Osteopathy is a form of hands-on manual therapy that focuses primarily on the musculoskeletal system. This holistic approach considers the patient as an individual within the biopsychosocial model of care, aiming for chronic pain relief through comprehensive treatment.
The principles of osteopathy are founded on several key beliefs:
- The body is a unit, encompassing mind, body, and spirit.
- Structure and function are interrelated; osteopaths believe in the interconnectedness of the body. The body's structure influences its functions, and by enhancing the structure, we can improve its overall functionality.
- The body possesses self-healing mechanisms, demonstrating an innate wisdom to pursue health. Osteopathy seeks to facilitate the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
Osteopaths are AHPRA-registered primary healthcare practitioners, which allows for osteopathic treatment to be covered by health funds, the Chronic Disease Management Plan (formerly EPC), WorkCover, and the Department of Veteran Affairs.
During an initial consultation, osteopaths perform a thorough evaluation that includes a case history assessment (discussing lifestyle, medical history, and injuries) and a physical assessment (involving movement-based and orthopedic testing) to diagnose issues and guide the treatment plan. Depending on the patient and their specific needs, the treatment may incorporate a variety of techniques, including:
- Stretching
- Massage
- Muscle energy technique
- Gentle mobilization of specific joints
- Articulation
- Balancing tension within the ligaments
- Cranial osteopathy
- Biodynamic osteopathy
- Functional technique
- Trigger points