Amber Laris
Chiropractor and Osteopath INFORMATION SHEET
Osteopathic Treatment in Australia - FAQs
I
f you have been recommended to undertake a course of osteopathic treatment for an injury or illness, or you are looking for a means to improve your overall health and well-being, but are unsure as to what to expect from treatment by an osteopath, the FAQs below will seek to address some of the questions you may have. What types of illness, injury or discomfort is osteopathic therapy suitable for? While osteopathy is highly effective at treating specific complaints and conditions, in particular musculoskeletal problems, it also addresses a wide range of general health problems and conditions. As osteopathic therapy is holistic, it also seeks to address your general well-being as well as treating particular injuries. What parts of the body does an osteopath treat? An osteopath treats almost any structure in the body (e.g. joint, muscle, tendon) that, through injury, misuse or deterioration, is not functioning effectively and is causing pain, discomfort or stress. What does osteopathic treatment consist of? Osteopathic treatment may involve: soft tissues being massaged; joints being articulated or mobilised; muscles being exercised through stretching and resistance; or visceral techniques, i.e., the gentle and rhythmic manipulation of internal organs. All of these techniques are aimed at restoring balance and stimulating the body’s natural ability to heal itself. What is Osteopathic Manipulation Treatment (OMT)? Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) involves precise amounts of physical pressure being gently applied to specific locations on the body, perhaps the affected area but also possibly at another point. OMT may sometimes require a short, forceful movement called a high-velocity
thrust, when you might hear a clicking or popping noise. This is not painful and is entirely normal and to be expected. Is osteopathic treatment painful? Osteopathic manipulation and treatment is not painful, although there can sometimes be feelings of discomfort as an injured part of the body is manipulated. Alternatively, you might experience a mild soreness immediately following a treatment session in the same way as you might after physical exercise. Is osteopathy suitable for pregnant women? Osteopathy is suitable for pregnant women, many of whom find it beneficial as means of reducing back pain. Can osteopathy help to prevent injury? If you are involved in activity that places undue stress on your body (e.g. high impact sports, or a job that involves a lot of manual labour), osteopathic treatment can help to prevent you from developing problems. For further information on the ways in which osteopathy can restore your sense of well-being, click here.
What can I expect at the beginning of a course of treatment? At the outset of a course of treatment, your osteopath will require information regarding your medical history (including any accidents or traumas), lifestyle and overall sense of well-being, as well as the more precise nature of your complaint. They may also wish to test your coordination and reflexes, and your blood pressure. This will then be followed by a thorough physical examination that will explore your bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons. Your osteopath may also want to test the flexibility of your arms, legs and back, and will also look carefully at your spine, perhaps examining your posture and balance.
www.amberlaris.com.au