A Full Range of Osteopathy Services
Osteopaths have practised in Australia since 1908, however Osteopathy has been practised internationally since 1872. Today, Osteopaths undertake five years full time study completing a double degree with national government registration.
Osteopaths assist in the recovery from pain and injury, and improve general wellbeing through gentle ‘hands on’ therapy, advice on posture, activities of daily life, exercise and diet.
Whether you are injured or sore from training for a triathlon, golf, skiing, yoga, or simply sitting at your computer too long, we strive to get to the root of the problem and work with you to solve it.
Often it is finding the weak link in the bio-mechanical chain and working towards re-education, symmetry and balance. Stretching, strengthening body mechanics, postural awareness, and ergonomics are considered as you progress towards health and well being.
What types of problems can an Osteopath help with?
Whilst back and neck pain are the most common problems seen, Osteopathy can help with a wide range of problems including sports injuries, headaches & migraines, arthritis, pain associated with pregnancy or menstruation, jaw pain and sciatica amongst others.
What can I expect when I visit an Osteopath?
During your first consultation, your Osteopath will complete an initial health assessment, and conduct a full osteopathic and orthopaedic examination. You will normally be asked to remove some of your clothing depending on the area of body requiring treatment.
Following an osteopathic treatment, you may be recommended to obtain further examinations e.g. x-ray or scans. This will allow a full diagnosis and a suitable treatment plan to be developed for you. If needed, the Osteopath may refer you to another health professional.
Your Osteopathic treatment may also incorporate Dry Needling, real time ultrasound and/or Active Release Technique (ART®).
Do I need a referral from my GP?
Many clients are referred to Osteopaths by their Doctor, other health practitioners or personal trainers. However, as Osteopaths are primary practitioners, you can make an appointment without a referral.
Can I claim for Osteopathy on my Private Health Cover?
Most private health insurance funds give rebates on osteopathic treatment. The amount of the refund will depend on your insurance company and the plan you are on. If your health fund is a member of HICAPS, and you have your health fund card with you, we can process your reimbursement at the time of your treatment.
Dry Needling
Trigger point dry needling is a relatively new and modern approach to treat a range of musculoskeletal conditions and sports injuries both acute and chronic. It is based on western medicine and scientific research, and it utilises knowledge of anatomy and principles of neurophysiology. Dry needling is not acupuncture, it is therapy based on myofascial release.
How does it work?
Dry needling involves introducing fine, sterile acupuncture needles into trigger points of muscles. A trigger point is a tight irritable band or knot within a muscle and can give rise to characteristic referral pain. When the needle is inserted into a trigger point it causes a twitch response and the muscle ‘lets go’. This normalises blood flow and allows proper muscle function.
How does it feel?
You may feel a slight prick when the needle first touches the skin. As the needle is inserted deeper into the muscle in normal tissue it is painless. When the needle contacts a trigger point you may feel the muscle twitch or feel a slight ache as the muscle releases.
What can Dry Needling treat?
Dry Needling can be used to treat back and neck pain, headaches, tennis elbow, ITB friction syndrome, shins splints, rotator cuff dysfunction and other musculoskeletal conditions.
Dry Needling may only be part of your treatment as a needle will not untwist a pelvis, it releases a muscle. You may request to have Dry Needling as part of your treatment, or equally that it not be used.
Active Release Technique (ART®)
ART® is a patented technique that is highly effective for breaking down scar tissue and adhesions that develop due to repetitive use. It is a movement based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves.
ART® is an effective treatment for a range of complaints including headaches, back pain, carpel tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, tennis or golfers elbow, or poor range of movement.
Over 500 specific movements, unique to ART®, allow your Osteopath to tailor your treatment protocol. ART® is popular with athletes including power lifters, weight lifters, swimmers, and runners – although you do not need to be an athlete to benefit from ART®.
What does ART® feel like?
Treatment may be uncomfortable at times during the process of breaking up of adhesions, but this pain will subside immediately after completion of your treatment.
It is not uncommon to experience a duplication of symptoms during the treatment as well. This is a good sign indicating that the primary cause has been identified, and is often described as ‘good pain’.