Osteopathy is a science, a philosophy, and an art that was discovered by Andrew Taylor Still in 1874. Osteopathy is a very gentle manual medicine that works with your body to assist in its natural ability to heal itself.

Treatments focus on restoring balance to all the systems of the body by freeing up restrictions that impede the flow of nerves, arteries, veins, and lymphatics. Osteopathy recognizes the important link between the structure of the body and how it functions. The practice is based on an extensive understanding of anatomy and physiology and we look at your whole body when we treat you this includes the:
• Muscular system
• Skeletal system (including joints)
• Blood supply
• Nerve supply
• Lymphatic system
• Connective tissue
• Internal organs
• Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF)

Osteopathy focuses on how ALL of these work together as a dynamic unit. As osteopathy treats and sees the body as a whole, a wide range of conditions can benefit from this treatment. Treatments may be preventative, curative, or palliative depending on the case and condition. It is a complete system of health care and because of the gentle application of this therapy it can benefit people of all ages with many conditions.

For those who have heard of Cranial Sacral Therapy, this is also Osteopathy, however its focus is solely on the cranium and sacrum. It was developed by an Osteopath, and because of its therapeutic benefits became its own branch of therapy. An Osteopathic Manual Practitioner also practices Cranial Sacral Therapy, but it is included in their
overall Osteopathic treatment of the whole body.

Osteopathy Assessment

Assessment is at the core of a positive outcome, and reaching a pain free status as fast as possible. During your first visit, a thorough orthopedic assessment will be conducted.

This assessment may include a visual postural analysis, range of motion testing, advanced orthopedic testing, or a variety of other specialised techniques to be able to accurately form a treatment plan. At the conclusion of this assessment, you will have a better understanding of your body’s current health status, and your therapist will be able to form a clinical impression as to what is causing your pain / discomfort. Your therapist will then discuss a treatment plan with you. Treatments may involve various osteopathic methods such as soft tissue manipulation, osteoarticular joint mobilization, muscle energy technique, craniosacral therapy and visceral manipulations.

Osteopathy Treatment

After discussing the results of the assessment and the treatment plan, with your consent, your osteopathic manual therapist will begin your first treatment. The treatment is conducted with you fully clothed and in various positions on the treatment table. For some conditions, you may be required to sit, stand or bend during the treatment.

Treatment Methods

Manual osteopaths identify, assess, and treat the body’s structures and rhythm using a gentle, hands-on approach.