What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a form of drug-free non-invasive manual treatment that focuses on total body health by treating and strengthening the musculoskeletal framework, which includes the joints, muscles and spine.

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.

Dr. Andrew Taylor Still established the practice of Osteopathy in the late 1800s in the United States of America, with the aim of using manual ‘hands on’ techniques to improve circulation and correct altered biomechanics, without the use of drugs. Osteopathy established itself in Australia in the early 1940s, and there are currently over 1,000 Osteopaths practicing across the country.

The Australian Osteopathic Association (AOA) is the professional peak body for Osteopaths in Australia. The AOA represents its members in discussion with Government and other statutory bodies and also serves as a source of information for both the community and other health professionals.

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.

How does musculoskeletal pain impact on the lives of Australians? Are there any statistics to show how extensive these complaints are?

Back pain affects 8 out of 10 Australians at some time during their lives and is the most common cause of absenteeism at work. In addition, injuries relating to workplace can develop from acute to chronic if left unmanaged. With latest research suggesting that ‘return to work’ goals are important for maintaining a positive approach to recovery, early treatment and self-help programmes are key to minimising the impact on an individual.

Now that a great proportion of the population work a desk job 9 to 5, 5 days a week, the incidence of back, neck and shoulder pain has been increasing. It is already widely known that more Australians are overweight and less Australians are exercising regularly. These conditions mean that people may begin to experience more musculoskeletal pain, as their body has to cope with negatives such as extra weight and poor circulation.

Many problems are often preceded by weeks, months or even years of poor body use and postural habits, such as sitting in front of computers or incorrect lifting approaches.

What are the benefits of Osteopathy for our general health?

Osteopathic treatment in itself is not ‘preventative’. Osteopaths respect the body’s natural ability as a self-regulating mechanism and only intervene when pain or discomfort is present. The benefits of osteopathy are the general improvement in mobility and structural stability of the body.

Would there be any flow on effects for a patient’s well-being?

Osteopathic treatment delivers 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.

With our lives becoming increasingly busy, yet more sedentary, Osteopaths can offer prevention advice such as stretching exercises, lifting techniques, posture, breathing and stress reduction which is a great way for individuals to maintain their own health. In addition some lifestyle changes including diet or workplace ergonomics can dramatically improve ones health and reduce ongoing health costs.

Early intervention by an Osteopath means you can be aware of potential sources of referred pain, and how you can make changes to your lifestyle now, so you won’t have to deal with the pain later on.

Preventing injuries means less time off work and therefore more time keeping active and enjoying the benefits of general good health. It is vitally important for all Australians to be aware of how injuries can occur and what we can all do to avoid them. The recent Federal Government White Paper produced by the Productivity Commission on the future of health care and its workers in Australia certainly demonstrated this.

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.

Because osteopathy emphasises self-healing, an osteopath may also advise dietary changes, home exercise programs and lifestyle adjustments. 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?

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.

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.

There are over 1200 Osteopaths practicing in Australia. You can find the one nearest to you by visiting www.osteopathic.com.au or calling the AOA on 1-800-4-OSTEO (1 800 467 836).