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About Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a form of manual medicine which incorporates the relationship between structure and function during the treatment of a wide variety of complaints. Osteopathy utilises gentle hands on techniques such as massage, manipulation and stretch.

Osteopathic practitioners are specialized in manipulative medicine, and may use the knowledge gathered by Andrew Taylor Still, MD, to work in a more classical osteopathic style.

What can Osteopathy help with?

Neck and back pain, headaches, arthritic complaints, lumbo-pelvic dysfunction, TMJ pain, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, menstrual problems, postural pain syndromes, sports injuries, pregnancy pain and whiplash.

Cranial Osteopathy

This is a gentle, non-invasive manipulative technique which reduces restrictions and allows the body to self-correct.

The craniosacral rhythm is an indicator of free mobility of the connective tissue, of body symmetry and of vitality.

It is used to locate and identify spinal cord dysfunctions and restrictions of the important membranes that subdivide and support the brain. It can also be used to pinpoint and frequently help areas of active tissue change anywhere in the body.

What to expect:

The Osteopath will perform a thorough examination based on a case history. This may involve postural analysis, testing of muscle strength, assessing nerve function and joint range.

Osteopathic Principles:

• The body is a Unit, consisting of mind, body and spirit
• Structure and function are reciprocally inter-related
• The body possesses self-regulatory mechanisms
• The body has the inherent capacity to defend and repair itself
• When the normal adaptability is disrupted, or when environmental changes overcome the body's capacity for self maintenance, disease may ensue
• The movement of body fluids is essential to the maintenance of health
• The nerves play a crucial part in controlling the fluids of the body
• There are somatic components to disease that are not only manifestations of disease but also are factors that contribute to maintenance of the disease state.