Osteopathy employs a hands-on, holistic approach to the entire body, whereby the cause of the pain is sought after and treated accordingly.

Osteopathy

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a system of manual medicine, one that employs movement of the human body to help restore and maintain normal (or more normal) bodily function, so that the body is more able to ‘help heal itself’ from any stress/trauma/disease it may be exposed to, or develop.

Osteopathic treatment focuses on improving the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system. Osteopathy employs a hands-on, holistic approach to the entire body, whereby the cause of the pain is sought after and treated accordingly. Osteopaths are primary health care providers, which means that you don’t need a general practitioner’s referral to see an osteopath.

Osteopaths undergo a five-year full-time course which includes a Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Biology degree (BAppSc(HB)) and a Master of Osteopathy degree (MOst).

What conditions do Osteopaths treat?

With a combination of experience, knowledge and compassion, a wide range of health concerns can be treated including:

Techniques used include:

History

Osteopathy was developed over 100 years ago by a Union Doctor in the American Civil War called Andrew Taylor Still (1828-1917). His medical practice included caring for both settlers and American Indians. He faced epidemics such as cholera, malaria, pneumonia, smallpox, diphtheria, and tuberculosis. After the War, spinal meningitis claimed three of his children and he began searching for a better system of medicine.  Dr Still recognised the importance of the musculoskeletal system as a key element in health, and also recognised that the body has the ability to heal itself, and an Osteopath can be a facilitator in this process. He developed palpation and manipulation techniques to diagnose and treat various illnesses. Since that time osteopaths have continued to expand on these techniques and use them to promote the healing process.

Philosophy of Osteopathy

Andrew Taylor Still’s basic philosophy of osteopathy can be broken down into five principles: