Osteopathy

Osteopathy

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a form of manual medicine which recognises the important link between the structure of the body and the way it functions. Osteopaths focus on how the skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulation, connective tissue and internal organs function as a holistic unit. Using skilled evaluation, diagnosis and a wide range of hands-on techniques, osteopaths can identify important types of dysfunction in your body. Osteopathic treatment uses techniques such as stretching and massage for general treatment of the soft tissues (muscles, tendons and ligaments) along with mobilisation of specific joints and soft tissues.

In Australia, osteopaths are university trained in anatomy, physiology, pathology, general medical diagnosis and osteopathic techniques. Osteopaths are primary healthcare practitioners and are trained to recognise conditions which require medical referral. They are also trained to perform standard medical examinations of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems.

Osteopathy is covered by most private health funds and the Medicare Enhanced Primary Care scheme. Osteopaths are registered providers for workers’ compensation schemes, motor accident insurers and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

What is Osteopathy

The Origins of Osteopathy

The Origins of Osteopathy

Osteopathy was developed in 1874 by American physician and surgeon, Dr Andrew Taylor Still. Dr Still’s theories differed dramatically from popular medical opinion at the time (which was far from today’s medical science) in that he publicly criticised the inappropriate use of patent medicines and advocated treatment of the individual rather than the disease.

Osteopathy was the result of ten years of extensive research and clinical observation, prompted by an outbreak in 1864 of spinal meningitis which claimed the lives of three of Dr Still’s children. This began Dr Still’s search for a better way to apply medicine in an age when many patients were given drugs that were poorly researched and treatments that were in many ways worse than the disease itself. As a result of his success with patients, Dr Still established the American School of Osteopathy in 1892.

Benefits of Osteopathic Treatment

Exactly how does Osteopathy help the body to heal itself?
The body is often able to care for itself, to compensate for injury. Nevertheless, in some instances, the injury is greater than the body’s ability to adjust or recover. In various other circumstances the body is not presently capable to regroup to be able to heal itself. This lack of ability may be produced by a variety of reasons, and the injuries, in some cases even small ones, start to develop a problem.

In those cases, osteopathic treatment may help bring back the balance within your body and aid your body to be able to use its natural reserves and strengths to recover by itself.

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Benefits of Osteopathy