Osteopathy

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a form of ‘hands on’ therapy that is widely recognised as one of the most safe and effective manual therapies available worldwide. Osteopathy focuses on the treatment of the causes of pain, not only the symptoms, via treatment of the joints, muscles and connective tissues with 'hands on' techniques such as soft tissue, stretching and manipulation.

Osteopaths offer you personalised advice on stretching and strengthening exercises, posture, diet, lifting procedures and stress management.

Osteopaths look at the 'big picture' of body functioning and use a variety of techniques which acknowledges the many factors that contribute to balance and health.                                                                                                                                     

How can Osteopathy help me?

Our Osteopaths use manipulation techniques such as articulation, gentle joint manipulation, soft tissue massage and resistance stretching (MET), cranial treatment and functional treatment to assist you to achieve normal pain free movement and function by correcting underlying dysfunctions. Specially developed ‘slow release techniques’ are commonly used in the elderly and the very young, to ensure that the treatment is both safe and comfortable.

Here at Beachside Health, we also offer diathermy and ultrasound. By designing an appropriate treatment plan, your Osteopath will also provide an ongoing management or maintenance plan to prevent a recurrence of the problem.

How many treatments will I need?

Most complaints can be resolved within 1-4 treatments. Chronic, complex conditions may require further treatment as the body will often create extensive compensatory patterns to cope. At Beachside Health, we do not believe in prolonged, unnecessary treatment, that is often producing little or no results. Our therapists will have you back doing the things you enjoy as soon as possible. 

Osteopathy & Sports

Our Osteopaths have extensive experience working with people of all ages and acitivty levels. We regularly treat athletes of all levels, from recreational to professional. Part of our treatment includes a thorough explanation of your injury so you can complete your rehabilitation with complete understanding. We will help you return to your sport quickly and give you the right advice to help prevent a recurrence of your injury.

What conditions do Osteopaths treat?

Headaches & Migraines	Sports Injuries - Management & Rehabilitation
Low Back Pain & Sciatica	Tennis Elbow
Neck Pain & Whiplash	RSI
Hip, Knee & Ankle Pain	Carpal Tunnel
Shoulder, Elbow & Wrist Pain	Common Cold & Cough
Pregnancy Care - pre conception to after birth	Scoliosis
Babies - distressed/irritable babies, Sifeeding difficulties, reflux, colic, wind, sleep disturbances, glue ear, torticollis	Sinus Problems
Children - Asthma, postural correction, behavioural problems, back, neck and other joint problems	Digestive Complaints - Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Constipation

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Why choose an Osteopath? 
 
Osteopaths are primary care health practitioners and are trained to carry out thorough physical assessments as well as standard medical examinations of the cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous system.

Osteopaths believe in the body’s natural ability to heal itself and we encourage our patients to utilise a home exercise and stretching program to decrease the number of treatments they require to restore their health and be active again. We also consider a healthy diet and nutrition, emotional wellbeing (through techniques such as stress reduction exercises and strategies) as important factors in your treatment. Osteopaths utilise the technology of modern medicine where appropriate, which may include radiological, orthopaedic or neurological assessment.

The initial consultation includes a thorough history, examination and treatment. Osteopathic treatment addresses the site of your injury and all related structures. The Osteopath decides which is the most effective course of treatment as we rely principally on physical examination and a highly developed sense of touch to form a diagnosis.

Why Osteopathy Works   
 
Osteopaths recognise that every structure in the body is designed to move. Asides from walking, running and the like, there is a great importance placed on the internal movements of the body such as, circulation of blood, gas exchange during breathing, digestion and nerve function.

The human body is dynamic and although pain may only be felt in one area, many other regions of the body may be affected and need addressing with treatment for a full recovery to occur.

For example:
Headaches are often caused by poor mobility in the upper back and shoulders  

Low Back Pain may be as a result of hip, knee or foot problems.