Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a holistic system of medicine that bases itself on certain principles. We believe that the body has an innate ability to heal itself, and the role of an osteopath is to facilitate that process.  It is a form of manual healthcare that focuses on the function and movement of the body as a ‘whole’. Our goal is to identify the underlying cause of your pain, as well as to relieve the current symptoms, to allow you to move freely and without pain once again.

Osteopathy differs from other therapies in that it is not so much a treatment technique but more a philosophy that looks at the human being as a self regulating, self healing organism.  A whole range of treatment techniques and approaches can then be drawn upon to stimulate the body to heal and balance itself.  Therefore the osteopath does not focus so much on the area of pain but looks at the whole person to see why they are in pain and why the pain in manifesting in the way it is.

Using skilled evaluation, diagnosis and a wide range of hands-on techniques, osteopaths can identify important types of dysfunction in your body.  Osteopathic treatment involves gentle and effective manual techniques, including soft tissue stretching, mobilisation, inhibition and manipulation. These techniques can assist in improving elasticity, strength, endurance, mobility and performance.

In Australia, osteopaths are Masters Degree university trained in anatomy, physiology, pathology, general medical diagnosis and osteopathic techniques. Osteopaths are primary healthcare practitioners and are trained to recognise conditions which require medical referral. They are also trained to perform standard medical examinations of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems.

Osteopathy is covered by most private health funds and the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) scheme, and the Enhanced Primary Care Program (EPC). Our osteopaths are registered providers for Workcover and Third Party motor accident insurers.

Osteopathy in Pregnancy

Our modern lifestyles of prolonged sitting, high stress and the demands of our work and home lives put our bodies under great strain. In addition during pregnancy we are also under enormous mechanical and hormonal stress.   Many of us are having babies later in life and therefore see previous mechanical stressors and injuries return with a vengeance as weight and inactivity increases.

As the relaxin hormone enters our system, which is natures way of getting our body ready for delivery, our structural support weakens just when we need it the most to help us to carry the ever increasing weight of a growing baby.  Osteopathy can assist you to help your body through this challenging time.  It can reduce pain and discomfort and prepare your body for the upcoming challenge of delivery and the demands of a newborn.

Osteopathy and Breast Cancer

Breast cancer patients are subjected to necessary medical treatment which can have wide-ranging impacts on their anatomy and physiology.  In particular after a lumpectomy or mastectomy surgery, and the removal of lymph nodes from the axilla (armpit area), new scarring and cording often occur.  This can be painful and restrict the normal function of the shoulder, chest and arm. Many women are unable to lift their arm above shoulder height without pain and restriction. This can also result in frozen shoulder if left unresolved.

Osteopathy can offer effective relief by restoring natural movement to this area.  This is done with the use of soft tissue massage, the gentle manipulation of connective and nerve tissue, and the prescription of home exercises. 

Osteopathy has been shown to offer relief for patients undergoing chemotherapy, with gentle massage to the abdomen (visceral manipulation).  This gentle treatment can help to relieve nausea, constipation and cramping. This is best performed during your ‘good week’ of your chemo cycle.  For example for a chemo cycle every 3 weeks it is best to come for treatment in week 3 when you are feeling your best, before your next cycle begins again.  Patients find it helps them to manage their week 1 symptoms in the following weeks much better.

Most importantly the cancer support care at Restore is compassionate and in a warm, relaxing environment.  We also have strict hygiene measures in place for patient health during their time of compromised immunity.  

Osteopathy and Sports Injuries

Whether you are a weekend warrior or an elite athlete, your osteopath can help prevent and treat many sporting injuries, including neck and back strains, shoulder, elbow and wrist and hip injuries. Reduced joint or muscle flexibility will affect your performance and may result in injury. If you do become injured, your osteopath is highly trained to facilitate a return to optimal function and prevent compensatory strains from occurring. This will minimise re-injury and allow a quicker return to physical activity.

Injuries in sport are common whether at school, club or professional level.  The nature of professional sports is so intense and frantic today that injuries are almost inevitable.  With its ability to address acute and chronic pain, osteopathy has emerged as an important component of the recovery process. Professional sports players depend on osteopathic treatment as a means of keeping their bodies in optimum physical shape as well as a way to heal or ease existing conditions.  Osteopathy also helps to identify wider issues which can contribute to localised pain or specific complaints.  These include biomechanics issues in gait, mobility patterns and functional restrictions.