OSTEOPATHY
Osteopathy is a form of manual medicine that involves gentle hands-on treatment to bring about pain relief from a variety of musculo-skeletal conditions. Osteopathy originated in the U.S in the late 1800's and has been growing in Australia for over 100 years.
Osteopaths use a wide range of hands-on techniques to improve joint range of motion, lymphatic and venous drainage through and around muscles and internal organs. Techniques are often directed to improving mobility and circulation through our fascial tissues - connective tissue surrounding our organs, muscles, which is where scar tissue can occur after injury or surgery.
Some techniques are aimed at improving the ability of our spinal nerve roots and peripheral nerves to slide and glide as we move and normalise the tone of our sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Attention is also directed to optimising movement and function of the diaphragm (main muscle of breathing) and its attachments.
Osteopaths also take into account lifestyle factors such as exercise, posture, diet and stress and will prescribe stretching or strengthening exercises, ergonomic advice, breathing and relaxation techniques where applicable. In addition, Osteopaths can help educate patients about the science behind pain perception and neurophysiology particularly with chronic pain (persisting more than 3 months).
All Osteopaths complete a minimum 5 years of University training to become registered Osteopaths and do a minimum of 25 hours continuing professional development each year.
OSTEOPATHY AND PREGNANCY
Whilst pregnant, your body is constantly shifting and adapting to accommodate your growing baby. As your posture changes and is placed under more load, aches and pains can result. Your body releases hormones during pregnancy that relax the connective tissues to prepare for delivery meaning that you have less support and are more prone to injury. Osteopathic manual therapy and exercise prescription can help optimise body function to help you stay as active as possible. Breast feeding/new mothers often benefit from Osteopathic treatment for complaints including upper back neck and shoulder tension. Gentle work around post surgical scars may assist with pain and mobility of scar tissue.
CHILDREN AND OSTEOPATHY
Children from infancy through to adolescence can suffer from aches and pains as a result of falls, postural problems, rapid growth and sporting injuries. Treatment of problem areas can assist your child by helping their growing body to reach its full potential. Symptoms of headache, abdominal pains and back pain often begin in childhood and may be recurrent. Once any more serious conditions are excluded, manual therapy may assist to reduce pain, calm the nervous system and address any contributing factors. Explaining the cause of symptoms and discussing self management techniques can reduce anxiety about symptoms and build resilience.
AFTER BREAST CANCER CARE:
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in females in Australia. Osteopathy may be able to complement your oncology team in assisting with symptoms of breast discomfort, breast texture changes like scar tissue, fibrosis and fluid build up and breast, underarm and shoulder region restricted movement. There are useful self treatment methods we can teach you to assist with these symptoms as well.
