Osteopathy

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 Massage
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 Massage
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 and 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:


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.

Naturopathy
Naturopathy can benefit individuals who wish to improve and maintain their health and wellbeing and common conditions including:

• General Health
• Acute conditions i.e., colds, flu.
• Skin conditions
• Chronic conditions
• Infertility and preconception care
• Respiratory conditions i.e. asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, coughs, sore throats.
• Digestive Issues
• Allergies
• Stress, depression and anxiety
• Men’s, Women’s and Children’s Health

Naturopathic treatment Includes:
Herbal Medicine: Using traditional herbal medicines and current scientific evidence, to enhance the healing capacity of the body.
Nutritional Medicine: Include nutritional supplements, celloid mineral therapy and foods which have medicinal qualities to ensure your optimal nutritional requirements are met.
Flower Essence Therapy: Flower essences have healing qualities which work on the emotions.  Flower essences are used alone or in combination with herbal and nutritional medicine.
Ear Candling (Includes Relaxing Face Massage): Ear candles used are Hopi Ear Candles which are TGA approved and are made from all natural ingredients.

Conditions Ear Candling Treats and Ear Candling Benefits:

• Sinus problems
• Ringing in the ears
• After Swimming   
• Useful before and/or after flying
• Aids relaxation therefore beneficial in those with anxiety
• Headaches
• Ideal for stress relief
• Vertigo