Remedial Massage

Osteopathic treatment in itself is ‘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. In turn, other systems of the body such as the circulatory, nervous and lymphatic systems function more effectively and for many general conditions, minimal treatment is required.

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.

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.

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 osteopath will then perform a musculoskeletal assessment, observe how the patient is using their body, identify any obvious mobility impairment and evaluate posture. Neurological and orthopedic 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 further testing (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 (massage) stretching, to increase blood flow and improve the flexibility of joints and muscles; articulation to mobilise joints by being passively taken through their range of motion; dry needling muscle energy, to release tightness on the muscles by alternatively being stretched and made to work against resistance.

If the diagnosis 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 home exercise programs and lifestyle adjustments. All treatment programs are highly individualised and depend on the patient’s current condition, history, and ability to adapt to change.

Different conditions and individuals will require a different number of treatments to help get you back on track.

In general, the longer you have had a condition, the longer it may take to resolve or become properly managed.

Some people find they only need a few consultations, some with more persistent problems require more. A management plan and treatment approach will be discussed with you at the time of consultation.

we will likely give you ‘homework’, which may include: stretching techniques, exercise advice, the use of heat or ice, and referral advice.