves to be effective during pregnancy and old age.

Osteopathy supports healing by focusing on how your body systems are communicating. In fact, this treatment follows a holistic and hands-on approach for a particular patient, which ensures a harmonious functioning of the ligaments, skeleton, muscles, and connective tissue.

To achieve such a perfection, a qualified Osteopath applies a wide range of techniques, encompassing physical manipulation, stretching, touch, and massage. Apart from various other reasons, arthritis and joint discomfort are some of the most common reasons to visit an Osteopathic Clinic, especially for those over 50.  Osteopathic treatment involves thrust techniques, stretching, and joint movements, which minimize pain, increase joint range of movement and improve mobility.

In addition to the above-mentioned advantages, visiting an Osteopath can also prove beneficial in the following manners.

Osteopathy; A Gentle Cure for Pain

An Osteopath considers your body as a whole and treats the pain you experience in various parts of the body. Osteopathic treatment   may cure and reduce pain in various area including backbone, ankle, head, and neck. It works as a perfect stress and pain reliever due to some key factors, which are mentioned as under:

  • Noticeable reduction in muscle/joint pain and stiffness by addressing the underlying cause of pain
  • Treats back pain caused due to spinal disk injuries or poor posture
  • Non-invasive treatment helps reduce chronic pain
  • Minimizes the tension in the muscles
  • Allows a body to embrace structural and hormonal changes during pregnancy

May Act as an Immunity Booster

As mentioned in the ‘Journal of the American Osteopathic Association’, Osteopathy promotes better lymph flow. This, as a result, increases the ‘slgA’ levels, which is normally present in people with strong psychological and emotional stress. It has been observed that such an increase provides required protection against upper respiratory tract infections.

Low-Impact Treatments

Unlike massage therapy where deep tissue pressure is applied, Osteopathic treatment involves a lighter and softer approach. Nevertheless, Osteopath may apply some pressure while administering Osteopathic Manipulation. This technique is commonly used to treat musculoskeletal disorders resulting from repetitive strains and sports injuries.

No Equipment Used

In most of the cases, a practicing Osteopath doesn’t use technological or medical tools like ultrasound machines as used by some chiropractors or physiotherapists. On the contrary, osteopaths rely heavily on their hands while using them as healing tools.

In fact, there is nothing more sensitive than a human touch, which helps practitioners to decode the message coming from the tissues and muscles. With a gentle manipulation, one can easily relax the tight muscles/joints or tethered nerves.

Prevents against Reoccurrence of Injury

Osteopaths take into consideration all the elements, which cause a particular injury to reappear. This allows an Osteopath to ensure prevention from such acute condition in future. Besides, Osteopathic treatment plays a vital role while helping patients in the following manner.

  • Assists body to heal itself
  • Treatment of accident-related including Motor vehicle injuries and Sport injuries
  • Reduce adhesions and scars

Reduces the Effects of Chronic Illnesses

Treatment provided at Osteopathic Clinic can relieve a person from symptoms of post-chronic illness including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), asthma, and arthritis. It restores the body’s normal function while treating the root causes of disease and pain.

Relaxes Your Body and Mind

By using correct osteopathic techniques, this type of treatment can cast a relaxing impact over body and mind. Its ability to minimize stress levels by enhancing the efficiency of body’s mechanism such as nerve supply, immune system, and blood flow. The procedure adopted in an Osteopathic Clinic is based on the philosophy that our body has a natural ability to heal and regulate on its own.

An osteopath uses their hands to put gentle pressure over the body for optimum results. Some of the techniques used during osteopathic treatment are mentioned below:

  • Stretching the stiffened joints
  • Release and relax muscles through gentle massage
  • Triggering joint movement through a natural range of articulation and motion

Osteopathy Treats Your Body as a Whole

There are certain types of treatments, which tend to address only a specific disorder or disease, whereas Osteopathic treatment casts an impact on every part of the body. It works on the principle that a strong relationship exists between all organs of a body and their systems.

Call for an appointment (02) 9524 4620

What Is An Osteopath?

Craniosacral Therapy in Sutherland Shire Miranda

Osteopaths at Osteopath Sutherland Shire are an Allied Health professional

Who specialises in the treatment of the musculoskeletal system.  Osteopaths believe that the body can heal itself if the right combination of manual techniques such as massage and the manipulation of muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons are used to bring the body back to a cohesive whole.

Osteopath Sutherland Shire take a case history of each patient

They observe how the patient’s body functions when they sit, stand and lie down, as well as physically examine the patient by using palpation to determine which areas of the body are healthy and which are in pain.

An osteopath also observes the spine, shoulders and determines if the pelvis is symmetrical.  At the initial consultation, the osteopath will devise a treatment plan for the patient, if he or she thinks that osteopathic treatment is suitable.

If the osteopath determines that osteopathic treatment is not suitable for the patient, they can refer the patient back to their GP for a referral to an osteopathic surgeon or may recommend the patient see a dentist or physiotherapist instead.

Different techniques can be used in osteopathic treatment, such as the pumping technique, traction, manipulations, stretching techniques, muscle energy techniques, counter strain techniques or high velocity-low amplitude.

Our Osteopaths in Miranda at Osteopath Sutherland Shire usually treat

Patients who complain of headaches, bad backs, neck pain, sciatica, repetitive strain injuries (RSI), asthma, joint pain, menstrual problems and pregnancy problems.  An osteopath may be able to treat chronic fatigue as well as arthritis and sports injuries.  There are also many other conditions that may benefit from treatment by an osteopath.

Osteopaths may treat A wide range of patients, from children to the elderly.  They can assist pregnant women by helping to reduce back pain as well as readying the body for childbirth.

After the initial consultation, a patient may need to see the osteopath only once or twice more or may need to come back for six or more treatments.  At the next session, the osteopath will determine if the treatment made an improvement in the patient’s condition and based on the patient’s answer, will decide whether to continue with that specific treatment or to try a new approach.

How do you become an osteopath?

You need to complete a five-year, full time double degree course at university.  Only a few universities in Australia offer this course.  It’s available at universities in Victoria and New South Wales.

You will need to complete a Bachelor of Science – Clinical Science/Master of Health Science – Osteopathy double degree.  Once you have graduated with your master’s degree, you will be eligible to work as an osteopath.  You can also register as an osteopath with the Australian Osteopathic Association.

If you believe that the body can heal itself given the right conditions and techniques such as manipulation, massage and traction, then a career in osteopathy may be very rewarding for you.  You would be helping people to become pain free or to regain their mobility, helping them to enjoy a healthier body that “works”. Courses available thru Osteopath Sutherland Shire.

Call now for a discussion on courses and ask for Jeremy 02 9524 4620

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