Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a system of health care that focuses on treatment of the body, the joints, muscles and connective tissue with safe and effective 'hands on' techniques.

Osteopaths diagnose and treat holistically, considering what impact others regions of the body have on the complaint.  The treatment techniques used at the clinic include soft tissue, articulation, MET, manipulation, stretching, functional/fascial, balance ligament tension and counterstrain.  Osteopaths are required to register with the government and have completed a five year full time study.

Osteopathic treatment is commonly sought for musculo-skeletal problems such as:

• Postural and/or mobility problems
• Back and neck pain
• Arthritis
• Joint and muscle pain or strain
• Back pain during and after pregnancy
• Sport injuries
• RSI
• Headaches and migraines
• Jaw pain
• Sciatica
• Assist with conditions such as asthma, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and digestion

The aim of all osteopathic  treatments  is to restore the body's natural ability for healing and repair using techniques in conjunction with lifestyle modifications.  Osteopaths also offer personal advice on stretching and strengthening exercises, posture, ergonomics, diet, lifting procedures and stress management.

Practitioners at the clinic have HICAPs facilities for osteopathic treatment.  Workcover, TAC and Medicare patients are most welcome.

The philosophy of Osteopathy is to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. It places emphasis on the relationships between the body's structure, framework and function, teaching the appreciation of the body's ability to heal itself.

Osteopaths work with their hands to perform such treatment using a variety of techniques:

• Massage and stretching techniques
• Articulation techniques - passive joint mobilisation
• Muscle energy techniques - releasing contracted muscles by working against resistance
• Counterstrain techniques - counter stretching restricted joints and muscles whilst in position of comfort in order to achieve release
• Functional techniques - gentle joint mobilisation
• Manipulation Visceral techniques - management of conditions affecting internal organs involving gentle and rhythmical stretching of the visceral areas

Why See an Osteopath?

The most common complaints for which patients consult Osteopaths include back and neck pain, sciatica, headaches, pains in peripheral joints such as shoulders, knees and ankles, tendinitis and muscle strains, work-related and repetitive strain injuries, and sports-related injuries. Other conditions for which Osteopathy can play a significant role in reducing the severity of symptoms include asthma, gynaecological dysfunction, arthritic conditions and chronic fatigue.

When visiting an osteopath for the first time, a full case history will be taken as well as an examination. This generally requires the removing of some clothing and the performance of a simple series of movements. The Osteopath will use a highly developed sense of touch, called palpation, to identify any points of weakness or excessive strain throughout the body. Osteopathic treatments are tailored to the requirements of the individual patient, and techniques are selected which are appropriate to the patient's needs. For some acute pain, one to two treatments may be all that is necessary. Chronic conditions may need ongoing maintenance averaging six to eight sessions.

 

Therapeutic Message

Restores & maintains health of the soft tissues structures of the body. Strong techniques are used to stimulate deeper tissues, stimulate circulation and regenerate lymphatic flow, promoting detoxification & oxygenation of stagnant tissues.

Remedial Techniques

It uses several specialised techniques to locate and repair damage and to support and speed up the body's own repair mechanisms. The massage is applied directly to the skin using a lubricating medium, usually oil, which ensures that the muscles associated with the disorder and mobilisation of the joint are deeply penetrated. Passive stretching moves are also used.

Benefits of Remedial Message

Key benefits of Remedial Massage include: the stimulation to the blood supply allowing toxins in the muscles to be removed; the calming of the peripheral nervous system to ease pain and discomfort; and the toning and relaxing of muscles to improve joint mobility. An improvement to the health of the cells, the repairing of tissues, and the easing of stiffness and tension can also be experienced through therapeutic relaxation.

Muscular and skeletal dysfunctions often addressed with Remedial Massage include Fibrositis, Spondylitis, Arthritis, frozen shoulder, muscular cramps, Whiplash, muscular atrophy, sports and dancing injuries.

Sessions usually take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the whether the practitioner will just address a specific area or give a whole body massage. As oil is used, it is necessary for the patient to be unclothed for the treatment.

Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture

Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treat using acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, massage and other methods.  Acupuncture aims to reduce local inflammation, relieve pain & regulate the internal organs via the release of hormones and endorphins, thus creating free flow of the body's energy.

**Acupuncture is a system of healing that focuses on improving the overall well being of the patient. Health problems are treated by the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points. Originating in China, these points have been mapped out over two thousand years and have more recently been confirmed through electromagnetic research.

Traditional acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (energy), also referred to as Chi and Xue (blood) through distinct pathways or meridians that cover the body. Acupuncture, that is inserting special needles into acupoints, stimulates and enhances the free flow of Qi, therefore regulating the harmonious energetic balance of the body. This consequently relieves pain and restores health.

Conditions Treated with Acupuncture

The list of conditions commonly treated with acupuncture is extensive and includes:

• Allergies / Asthma
• Arthritis / Joint Problems
• Back Pain
• Bladder / Kidney Problems
• Constipation / Diarrhoea
• Cough / Bronchitis
• Dizziness
• Drug Addiction / Smoking
• Fatigue
• Gynaecological Disorders
• Headache / Migraine
• Health Maintenance
• Heart Problems / Palpitations
• High Blood Pressure
• Immune System Deficiency
• Knee Pain / Neck Pain / Stiffness
• Pain Relief
• Paralysis / Numbness
• Pre-Menstrual Syndrome
• Sciatica
• Sexual Dysfunction
• Shoulder Pain
• Skin Problems
• Sports Injuries
• Sprains and Strains
• Stress / Anxiety
• Tendonitis
• Weight Control
• Chronic Fatique Syndrome

Acupuncture Treatments

The location of the points selected, the nature of the problem, the patient's size and age and the acupuncturist's style are all factors that will determine how deep the needles actually go. Acupuncture needles are usually inserted from 1/8 to 1 inch in depth. The patient will feel some cramping, heaviness, distention, tingling, or electric sensation either around the needle or traveling along the energy pathway. However the pain level is considered mild. During the treatment the patient will need to uncover the area on which they will be worked and will usually lay on a massage table. The number of treatments required for healing varies depending on the duration, severity and nature of the complaint.

  Myotherapy

Kelvin has an extensive body therapy background.  He gained his advanced diploma of myotherapy from the Australian College of Sports Therapy in 2000, and is currently completing a master in Osteopathy.

Kelvin began his career in the health and fitness industry working as a gym instructor/personal trainer in 1996.  During this time, he has experienced working with people of all ages and a variety of sports injuries.

Kelvin believes in taking ownership in ones own health and is a strong advocate of prevention being better than cure and focuses on the role of lifestyle and exercise to promote better health.

On a personal note, Kelvin has interests in AFL, running, squash, yoga and bush walking.

What is Myotherapy?

Myotherapy is one of the multi-skilled therapies within the Allied Health Profession.

IRMA Myotherapists assess and physically treat myofascial pain, injury and dysfunction affecting movement and mobility.  Myotherapy is applied in the preventative, corrective and rehabilitative phases of therapy to restore and maintain the normal integrity of the soft tissue structure (muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia) of the human body.

What Conditions do Myotherapists treat?

IRMA Myotherapists treat the cause as well as the symptoms of a wide range of conditions.  The cause of pain and symptoms is myofascial in many conditions.  It may originate from abnormal muscle contraction (tightness) or trigger points (knots) in muscle or fascia.

Trigger points are tender, irritable areas which can refer pain and other symptoms to areas close to or often distant to trigger point.  They can be caused by many factors eg. Poor posture, overuse of muscles, stress, incorrect lifting and lack of sleep.

***Myotherapists assess and physically treat myofascial pain, injury and dysfunction affecting movement and mobility. Myotherapy is applied in the preventative, corrective and rehabilitative phases of therapy to restore and maintain the normal integrity of the soft tissue structure (muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia) of the human body.

Pain or symptoms caused by muscle (myo) or fascia is described as myofascial. Myofascial pain is usually not specific and is often described by the patient as a 'deep ache', 'tightness' or 'tenderness' in an area. It can vary in intensity and radiate to other areas. Other symptoms can include reduced range of motion of muscles and joints, stiffness, fatigue, weakness, numbness or a tingling sensation. There are many other symptoms depending on the condition and patients can have one or many symptoms.

Common conditions that Myotherapists can treat include:

• Sporting & occupational injuries
• Stiffness & pain associated with poor posture
• Associated joint & vertebral dysfunction & pain
• Acute & chronic conditions affecting function & mobility
• Scoliosis / Kyphosis
• Headaches / migraines
• Acute and chronic stiff and painful neck
• Chronic overuse syndromes - tendonitis, RSI, tennis/golfer's elbow, carpal tunnel
• Acute & chronic back pain / 'sciatica'
• Shoulder pain, impingement syndrome, frozen shoulder
• Hand & finger numbness / tingling - thoracic outlet syndrome
• Knee, leg & foot pain - shin splints, patella tracking dysfunction, runners knee, ankle sprains
• Arthritis / Multiple Sclerosis
• Pregnancy - pre/post natal complaints
• Chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia
• Pain & dysfunction associated with stress & tension
• Rehabilitative stage of an injury or illness

What to expect from a myotherapy consultation:

Assessment - Clinical assessment is reliant on history taking, examination routines of particular joints or regions, assisted by highly developed tactile, palpatory skills and a thorough understanding of joint and muscular assessment procedures. These skills distinguish Myotherapy from other physical therapies. Assessment of potential causes of dysfunction is also important, as is a detailed postural examination.

Treatment - Soft tissue manipulation, Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial dry needling, Myofascial release, Cupping, Thermal therapy / Cryotherapy, TENS machines, Postural assessment and correction, Corrective exercises (stretches, strength), Core stability exercises and workshops, Diet and nutritional advice.