About Osteopathy

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 presenting symptoms. It provides an avenue for both healing and prevention, ensuring a healthier, more balanced life for its patients. Osteopathic treatment will proceed over 3 phases of care.

3 Phases of Osteopathic Care

1. Relieve Pain

In the initial phase of osteopathic treatment, the primary focus is on reducing pain and inflammation. Patients often come in with acute discomfort caused by injury, overuse, or musculoskeletal issues. Osteopathic techniques in this phase involve gentle manual therapies such as soft tissue manipulation, joint mobilisation, and muscle stretching to alleviate pain. The goal is to:

• Reduce inflammation in affected tissues.
• Relax tight muscles and relieve tension.
• Restore mobility to restricted joints.
• Improve circulation to the injured area, promoting healing.

By addressing the acute symptoms first, this phase aims to make patients more comfortable and create a foundation for deeper rehabilitation.

2. Rehabilitation and Restore Function

Once the pain is managed, the second phase focuses on improving the overall function and strength of the affected areas. This involves rehabilitation exercises and manual therapies that target joint and muscle recovery. The goal here is not only to restore the patient’s movement but also to strengthen the body to prevent further injuries. Key aspects of this phase include:

• Improving joint range of movement and flexibility.
• Strengthening muscles to support the body’s structure.
• Re-educating movement patterns to enhance function and prevent recurrence.
• Focusing on the affected area while also addressing compensatory issues elsewhere in the body.

This phase is critical for promoting long-term recovery and is often tailored to the patient’s specific needs, including their occupation, lifestyle, or sports activities.

3. Return to Play & Prevention

The final phase is aimed at helping the patient return to their normal activities while also focusing on injury prevention. The goal is to ensure that the body has fully recovered and that any risk factors for future injuries have been addressed. This phase may include:

• Ongoing strengthening and mobility exercises to maintain improvements.
• Educating the patient on posture, body mechanics, and movement strategies that minimise strain.
• Developing personalised maintenance plans to keep the patient healthy and active.
• For athletes or active individuals, a gradual return to full physical activity with attention to technique and conditioning.

This phase emphasises injury prevention and is designed to ensure that the patient remains pain-free and can continue normal activities with a reduced risk of re-injury.