Osteopathy is natural and takes a holistic view of the body. Treatment is safe and gentle.

The Osteopath takes time to compile a full case history before performing a comprehensive examination of the injured region of the body and related areas. Time is taken to explain the cause of your complaint, how your complaint will be treated, and if necessary, managed.

No.

You can contact an Osteopath directly as they are trained as primary health care professionals. While doctors and other health care practitioners refer patients to osteopaths, most patients self-refer.

Yes. If I have had radiological investigations (x-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, ultrasound) please bring them with you on the day of your appointment.

Osteopaths undergo the study of radiology during their training. We can view and interpret radiological films, which may provide important information about your complaint.

• Back pain, including disc injuries, abdominal or pelvic instability, scoliosis
• Neck pain, including whiplash
• Limb pain, including knee, hip ankle, hip, groin, shoulder or elbow pain
• Nerve pain, including sciatica or referred pain
• Sports injuries, including tendonitis, tennis elbow, shin splints or muscle strains
• Arthritis / joint pain
• Frozen shoulder
• Workplace or Repetitive/ Stress related strains – including RSI or mid back stiffness
• Pregnancy related conditions including pelvic pain
• Asthma, including shortness of breath, rib dysfunction and chest pain or tightness
• Colic, constipation, excessive crying in babies

After compiling a thorough case history and performing a comprehensive examination to find the cause of injury, an accurate working diagnosis is determined in order for effective treatment to commence.

Osteopaths treat by using “hands on” techniques. Prior to examination you may be asked to remove some of your clothing for the Osteopath to observe the injured or painful areas. Then you will be asked to perform some simple movements, followed by neurological and orthopaedic tests to identify and locate the cause of your complaint. Exercise (stretching, strengthening), postural and nutritional advice will be provided to manage your complaint and prevent relapse or further injury in aiding the restoration of normal body function.

Osteopathic consultations may take 30-40 minutes depending on the nature of your complaint.

The number of treatments required will depend on the nature of your complaint. Therefore, you may know someone with the same complaint, and a different treatment plan. This is because osteopathic treatment is focused on the patient as an individual. It may be difficult to ascertain how many treatments will be required, however, at the end of your initial consultation, your osteopath will be able to give an indication of how many sessions may be required.

Chronic or longstanding complaints may require ongoing treatment at intervals of two months or longer, whereas acute complaints often only require one to three sessions.

Yes.

VHI, Quinn Health Care (formerly BUPA), VIVAS and HSA provide rebates for Osteopathic Treatment.

Osteopaths work with their hands using a wide variety of treatment techniques. This includes soft tissue massage or muscle energy technique to release muscle tension, mobilisation or manipulation of the joints to improve mobility and restore joint range of motion.

Gentle release techniques may be used for children or elderly patients, which allows the body to return to optimal functional capacity by improving circulation, lymphatic flow and nerve supply.