OSTEOPATHY
OSTEOPATHS TREAT MORE THAN YOU THINK
Osteopaths are allied health professionals that offer patient-centred approaches to healthcare and functional improvement which recognise the important link between the structure of the body and the way it functions. Osteopaths focus on how the skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulation, connective tissue and internal organs function as a holistic unit.
Osteopaths use a range of approaches to enhance function, including manual therapy (mobilisation, stretching, massage and manipulation for ligaments and joints), exercise therapy and programming, equipment prescription, lifestyle advice and patient education. Osteopaths determine the mix and frequency of treatment and management approaches using skilled clinical evaluation and diagnostic approaches.
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In Australia, osteopaths are government registered practitioners who complete minimum accredited university training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, general healthcare diagnosis and osteopathic techniques.
Osteopaths are primary healthcare practitioners and are trained to recognise conditions that require medical referral. They are also trained to perform standard examinations of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems.
Osteopathy is covered by most private health funds and by Medicare's Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plans. Osteopaths are registered providers for DVA patients, as well as by State workers’ compensation schemes and motor accident insurers.
OSTEOPATHY FOR BABIES & CHILDREN
Birth is one of the most stressful events of our lives. The baby is subjected to enormous forces, as the uterus pushes to expel the baby against the natural resistance of the birth canal. They baby has to turn and twist as it squeezes through the bony pelvis, on it short but highly stimulating and potentially stressful journey.
The baby’s head has the remarkable ability to absorb these stresses in a normal delivery. In order to reduce the size of the head, the soft bones overlap, bend and warp as the baby descends. The baby’s chin is normally well tucked down towards its chest to reduce the presenting diameter of the head. Many babies are born with odd shaped heads as a result. In the first few days, the head can usually be seen to gradually lose the extreme moulded shape, as the baby suckles, cries and yawns. However, this unmoulding process is often incomplete, especially if the birth has been difficult. As a result, the baby may have to live with some very uncomfortable stresses within its head and body.
Babies born by cesarean may also encounter problems from their development in utero. This is especially seen in breach babies who develop in unusual positions in relation to the mother’s ribs and pelvis.