Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare that uses manual ‘hands-on’ techniques to remove pain and tension in the musculoskeletal system. Osteopaths adapt their therapeutic approach depending on the individual needs of the patient. The aim is to increase the mobility of joints to relieve muscle tension, this subsequently enhances the blood and nerve supply to tissues to help your body’s own healing mechanisms.

What to expect on your first visit?

During your first visit your Osteopath will discuss with you your medical history, your symptoms and any concerns. This will be followed by an assessment and examination to determine the cause of your symptoms. Your Osteopath will share their findings with you and provide you with your treatment options.

Sometimes you may be asked to seek further tests such as X-Rays, scans or blood tests. In these circumstances we can refer you privately for imaging or assist you with organising further tests to be completed via your GP.

What treatment methods do Osteopaths use?

Treatment will vary depending on age, fitness and diagnosis. Before you receive treatment your Osteopath and you, will agree on an appropriate and suitable treatment plan considering the whole body. Your treatment plan may include:

Mobilisation or stretching
Soft tissue work
Manipulation of joints
Dry needling
Taping

What can an Osteopath Treat?

Osteopathy is effective at treating musculoskeletal conditions, getting to the root cause of issues. Here are some of the conditions it can be used to treat:

Arthritic joints
Neck pain
Back pain
Sciatica
Frozen shoulder and shoulder pains
Headaches and migraines
Circulatory problems
Fibromyalgia
Elbow pain or tennis elbow
General aches and pains
Cramps or muscle spasms
Neuralgia
Tension and inability to relax
Strains, sprains and muscle tears

Osteopathy and Acupuncture

Our Osteopath Hugh Mackay is trained in medical acupuncture which can be used to treat musculoskeletal problems. Acupuncture involves the placement of very fine needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain, improve blood flow, increase range of motion and power at a target joint. This form of treatment can be provided within your Osteopathy treatment plan.

How does acupuncture treatment work?

There are two schools of thought when it comes to acupuncture - Chinese medicine, where acupuncture originated, and the western medicine approach.

Chinese medicine believes that there are energy meridians that flow through the body, these are either yin or yang. Using Chinese medicine acupuncture needles are placed in exact locations on a meridian. It is believed that the use of needles on these specific points improves the flow of energy - known as Qi - and this reduces pain and improves blood flow, helping to improve the joint range of motion.

Western medicine, on the other hand, does not agree that meridians exists. Instead their explanation is that the needles create descending inhibition from the brain, through the spinal cord to the points targeted, and pain relief through the release of endogenous opioids. This helps downregulate the pain being felt in the area targeted. This is particularly powerful for chronic pain, for example lower back pain that has been present for longer than 12 weeks, where pain pathways in the brain can become hypersensitised. This can however be used to treat most musculoskeletal issues.

You can decide for yourself which explanation you prefer. Hugh personally prefers the western description but is very open to the idea that there is a lot that we do not know with healthcare and is constantly looking at new evidence as it emerges.