Some of the following information comes from the following source.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/70381.php
Osteopathy is a form of drug-free non-invasive manual medicine that focuses on total body health by treating and strengthening the musculoskeletal framework, which includes the joints, muscles and spine. Its aim is to positively affect the body's nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems.
This therapy is a unique holistic (whole body) approach to health care. Osteopaths do not simply concentrate on treating the problem area, but use manual techniques to balance all the systems of the body, to provide overall good health and wellbeing.
How is it different to other medical disciplines?
Would there be any flow on effects for a patient's well-being?
What does Osteopathic treatment involve?
What conditions do Osteopaths commonly treat?
Is there any other important information?
How is it different to other medical disciplines? What are the qualities of Osteopaths, as opposed to chiropractors and physiotherapists?
The philosophy of Osteopathy is what sets it apart from other medical disciplines. The key principles are based on all parts of the body functioning together in an integrated manner. If one part of the body is restricted, then the rest of the body must adapt and compensate for this, eventually leading to inflammation, pain, stiffness and other health conditions. When the body is free of restrictions in movement, Osteopathic treatment assists the body with pain minimisation, reduced stress and greater mobility providing the body with the opportunity to heal itself.
Osteopaths use a broad range of gentle hands-on techniques including soft tissue stretching, deep tactile pressure, and mobilisation or manipulation of joints.
In some cases, Osteopaths can complement the advice given by GPs. For example, people who suffer from arthritis are often prescribed medication by their GP. In addition to that, Osteopaths can ease the pain caused by joint and muscle stiffness, by improving joint mobility and the flow of blood to the joints, and show arthritis sufferers how to prevent causing injury to themselves.
Osteopathy is a five-year university course, which includes a degree and masters qualification. Senior Osteopathy students complete clinical training under the supervision of registered Osteopaths at student teaching clinics Osteopaths believe in working as part of a health system of health providers and often refer back to the G.P. or another allied health professional where appropriate.
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Would there be any flow on effects for a patient's well-being?
Osteopathic treatment positively affects the nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems, to deliver a more balanced body and better health overall. This combined with good dietary and /or exercise prescription can enhance a patient's well being and often leads to a positive approach to individual health responsibility.
What does Osteopathic treatment involve?
Our decisions about your medical care are guided by the patients goals and the answers to these three questions;
- What is the cost of the treatment, referral or examination?
- What are the side effects?
- What are the potential benefits of such treatment?
The first visit to an osteopath will run along the same lines as an initial visit to a GP. A complete medical history is taken and questions asked about lifestyle, diet and emotional status. The osteopath will want to hear about all symptoms, as well as details of any past accidents or traumas, even if they may seem unrelated to the patient's current problem.
The patient may be asked to remove some outer clothing and to perform some simple movements. This is so the osteopath can observe how the patient is using their body, identify any obvious mobility impairment and evaluate posture. Neurological and orthopaedic tests help the osteopath to eliminate possible underlying pathologies and differentiate the basis of the patient's complaint.
Osteopaths are highly trained to manually locate points of restriction or excessive strain in various parts of the body. Using a finely tuned sense of touch or palpation, the osteopath will assess the spine, joints, muscles and tendons. An osteopath may also refer for blood tests or X-rays to confirm findings, or review existing diagnostic results where available.
The initial consultation will take around 45 minutes to complete, after which the osteopath will be able to offer a diagnosis and discuss a treatment program. Treatment could include such techniques as soft tissue stretching, to increase blood flow and improve flexibility of joints and muscles; articulation to mobilise joints by being passively taken through their range of motion; and muscle energy, to release tightness on the muscles by alternatively being stretched and made to work against resistance
If the diagnosis is one that requires further investigation or specialist intervention, an osteopath will suggest a referral to an appropriate practitioner. Osteopaths often treat in conjunction with a GP, dentist, podiatrist or other health care professional.
All treatment programs are highly individualised and depend on the patient's current condition, past history, and ability to adapt to change. Most simple problems often require only 3-4 treatments.
What conditions do Osteopaths commonly treat?
The practitioners and First Place Osteopathy regularly deal with active people. Osteopaths treat more than you think. Many patients present with complaints of headaches; back, neck, and heel/ foot pain; sciatica; shin splints; tennis elbow and repetitive strain injury. Other patients suffer from asthma; arthritis; digestive problems; carpal tunnel syndrome; whiplash and postural problems.
Osteopaths also deal regularly with patients who have been injured in the workplace, at home or while playing sport.
Is there any other important information?
Osteopathy is safe for all age groups. Osteopathy can be utilised as the primary form of health care or in addition to the care provided by a General Practitioner or other health professional. Al major health funds recognise Osteopathy under their ancillary cover and a referral is not required. Osteopathy is also acknowledged by Medicare Plus and attracts a rebate where a GP diagnoses a condition as chronic and provides a referral.
Australian Osteopathic Association
www.osteopathic.com.au