Osteopaths
Osteopaths are a regulated allied health professionals who can provide treatment and management of many health conditions and issues. Osteopathy focuses on a holistic approach to treatment not only looking at one joint, muscle, or region but how all body systems and regions interact together. Osteopaths have similar diagnosis and treatment competencies as physiotherapists and chiropractors with each profession offering a unique view on how to treat the individual and their condition/injury. The osteopathic approach that each practitioner uses can vary greatly from direct to gentle/indirect this is what allows practitioners to create a more individualised treatment plan, accounting for the unique subtitles of each patient.
Where do Osteopaths work?
As allied health professionals, Osteopaths work within the public and private health care systems. Osteopathy is still a growing profession and recognition is constantly changing.
Osteopaths can be seen in some of the following locations:
Osteopaths can be seen in some of the following locations:
- Rehabilitation centres
- Gyms
- Private Training Studios
- Home-based assessment and treatment
- Sporting fields and centres
- Multidisciplinary allied health clinics
- Doctors practices
- Workplace health and rehabilitation
- and much more
Why would I see an Osteopath?
As allied health professionals, Osteopaths are considered primary healthcare providers. We are able to diagnose certain conditions relating to the musculoskeletal system and can order select diagnostic imagining when required. We also work closely with your GP to ensure that we are all working on your team to provide effective management of your specific conditions.
Conditions treated by your Osteopath:
Conditions treated by your Osteopath:
- Joint pain/arthritis including
- Low back pain - Sciatica and disc injuries
- Back pain - Scoliosis
- Neck pain - Whiplash injuries and torticollis
- Shoulder pain - rotator cuff injuries, post dislocation rehabilitation
- Elbow pain - Tennis and golfers elbow
- Knee pain - patella tracking issues
- Hip pain - bursitis and impingement
- Ankle and Foot pain - planta fasciitis and Achilles tendon injuries
- Wrist and Hand pain - carpel tunnel and repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
- TMJ/Jaw pain
- Muscle strains and tears
- Ligament sprains
- Headaches and migraines
- Carpel tunnel
How are Osteopaths qualified and who accredits them?
To be registered as an Osteopath, practitioners require:
- A relevant university qualification from an accredited program (Southern Cross University, Victoria University, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology)
- Adhere to yearly continuing education requirements
- Maintain first aid and CPR
- Be insured to practice
What is a Osteopathic consult involve?
The Osteopathic consultation involves 3 main stages, follow up appointments generally only consisting of stage 2 and 3:
The purpose of the collecting health history information is necessary in understanding of your condition and other health concerns that may impact your management plan. The assessment seeks to create a base line of where you are currently in your health journey and to reach an accurate diagnosis. Osteopathic treatment involves educating you on where you are in your health journey, diagnosis of your condition, both short and long term goals, and devising your plan.
Osteopathic techniques used may include:
This is a team situation where you are a vital member of your health team. As Osteopaths and allied health professionals, we are here to encourage and assist you in achieving your goals.
- Client history
- Health and condition assessment
- Osteopathic treatment
The purpose of the collecting health history information is necessary in understanding of your condition and other health concerns that may impact your management plan. The assessment seeks to create a base line of where you are currently in your health journey and to reach an accurate diagnosis. Osteopathic treatment involves educating you on where you are in your health journey, diagnosis of your condition, both short and long term goals, and devising your plan.
Osteopathic techniques used may include:
- Soft tissue massage
- Muscle energy Technique (MET)
- Joint mobilisation and manipulation
- Dry needling
- Cranial osteopathy
- Exercise therapy
This is a team situation where you are a vital member of your health team. As Osteopaths and allied health professionals, we are here to encourage and assist you in achieving your goals.