Have you ever wondered what sets Osteopathy apart from other allied health professions like chiropractic and physiotherapy? Despite being one of the smaller allied health providers in Australia, Osteopathy is gaining popularity worldwide, and is one of the fastest-growing allied health professions in Australia. Let's delve into the world of Osteopathy and discover what makes it unique.
Defining Osteopathy:
At its core, Osteopathy is about more than just treating symptoms—it's about considering the whole person. Osteopaths are allied health professionals who employ manual therapy, structured rehabilitation, and a holistic approach to patient care. Osteopaths use a range of techniques to treat pain, including massage, mobilisation, and stretching. They will work to target the root cause of the pain, rather than just treating the symptom. This can mean that the relief gained from osteopathy is often long-lasting and can offer a more permanent solution than simply taking painkillers.
Why Choose Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the general population, placing patient care at the forefront of everything we do. With a holistic approach to treatment, Osteopaths not only address your presenting complaint but also consider how factors like work and lifestyle impact your health. Ever noticed how stress at work can lead to increased back pain? Or how persistent neck stiffness affects your daily life? We use manual therapy, exercise rehab, and education to empower our patients to build a robust body to deal with any complaint.
The Osteopathic Appointment Experience:
Wondering what to expect during an osteopathic appointment? Initial sessions typically last between 45 to 60 minutes, allowing ample time for a thorough assessment, detailed case history of your presenting complaint, treatment, and education about your condition. Osteopaths are trained to help people who are in pain. They are allied health practitioners that are registered through AHPRA. In terms of what Osteopaths actually do, each practitioner may do things slightly differently. Generally, Osteopaths take the time to listen to you and ask questions about your pain and about your lifestyle, and things that may be impacting your health. Follow-up appointments are usually around 30 minutes, with the frequency determined by the nature and severity of your injury.
This is an image of an osteopathy treatment with needling incorporated
What Conditions Do Osteopaths Treat?
Osteopaths treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, from chronic issues to acute injuries. Osteopathy is suitable for everyone, from tiny tots to golden oldies. Whether you're struggling with neck or low back pain, shoulder discomfort, pregnancy-related discomfort, postpartum complaints, postural issues, headaches, jaw pain, migraines, muscular strains, joint sprains, workplace injuries, or sports-related injuries, the list is long. We do this with a variety of treatment techniques and styles, including hands-on soft tissue or massage work, joint articulation, manipulation, and dry needling. We also prescribe rehabilitation and try to educate you to understand your pain and to help you to manage it yourself.
Our goal is for you not to need us, which for a business model, is not common. Empowering people to have control of their health is our passion. Ensuring you leave us moving and feeling better is always our main focus.
Collaboration with Other Therapists:
Osteopaths believe in the power of teamwork when it comes to patient care. We work closely with other allied health professionals such as General Practitioners, Orthopaedic surgeons, podiatrists, and exercise physiologists to provide comprehensive treatment options.
The Osteopathy Degree Journey:
Becoming an Osteopath is no small feat—it requires dedication and years of study. Osteopaths are Allied Health Professionals who undergo a rigorous minimum four-year, full time university qualification. Throughout their studies, osteopaths focus on anatomy, physiology, pathology, neuroanatomy, and osteopathic history, techniques, and practice. With a strong foundation in both theory and practical application, osteopaths are equipped to treat a wide range of conditions and provide exceptional care to their patients.
In conclusion, Osteopathy offers a unique approach to healthcare, focusing on holistic patient care, collaboration with other healthcare professionals, and evidence-based treatment techniques. If you haven't already experienced the benefits of Osteopathy, why not give it a try? Book your appointment with one of our friendly and experienced Osteopaths today and discover the amazing benefits for yourself.