What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is considered a non-invasive allied health profession that uses manual therapy to improve the health of the entire musculoskeletal system. This means that Osteopaths are qualified to diagnose, treat and manage all musculoskeletal conditions involving; muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, bone and everything in between. Depending on their area of interest some osteopaths work on everything from paediatric conditions, right through to working in aged care facilities to assist with arthritic conditions and mobility.

You will often hear Osteopaths discuss their treatments as holistic, this simply means we look at the body as a whole. In Osteopathy, we pride ourselves on finding the cause of your pain and not just repetitively treating the site. Treatments involve thorough consultation, examination, manual therapy and exercise rehabilitation. Osteopaths are known to use a variety of techniques including hands on soft tissue therapy, joint mobilisation, joint manipulation and even adjunctive treatments such as dry needling and cupping.

In Australia Osteopaths are required to complete five years of tertiary education, where they are taught the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system, musculoskeletal diagnostic protocols, the importance of biopsychosocial factors, the importance of communication, as well as hands on examination and treatment skills. Starting from their third year, Osteopathy students are placed into the clinic environment supported by experienced Osteopaths with a minimum of five years of experience, to ensure they have the skills and knowledge for clients once in private practice.

If you have any other questions about Osteopathy and how it can help you, please give us a call or book online.

Written by:

Samantha Volarich

Owner and director of Revive Osteopathy