What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a primary healthcare system, complementary to other medical practices. It is suitable for almost anyone and can contribute to alleviating an enormous range of conditions.
Osteopaths primarily work through the neuromuscular system, particularly on muscles and joints through soft tissue massage and gentle articulation.
Relevant psychological and social factors also form part of the diagnosis. Another important principle of osteopathy is that the body has its own self-healing mechanisms, which can be utilised as part of the treatment.
Osteopathy can help relieve chronic or minor problems, provide one-off relief from pain and dysfunction or contribute to the management of long-term complaints.
Some patients need only one treatment, others have a course of therapy or return periodically for the long-term management of a condition.
The main tool for diagnosis and treatment is touch (palpation). The osteopath will also closely observe movement.
A wide range of gentle, safe, non-invasive, manual techniques such as deep tissue massage is used in therapy. Patients may be advised on exercise, posture or diet.
X-rays are occasionally used to aid diagnosis.