What is Osteopath?

Understanding Osteopathy



Osteopaths are allied health professionals who focus on health concerns primarily related to muscles and joints. You don’t need a GP referral to see an osteopath.



Osteopathy is a manual therapy which means osteopaths use hands-on techniques.



Osteopathic sessions focus on working with muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons to improve pain, enhance function and concentrate on symptom relief.



Osteopaths believe that the structure and function of the body are interconnected– and, as such, issues occurring in one area can impact other regions of the body, too. The osteopathic philosophy involves the understanding that the body can heal itself.



Osteopaths adopt a holistic approach to your health, which means that treatments and sessions aim to address your overall health and wellbeing as well as the specific area causing pain or concern.An osteopathic session will aim to address the underlying cause of your health concerns as well as the symptoms you’re experiencing.



Like all health professionals at Path to Health, our osteopaths offer a patient-centred approach to health.



Your health and wellbeing are at the heart of every consultation.An osteopath will talk to you about your symptom or conditions as well as your lifestyle, diet, work, and exercise or physical activity levels and stress levels.



Osteopaths use a variety of techniques to manage your symptoms, such as:



Stretch and soft-tissue massage



Trigger point therapy



Manipulation



Exercise therapy



Lifestyle advice



Osteopaths are registered health practitioners who have completed university training. They are trained to perform standard health exams and recognise conditions that require medical specialist assessment.



You can claim your osteopathy appointments through your private health insurer if you have extras cover. Phone your insurer to discuss what is covered in your plan. Medicare does not cover osteopathic treatment unless you are under a Chronic Disease Management plan which must be organised through your GP.

Why Get an Osteopathic Treatment?

Osteopathic techniques are used on muscles, tendons and ligaments. Osteopaths can identify and treat general areas of dysfunction in the body.



Osteopathy can be recommended in conjunction with other health professionals and treatments. Sometimes, your general practitioner may suggest an osteopathic appointment. Or, you may receive a referral from another type of allied health professional, such as a chiropractor or physiotherapist.



You can also make an appointment or contact us for more information if you’re experiencing pain and would like to see how an osteopath can assist.





A typical session with an osteopath?

During your first osteopath appointment atPath to Health, your osteopath will talk to you about your medical history, any medications you are taking and any other factors that may be contributing to your symptoms.



You’ll have a thorough physical exam as well as any necessary tests. Some of the tests you may need to have include:



Posture assessments – to check your posture when you’re sitting, standing and moving.



Active movements – bending over, moving your arms and legs.



Passive movements – for example, your osteopath may lift your arms or legs.



Palpation – to see if there is pain in any specific areas.



Other types of tests – such as neurological or diagnostic tests.



Your osteopath will use the results of your exams and tests to develop a personalised treatment program for you. Theprogram may include exercises to do at home, further osteopath sessions and other healthy lifestyle activities.



Osteopathy takes a whole of body approach to treatment. Your osteopath may look at the area that is troubling you as well as other parts of your body.



Your osteopath will also give you tools and resources to enable you manage your symptoms between treatments.

Interested in an osteopathic treatment?

At Path to Health, we offer experienced, qualified osteopathic care. Contact us to book your session or discuss your options.

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