If you’ve heard about the health benefits of osteopathic treatment and still have some questions about who we are and what we do, then we’ve got you covered! Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions that we get asked as osteopaths.
What is an osteopath?
This is a common question we encounter! An osteopath is a government-registered, allied health practitioner who aims to improve a person’s overall health and wellness. We treat the whole person, not just a single condition or area in particular, and not just bones – this is a common misconception. We take a holistic approach to healthcare, focusing on the relationship between the body’s structure and function, and recognising the capacity of the body for self-healing.
What qualifications do you need to become an osteopath?
Depending on the country of study, it takes 4 to 5 years of university degree-level education to become an osteopath. Osteopathic students are expected to learn about all areas of the human body, the principles behind osteopathic thinking and treatment, and hands-on techniques. Students go through a range of written and practical assessments each year to help to prepare them to take on the important role of a health practitioner.
What conditions can an osteopath treat?
Osteopath’s can treat a wide range of conditions including:
- Neck and back pain
- Headaches
- Arthritis
- Shoulder and elbow pain
- Pelvic, hip and leg pain
- Tendon injury
- Pregnancy-related pain and postural problems
- Minor sports injuries including ligament and muscle strains
And so much more…
What happens during an appointment with an osteopath?
During a typical appointment, osteopaths carry out a clinical assessment, discuss your medical history and symptoms with you, diagnose, and apply hands-on therapy and other treatment techniques. We also provide postural, workplace, diet, exercise, stress-management and lifestyle advice.
What treatment techniques do osteopaths use?
Depending on your symptoms, some of the treatment methods we may use include:
- Soft tissue massage
- Spinal manipulation
- Articulation and mobility of joints and muscles
- Muscle energy work – encouraging muscles to work against resistance
If you have more questions about osteopathy, please give us a call on 03 9762 9445, or click on the Contact or Book Online links above to send a message or make a booking, we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!
References
- Better Health Channel (2022). Osteopathy.[Online]. www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/osteopathy Available at: (Accessed 23 March 2022).
- NHS. (2021). Osteopathy. [Online]. Available at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteopathy/ (Accessed 18 February 2022).
- Stanborough, R. J. (2020). What is an Osteopath? [Online]. Available at: www.healthline.com/health/what-is-an-osteopath (Accessed 23 March 2022).
