What is Osteopathy ?

Osteopathy is a system of musculoskeletal therapy that has been around now for over 120 years.

It was founded by a Doctor in Mid-West America who believed that Medicine of the time was based too much on surgery and medication. He believed that the human body has its own self-healing properties and that an Osteopath’s role was to restored these self-healing properties by restoring the body to as normal a state as possible.

An Osteopath works primarily on the musculoskeletal system – the muscles, ligaments, bones and joints using “hands on” treatments. 

Commonly Osteopaths treat people with headaches, neck pain and back pain. They also treat pain and dysfunction of every joint of the body including the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, hips, knees, ankle and jaw. Because of the wide ranging effects of the nervous system, they can often help relieve problems in other areas such a, nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, asthma, migraine, acid reflux and colic.

Most disease has a musculoskeletal component and whilst the primary complaint can sometimes not be treated, the secondary effects often respond well. The muscle spasm and soft tissue contractures associated with arthritis is a good example of this.

You no longer have to see your Doctor for treatment on ACC. If you have had an accident we can process the paperwork at the clinic that will allow you ACC subsidised treatment. You can still be referred for treatment by a GP.