|
What is
Osteopathy?
Founded in the early 1870’s by an American doctor,
osteopathy has been
practiced successfully for over 130 years.
Dr. A. T. Still (1828-1917)
Osteopathy is a gentle, holistic form of healthcare that treats each person as an individual.
An Osteopath has detailed knowledge of the workings of the human body. Through palpation (a highly developed sense of touch) an osteopath assesses you as an individual to establish the restrictions and strains which are unique to your body.
Injuries, postural habit and medical conditions can create areas of restriction or strain in the musculoskeletal system. This can cause pain which an osteopath will address.
Osteopaths treat the tissue causing your symptoms using a variety of gentle techniques aimed to improve joint mobility, restore proper muscle tone and reduce inflammation. An osteopath treats the underlying problem, which may be in a different area to that of the pain experienced, providing drug-free pain relief.
Osteopaths are allied healthcare professionals and must be registered with the Osteopathic COuncil of New Zealand. They work within their scope of practice and refer to other healthcare professionals as required.
What can an osteopath
treat?
Osteopathic treatment can help with a wide range of
problems including:
-
back
and neck pain
-
muscle
aches
-
headaches
-
joint
pain
-
occupational
and repetitive strain injuries
-
sport
injuries
-
certain
childhood conditions
-
pains
experienced by pregnant and nursing mothers
Osteopathic treatment is suitable for infants,
children, and adults.
What can I
expect when I visit an osteopath?
When you consult an
osteopath, the osteopath will:
-
discuss the
symptoms you are experiencing and ask you about
your general health and lifestyle
-
find the area which
needs treatment by examining your body and
observing your movements
-
discuss your
treatment plan
-
use their hands to
gently work on the muscles, bones and joints of
your body
-
advise you on how
to minimise the risk of the problem happening
again
Osteopathic treatment causes little or no pain.
Benefits from the treatment should be felt within 2
- 3 days. You may experience some discomfort or your
symptoms may be aggravated for 24 - 48 hours after
treatment. This is a normal response to treatment
which is called the healing crisis.
Back to Top |
