416 Ilam Road, Fendalton, Christchurch 8052
Clinic Hours: Monday - Friday 7am - 8pm
Clinic Hours: Monday-Friday 7am-8pm
Osteopaths treat a wide range of conditions which include; back and neck pain, headaches, joint and muscle strains, sports injuries, pregnancy related aches and pains, and many other physical and functional disorders. Osteopaths are highly trained primary health care providers, who undergo five years of intensive training. Through skilled case history taking, osteopathic evaluation, and hands-on treatment, osteopaths can diagnose and treat various types of dysfunction in your body. Their study focuses on anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, general medical diagnosis and osteopathic techniques.
Osteopathic treatment focuses on three main areas: pain relief, rehabilitation and restoration of normal function, and finally, a return to sports and everyday activities. Most patients will start to respond from their first treatment, and a full return to fitness will depend on the type and age of the injury.
During treatment, Osteopaths utilise a variety of gentle treatment techniques, which could include mobilisation of joints and soft tissues, joint manipulation, massage, and muscle energy stretches. Treatment plans are always tailored specifically to the patient and are generally suitable for pregnant ladies, children, adults, and the elderly.
Osteopaths work closely with other registered healthcare providers, including GPs, surgeons, midwives, and counsellors, in order to provide the best care to their patients.
Osteopaths are also registered ACC treatment providers. You do not require a referral from your GP to receive ACC-covered treatment. Osteopathic treatment is also covered by some private health insurers.
Osteopathy offers a comprehensive, integrated approach to health that considers the whole person, not just isolated symptoms. It provides an avenue for both healing and prevention, ensuring a healthier, more balanced life for its patients. Osteopathic care will provide you with the following:
Osteopaths begin with a detailed medical history, followed by a thorough osteopathic assessment and other medical examinations if needed. This broad overview allows them to pinpoint the underlying causes of your pain and injury rather than just addressing the symptoms.
While traditional medical treatments often focus on treating symptoms once they appear, osteopathy operates on the principle of being proactive. Our focus is on injury prevention and sports performance so that our patients can go on to lead happy and fulfilling lives.
Given that everyone’s body is unique, osteopaths design individualised treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs and conditions. This bespoke approach ensures more effective and lasting relief.
While many may associate osteopathy with bones and joint issues, osteopaths actually treat a wide array of conditions. These can range from back pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, sports injuries, breathing disorders, dizziness and vertigo to headaches. This comprehensive approach can be helpful for a range of conditions that are often interlinked.
Through techniques like joint manipulation, stretching, and soft tissue manipulation, osteopathy can provide significant relief from pain and acute discomfort. This natural approach can often reduce the need for pain medications.
Osteopathic treatments often focus on improving joint mobility and enhancing muscle function, which can lead to increased flexibility and a broader range of motion, which is especially beneficial for athletes and those with physically demanding jobs.
Many times, the source of pain or discomfort is not where the symptom appears. For instance, pain in the shoulder could originate from an issue in the upper back, elbow or wrist. Osteopaths are trained to trace these connections and address the root causes of ailments.
Regardless of whether you’re a professional athlete, a teenager, an expectant mother, or a tradesperson, Osteopathy isn’t just about addressing immediate pain or discomfort; it’s about setting up a foundation for lifelong health and wellness. By understanding and treating the body holistically, osteopaths can ensure that our patients maintain good health throughout their lives and that they are not limited by pain and injuries.
