About Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a manual method of treatment founded by Dr Andrew Taylor Still in the USA in 1877.

Osteopathy is commonly associated with musculoskeletal medicine, biomechanical back and neck pain, sport or traumatic injury, however osteopathy is a holistic form of health care which helps individuals improve or restore health and wellbeing.

The principles and philosophy that osteopathic treatment is based on are:

1. The body is a unit
2. The structure and the function of the body are reciprocally interrelated
3. The body possesses self regulatory mechanisms
4. The body has the inherent capacity to heal itself
5. When normal adaptability is disrupted or when environmental changes overcome the body’s capacity for self-maintenance, diseases may ensue
6. Movement of fluids is essential to the maintenance of health
7. The nerves play a crucial part in controlling the fluids of the body
8. There are somatic components to disease that are not only manifestations of the diseased, but also are factors that contribute to the maintenance of the diseased state
9. Implicit in these philosophies is the belief that osteopathic intervention has a positive influence on the above.
   (Definition provided by the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand)

The osteopath is trained to use palpation to determine restrictions within the body including the fascia, muscles and joints which interfere with normal fluid movements in the body.

Once the restrictions are found osteopaths use a variety of techniques to restore neural, circulation, lymphatic and respiratory systems allowing the patients healing mechanisms to work effectively and restore health and function.

The techniques used can range from structural manipulation, articulation, soft tissue release or cranial osteopathy.

Your osteopath will consult with you to determine the most effective and appropriate method of treatment to restore your health.