Osteopathy is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of health issues through a holistic approach.
Osteopathic medicine emphasises the interrelationship between the body’s systems and its overall well-being. Osteopathy is about a holistic and integrated approach can complement conventional medical treatments and provide a comprehensive strategy for managing health and wellness.
If you’re considering osteopathic treatment, it’s a good idea to consult with a qualified osteopathic physician to determine if it aligns with your health needs.
Key principles of osteopathy
- Holistic approach -osteopathy views the body as an integrated whole rather than just a collection of separate systems. It emphasises the importance of the body’s structure and function in maintaining health.
- Self-healing – osteopathic medicine believes in the body’s inherent ability to heal itself. Treatments are designed to support and enhance this natural healing process
- Interrelationship of body systems – osteopaths recognise the body’s systems (musculoskeletal, nervous, circulatory) are interconnected. Dysfunction in one area can affect overall health
Techniques and treatments
- Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) – a set of hands-on techniques are used to diagnose, treat and prevent conditions. OMT may include stretching, gentle pressure, and resisted movements to improve function and relieve pain
- Manual therapy – this involves using the hands to manipulate, mobilise and massage muscles and joints to enhance mobility and relieve discomfort
- Exercise and rehabilitation – osteopathic treatment often includes recommendations for specific exercises to improve strength, flexibility and overall function
- Lifestyle and nutritional advice – osteopaths may offer guidance on lifestyle changes and nutrition to support overall health and well-being
Conditions treated
Osteopathic medicine can address a wide range of conditions, including:
- Musculoskeletal issues –Â back pain, neck pain and joint problems
- Chronic pain – management of various types of chronic pain
- Sports injuries – rehabilitation and treatment of injuries related to sports
- Headaches – tension headaches and migraines
- General health – support for overall health and wellness including preventive care
Training and qualifications
Osteopaths require the following training in Australia to be qualified:
- Complete a Bachelor degree majoring in Applied Science or Health Science
- Complete a master’s level qualification in Osteopathy in an accredited program
- Hold a current First Aid certificate
- Achieve AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioners Registration Agency) registration via the application process
Collaboration
Osteopaths often work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals, including medical doctors and specialists, to provide integrated care for patients. This collaboration can be especially important when surgical intervention or other specialised treatments are required.
Osteopaths can play a valuable role in managing musculoskeletal issues and supporting overall health, but their practice does not encompass surgical interventions.
If you need surgical procedures, you would need to consult an orthopaedic surgeon. This is an orthopaedic medical specialist who performs surgery on the musculoskeletal system.
References
- Becoming an orthopaedic surgeon – AOA. Australian Orthopaedic Association. Accessed 17 July 2024
- Osteopathy Australia. Osteopathy Australia. Accessed 17 July 2024
- Osteopathy Australia. Allied Health Professionals Australia. Accessed 17 July 2024
- What is osteopathy. Osteopathy Australia. Accessed 17 July 2024
Last reviewed and updated: 26 July 2024
