orewa osteopathy
what is osteopathy
Osteopathy is a "whole body" system of manual therapy, based on unique biomechanical principles, which uses a wide range of techniques to treat musculo-skeletal problems and other functional disorders of the body. When we talk about manual therapy and manual therapists, we are referring to a practitioner that uses their hands to treat people. Manual therapists include osteopaths, physiotherapists, chiropractors and some doctors. Manual techniques that osteopaths use include: joint movement and stretching, deep tissue massage, joint manipulation (clicking), muscle stretching, neuro-muscular techniques and lymphatic drainage type techniques. These techniques may be used to: free a restricted joint, relax a muscle, reduce swelling, correct the position of a bone that is out alignment (or "out"), improve blood flow, reduce pressure on a nerve or to help an injury heel faster.
See "working examples" for an illustration of how we approach a patient's injury/ailment.
Osteopathy was developed in America in the 1870's by a Missouri doctor, Andrew Taylor Still, and has developed to the point where it is now widely recognised throughout the world as one of the most scientifically validated and effective "complementary" therapies. The World Health Organisation recognises the Osteopathic concept of somatic dysfunction as being scientifically proven, and the British Medical Association also recognises Osteopathy as a discrete medical discipline.
In New Zealand, Osteopaths are statutorily registered practitioners. Five years, full-time university training is required in order to become an Osteopath. This university training covers anatomy, physiology, pathology and general medical diagnosis in addition to Osteopathic technique. Osteopaths are primary care practitioners, and are trained to be able to recognise conditions which require medical referral. They are also trained to carry out standard medical examinations of the cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous system.
What conditions do Osteopaths most commonly treat?
Osteopaths are best known for the treatment of low back pain, neck pain and headaches. They are however qualified to treat any musculo-skeletal condition. Common complaints for which people consult as Osteopath include:
- back and neck pain
- sciatica
- headaches
- muscle strains
- pains in peripheral joints such as shoulders, knees, ankles, wrists
- overuse syndromes (repetitive strain): carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, iliotibial band inflammation, trochanteric bursitis
- tendonitis: achillies, patella tendonitis, rotator cuff, forearm flexors
- sports injuries
- postural issues
Because Osteopaths have wide variety of techniques available to them, treatment can be tailored toward individuals who may require more gentle treatment. This is of particular relevance to infants, the more elderly patient and mothers to be.
Osteopathy can also play a significant role in management of arthritic conditions and can be used in conjunction with medical treatment to reduce the severity of conditions such as asthma and polymyalgia rheumatica.
History of Osteopathy
Osteopathic medicine is a unique form of medical care that was started in 1874 by Andrew Taylor Still, a medical doctor from Virginia, America. Dr. Still was dissatisfied with the effectiveness of 19th century medicine. He believed that many of the medications of his day were useless or even harmful. Dr. Still was one of the first in his time to study the attributes of good health so that he could better understand the process of disease.
In response, Dr. Still developed a philosophy of medicine based on ideas that date back to Hippocrates, the father of medicine. That philosophy focuses on the unity of all body parts. Dr. Still identified the musculoskeletal system as a key element of health. He recognized the body's ability to heal itself and stressed preventive medicine, eating properly and keeping fit.
Dr. Still pioneered the concept of "wellness" more than 130 years ago. In today's terms, osteopaths evaluate each patient's personal health risks-such as smoking, high blood pressure, excessive cholesterol levels, stress and other lifestyle factors. In coordination with prescribing appropriate medical treatment, osteopathic physicians act as teachers to help patients take more responsibility for their well-being and to change un-healthy patterns.