What is osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a nationally regulated healthcare profession in Australia under AHPRA. It has been practised for over 100 years, with more than 75,000 Australians visiting an osteopath each year.

To practise as an osteopath, a practitioner must:

Complete an accredited university qualification (typically a five-year program combining bachelor’s and master’s level studies).
Be registered with the Osteopathy Board of Australia.
Meet continuing professional development

Osteopathy is a system of assessment, diagnosis and treatment focused on how the musculoskeletal system -including muscles, joints, and connective tissues – relates to movement, function and pain.

Some common ailments that osteopathic treatment may help with include:

headaches and migraines
sporting injuries
neck, shoulder and back pain
repetitive strain and overuse injuries
vertigo
tendonitis
pre and post birth support
chronic pain
sciatica

How osteopathy may help

MET (Muscle Energy Technique) – gentle resistance muscle stretching to release muscle spasm and improve motion and function
HVLA (High Velocity, Low Amplitude) manipulation – a quick stretch through the joint capsule which may result in a “cracking” sound to improve range of motion through the joint
Articulation – repetitive, passive joint mobilisation to break down scarring and fibrous tissue and release tension/improve drainage
Counterstrain – passive shortening of a muscle to release tension around a trigger point and return to its normal length and tension
Soft tissue massage – to relax and lengthen muscles and tight fascial structures
Visceral manipulation – gentle movement of the abdominal and pelvic areas

As osteopathic techniques include a gentle approach, they can be suitable for many people, from young children to the older person and for those with complex medical problems.

In appropriate cases, infants and children for example, treatment is limited to extremely gentle techniques.

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