Osteopathy

Osteopathy involves a range of manual techniques including soft tissue work, stretching and manipulation of the skeleton and muscles to promote mobility and balance. The central belief of this manual medicine is that a healthy body relies on a structurally sound musculo-skeletal system. Only when the bones, joints and muscles are working smoothly and harmoniously can the other systems of the body (the nervous systems, circulation or lymphatics) function at their best.

The osteopathic philosophy states that the body is capable of healing itself – and maintaining a healthy state – if barriers, such as structural problems and poor posture, are removed. Osteopathy was developed by a physician in the late nineteenth century and has since gained worldwide recognition as a valuable and effective healing system. In Australia, osteopaths undertake a five-year university degree to practise.

A range of disorders

Osteopaths treat a range of disorders, including:

• Asthma
• Back and neck pain
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Pregnancy-related pains and discomfort
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Sciatica (shooting pains down the leg)
• Sports injuries
• Tendonitis.

Biomechanics

Central to osteopathy is the study of ‘biomechanics’ – how each part of the musculo-skeletal system interacts with and influences every other part. Any joint or muscle injury must therefore be treated in the context of the whole body, since other parts of the musculo-skeletal system will also be affected. For instance, an ankle injury may mean that the patient limps and favours the other foot. Over time, this imbalance can lead to secondary injuries, such as soreness in the other ankle, knee or hip, or perhaps back pain.

The osteopath will devise a strategy of treatment that takes into account the entire musculo-skeletal system. Attention is also given to other systems of the body – such as the circulatory, nervous and lymphatic systems – since these all play significant roles in the healing process.

Hands-on treatment

Osteopathy is a manipulative medicine. The osteopath focuses on the whole body including soft tissue (such as muscle, ligaments and tendons), the spine and nervous system. A practitioner might use a variety of different hands-on methods, depending on your needs, including:

• Soft tissue techniques
• Manually moving the joint through its range of motion
• Stretching muscles
• Encouraging muscles to work against resistance
• Spinal manipulation
• Restoring balance and movement with gentle techniques (osteopathy in the cranial field)
• Manipulation of the abdomen (visceral manipulation).

Lifestyle and environmental factors

Osteopathy encourages the person to take responsibility for their own long-term health and wellbeing. For instance, an osteopath can help you discover the particular lifestyle and environmental factors that may be contributing to your disorder. These may include poor posture, stress or the need for ergonomic furniture. An osteopath might devise a range of treatments, including individually tailored exercise routines, relaxation techniques or body awareness sessions that show you how to move the body in gentler ways.

Special considerations

In some disorders – such as prolapsed discs, joint infections or bone disease – manipulation can be dangerous. It is always important to check that an osteopath is registered with the Osteopaths Registration Board of Victoria before you see them. This can be done online.

Where to get help

• Osteopath
• The Australian Osteopathic Association Tel. 1800 467 836

Things to remember

• Osteopathy is a manual medicine that works on the soft tissue of the body to relieve pain, and improves joint mobility and function through mobilisation or manipulation of the skeletal system.
• According to the osteopathic philosophy, when the body’s musculo-skeletal system is not properly aligned it inhibits circulatory, lymphatic or nervous system function and therefore reduces the body’s ability to heal itself.
• Osteopathy treats an injury or pain in the context of the the whole body and its functions.

You might also be interested in:

• Alexander technique.
  
• Back pain.
  
• Back problems.
  
• Locomotor system.
  
• Tai Chi - health benefits.
  
• Tendonitis.
  
• Yoga - health benefits.
  

Want to know more?

Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

(Logo links to further information)

Australian Osteopathic Association

Fact sheet currently being reviewed.
Last reviewed: February 2010

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<a href="http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Osteopathy?open">Osteopathy - Better Health Channel</a><br/>
Osteopathy involves soft tissue work, stretching and manipulation of the skeleton and muscles to promote mobility and restore structural balance. Osteopaths treat disorders including asthma, back and neck pain, headache, joint pain, repetitive strain injuries (RSI), sciatica, sports injuries and tendonitis.

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residence and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

For the latest updates and more information, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

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