Learn what Osteopaths treat, the techniques they use, different types of pain, and Medicare/private health options
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a manual therapy, like physiotherapy and chiropractic. Osteopathy uses techniques to restore symmetry, range of motion, and muscle/tissue tension.
Osteopaths are expertly trained to diagnose and treat the neuromusculoskeletal system. They aim to achieve normal body mechanics using manual manipulative medicine.
Osteopaths understand that the neuromusculoskeletal system is intimately connected to other body systems (such as our organs and our lymphatic system). With this understanding they approach your body as a whole or as an integrated unit.
What does an Osteopath do?
Your osteopath will take a thorough case history of both present and past medical history. They will assess and diagnose your pain or injury and explain their diagnosis to you. They will then treat you with hands on treatment that is specific, controlled, and effective. Your Osteopath will discuss the prognosis and how many treatments your pain will need and guide you with management strategies for your pain (rehab exercises, stress management, work ergonomics & supplements like Magnesium to name a few).
Do you need a referral to see an Osteo?
You do NOT need a referral to see an Osteopath. To book in you can book yourself in online through our website https://www.innerwellnessosteo.com.au/osteopathy or call (07) 5446 3701
How many treatments will I need?
This depends on your injury and the tissues involved. Your Osteopath will be able to give you a fair idea of how many treatments your pain will take to resolve once they have assessed and diagnosed you. Some general timeframes are listed below:
Acute pain without tissue damage can take as little as 3-6 treatments. If there is tissue damage such as ligaments /capsules/cartilage tears or inflammation it may take more than 6 treatments;
Chronic pain (i.e. pain that has been around for more than 12 weeks) may require more treatments, as the body adapts and compensates when it is in pain which in itself can contribute to your pain.
Is Osteopathy covered by Medicare?
Yes, you can get an EPC plan from your GP. More details about what this is and how to get one are listed below:
You can get 5 Medicare rebated Osteopathic treatments from your GP, this is called an Enhanced Primary Care Plan (EPC). The Medicare rebate is roughly $55.10 off each of the 5 Osteopathic consultation fees;
An EPC (Enhanced Primary Care plan) is available to chronic conditions so that is any pain that has lasted for 12 weeks or longer – Chronic lower back pain, Chronic headaches/migraines, Chronic pelvic instability (postpartum), Bursitis, Rotator Cuff injury etc. etc;
Visit your GP to ask for an EPC plan for Inner Wellness.
Do Osteopaths only treat bones?
No - we treat muscles, joints, ligaments, fascia, viscera – the WHOLE body.
What do Osteopaths treat:
The list is endless, but some things that we can definitely help you with are listed below:
Sciatica;
Hip Pain (such as bursitis, cartilage tears, tendinopathies;
Pelvic pain (Sacroiliac joint pain, Pubic symphysis dysfunction, lumbosacral pain);
Low back pain (Degenerative joint disease, Disc herniations, Spondylosis, spondylolisthesis);
Postural complaints (upper back pain, mid back pain, forward head carriage, Scheuermann’s Disease);
Pregnancy related pain (pelvic pain & instability, mid back pain, headaches, postural pain);
Lower Extremity conditions (knee and ankle sprains, cartilage/ligament injuries);
Shoulder Girdle Injuries (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathies, Tendon tears, Frozen Shoulder, Scapulothoracic instability, Collar bone Injuries, rib sprains);
Upper Extremity injuries and pain (Tennis/Golfers Elbow, Wrist injuries, finger injuries);
Nerve impingement – Trigeminal neuralgia, Sciatica, Median /Ulnar nerve entrapment;
Neck pain (Degeneration, disc herniation, Wry neck/torticollis);
Headaches/ Migraine;
Jaw pain/ TMJ dysfunction
Paediatric Conditions – Tongue tie, Plagiocephaly, torticollis, in-toeing, Growing pain, Severs Disease, Scheuermann’s Disease, Scoliosis
How osteopathy works
Osteopathy works by restoring the body’s normal function by returning it back to its best alignment. Osteopaths understand that the body has self-healing, self-regulating capabilities and when the unit (the body as a whole) is in its optimal alignment those self-healing/self-regulating capabilities work best. Ultimately, Osteo decreases tissue tension, restores joint mobility, and restores anatomical symmetry. This in turn eliminates your pain and restores the function back to the body.
Do Osteopaths “crack” your joints?
The ‘crack’ technique is called Joint or Spinal manipulation. Osteopaths are taught safe and effective spinal manipulation techniques. They will utilise this technique among MANY other techniques whilst treating you. Osteopaths can assess whether this technique is appropriate for your condition.
However, as we have many tools in our tool kit, if you prefer not to be manipulated, our Osteopaths can still deliver an effective treatment for your pain.
What’s the main difference between Osteopathy, Physiotherapy and Chiropractic?
The main difference is the Philosophy behind each modality.
Osteopaths generally, deliver more hands-on treatment than Physios and Chiros.
Osteopaths focus on treating your symptoms as well as diagnosing and treating how you got there in the first place (what lead to that area being injured). Osteopaths treat your injury and treat the whole-body response to the injury.
Can osteopathy make you worse
Unlikely. Osteopaths study for 4-5 years at university to be experts at diagnosing and treating the body. Some discomfort can occur for 24 hours after a treatment, which is purely post treatment soreness. It is short lived and a great sign of change within your body.
Are Osteopaths Doctors?
Osteopaths study at university for 4-5 years. After graduating they earn the title of Doctor of Osteopathy.
Which Australian Universities offer Osteopathy?
RMIT (Melbourne)Melbourne)
Victoria University (Melbourne)
Southern Cross University (Lismore)
Is Osteopathy new?
No, Osteopathy was founded in late 1800s by Andrew Taylor Still.
Osteopathy is a fast-growing profession within Australia.
We hope you've found this post informative - if you still have questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch or drop into the studio.
If you think this will help you - or are even unsure - book an appointment and one of our caring Osteopaths will ensure you don't regret it!
Commentaires