Healing Hands Healthcare

Osteopaths, Chiropractors and Physiotherapists have similarities in treatment, however each professions philosophies are different, thus giving each its own unique speciality and methods of treatment. This gives patient’s options for seeing specific practitioners.

Physiotherapists focus mainly on the areas of pain and the function in that area. They focus on muscle strengthening and function as well as rehabilitation exercises. They are excellent in hospital based environment’s and can treat injuries such as torn muscles, ligaments, tendons and for pre and post-operative rehabilitation and strengthening.

Chiropractors focus on dysfunction of the spine and joints. Their treatment normally involves manipulative adjustments. They can help treat joint related restrictions and other joint based issues.

Osteopaths focus on understanding the body as a whole functioning mechanical unit. The focus is to analyse the whole body taking into consideration all systems including musculoskeletal, neurological, circulatory, organ systems and external and internal environment’s in order to find out root causes and diagnosis. They are excellent in Acute and Chronic conditions of the body, or issues where there are several problems occurring in the body. Thorough case history taking and examinations are vital to an osteopaths diagnosis and treatment.

Osteopathy is a form of manual treatment that looks and treats the body as one functioning unit. Treatment focus is based on restoring balance and function, which will encourage the body to heal and work optimally. Osteopaths treat all parts of the body and needs to take into account all systems including musculoskeletal, neurological, circulatory, immune and organ systems.

The body is one complex machine. Therefore, learning how the body works structurally and functionally and treating it accordingly, will give the body a chance to rectify problem quickly with less hassle.

Osteopathy doesn’t only look at your body but is open to everything and anything around you. Looking at the bigger picture is the key to good treatment.

Osteopathy bases itself on a few principles. These are:

1. The body is a unit. – The body is made out of several mechanisms and structures, but all work together as one.

2. Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated –The Structure of your body (muscles, bones, joints) are related to the bodies functions (organs, cell function, movement etc.). Problems with structure or function can affect one another.

3. The body is capable of self-regulatory, self-healing and is capable of repairing and defending itself. – The body is an amazing machine. It has everything it needs to take on the world. It has its own soldiers to combat anything foreign that it may take as a threat. It has its own “pharmacy” which is capable of treating and repairing itself.

Osteopathy originated from a doctor in America by the name of Dr. Taylor Still. His father was also a Doctor, minister and Farmer. Dr. Taylor Still’s fascination in Osteopathy was slowly developed since his childhood. As a Child, he used to suffer from severe headaches. He found that by lying on his back with his neck leaning against a rope eased the headaches. This, alongside other discoveries was the catalyst of his new train of thinking.

Dr Still wanted to find another way of treatment other than that which western medicine was offering (medications). It was only after the death of his three children from meningitis, in which his traditional medicine could not save, that his ambition to establish Osteopathy took off.

In 1874, Osteopathy was introduced to the public. Other doctors who took interest assisted in teaching students. Today Osteopathy goes hand in hand with medicine in America and is seen as a specialty which can be elected after a students medical degree.

Yes, Osteopathy was developed by Doctors and in the U.S is regarded as a specialty of medicine. Osteopaths are highly educated, with 5 years of study, completing all major medical subjects, some of which include Pathology, anatomy, biochemistry and physiology, histology, neuroscience, histology, biology, embryology, pediatrics, obstetrics, geriatrics, spinal Anatomy, herbology, rehabilitation, cranial etc. In Australia Osteopaths complete studies which include 3 year undergraduate study and 2 years masters postgraduate study, which may include research and thesis. This extensive education qualifies them to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions.

It is important to tell in practitioner what you are taking and advice you are receiving. Treatment can interact with other treatments, so informing us will help tailor treatments in accordance to what else other treatments or medication you may be taking.

At your first consultation which may last up to one hour, your osteopath will ask questions about your problem and symptoms. They may also ask questions about your medical history, any medications you are taking, as well as factors that may not appear to be directly related to your problem. If your medical condition changes between appointments you should tell your osteopath at your next consultation. Your osteopath may also conduct a full osteopathic examination and if necessary, clinical tests to help determine how best to manage your condition. Your osteopath may also provide education and advice to help you manage your condition between appointments. This may include giving you exercise to do at home or work. Follow-up appointments are usually shorter, and depending on your condition, they can take up to 25-40 minutes. Your osteopath will deliver a treatment. Osteopathic treatment uses techniques such as stretching and massage for general treatment of the soft tissues (muscles, tendons and ligaments) along with mobilisation of specific joints and soft tissues.

This answer cannot be generalized. The diagnosis and treatment for each patient is individual and is determined on your current health, the extent of and severity of the condition you are presenting with. After taking a case History and examination, we will be able to tell you what it will take to treat your condition.