What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy, a holistic approach to healthcare, has been gaining recognition and popularity for its unique philosophy and diverse treatment methods. Osteopathy, founded by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still in the late 19th century, is a healthcare discipline rooted in four fundamental tenets:

The Body is a Unit: Osteopathy perceives the body as an integrated whole, with all systems interconnected. Dysfunction in one area can affect the entire body.

The Body is Self-Healing: Osteopaths believe in the body’s intrinsic capacity for self-regulation and healing. Their role is to facilitate and support this natural process.

Structure and Function are Interrelated: Osteopathic treatment is centred around restoring proper structural alignment, recognising that the relationship between structure and function profoundly influences health.

Rational Treatment: Osteopaths employ a patient-centred, evidence-based approach to treatment, customising interventions to the unique needs and circumstances of each individual.

Osteopathy treatment modalities

Osteopathy encompasses various specialised branches, each dedicated to addressing specific aspects of health and well-being:

Cranial Osteopathy: Cranial Osteopathy is a distinctive facet of osteopathy near Bellbowrie that focuses on the cranial rhythmic impulse (CRI). Practitioners trained in cranial techniques utilise gentle touch to detect and address restrictions in the cranial bones’ movement and their effects on the entire body. This subtle approach has been known to alleviate headaches, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall well-being.

Visceral Osteopathy: Visceral Osteopathy is concerned with the organs and their surrounding connective tissues. Osteopaths specialising in visceral techniques employ gentle manual manipulation to optimise organ mobility, blood flow, and function. By releasing restrictions in these areas, this approach can improve digestion, reduce discomfort, and have many more benefits that enhance overall organ health.

Cranial Nerve Manipulation: This specialised technique focuses on the manipulation of cranial nerves to address various neurological and sensory issues, potentially offering relief for conditions like migraines and chronic pain.

Peripheral Nerve Manipulation: Peripheral Nerve Manipulation involves techniques to release tension and promote optimal function in peripheral nerves, offering potential benefits for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica.

Vascular Manipulation: Vascular Manipulation techniques aim to optimise blood flow and circulation throughout the body, potentially benefiting cardiovascular health and aiding in the resolution of vascular-related issues.

Urogenital Manipulation: This branch of osteopathy near Bellbowrie addresses the musculoskeletal and connective tissue aspects of the urogenital system, potentially aiding in the management of urinary and reproductive health issues.

Vestibular Rehabilitation: Osteopaths play a crucial role in Vestibular Rehabilitation by addressing musculoskeletal imbalances and promoting proper blood flow to the inner ear. This can significantly reduce symptoms of dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance, greatly improving the patient’s quality of life.

Other treatment modalities involve :-

The Osteopathic Approach: Assessment and Diagnosis

Osteopathic assessment methods are thorough and comprehensive, ensuring a complete understanding of the patient’s health and well-being:

  • Patient History: A comprehensive review of the patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and current concerns provides essential insights into the root causes of their condition.
  • Physical Examination: Osteopaths perform hands-on assessments to evaluate the musculoskeletal system’s alignment, range of motion, areas of tension or dysfunction, and orthopedic testing.
  • Palpation: Osteopaths employ palpation to identify restrictions, areas of tenderness, and abnormalities in tissues and structures.
  • Specialised Tests: Depending on the patient’s condition, osteopaths may conduct specific tests to gain deeper insights into underlying issues, facilitating accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
  • Diagnostic Imaging: Osteopaths may utilise X-rays, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), CT (Computed Tomography) scans, or ultrasound to visualise the internal structures of the body, such as bones, joints, muscles, and organs. These images can help confirm or rule out specific conditions and guide treatment planning.
  • Electromyography (EMG): EMG measures the electrical activity of muscles and nerves. It can help identify muscle imbalances, nerve compression, or other neuromuscular issues that may contribute to a patient’s symptoms.
  • Computerised Gait Analysis: This technology assesses a patient’s walking and running patterns using specialised sensors and software. It can reveal abnormalities in gait mechanics that might be contributing to musculoskeletal problems.
  • Thermography: Infrared thermography can detect variations in skin temperature, which can be indicative of inflammation, nerve dysfunction, or circulatory issues. It can provide additional information to aid in diagnosis.
  • Pressure Mapping: Pressure sensors embedded in a mat or chair can assess the distribution of pressure on a patient’s body when sitting or standing. This can be valuable for identifying postural issues and pressure-related problems.
  • DEXA Scan: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) measures bone density and can help diagnose conditions like osteoporosis or assess the risk of fractures.
  • Laboratory Tests: Although osteopaths do not typically order laboratory tests themselves, they may refer patients for blood tests, urinalysis, or other diagnostic tests to rule out systemic issues or monitor specific health markers.
  • Vestibular testing goggles: These are specialised eyewear used in vestibular testing. They feature lenses that block external visual input, allowing a tester to observe and record a patient’s eye movements during tasks like the caloric test or evaluation of nystagmus. These goggles help diagnose balance and inner ear disorders.

Osteopathic Treatment Methods

Osteopathic treatment encompasses a wide range of techniques designed to restore balance and function:

  • Soft Tissue Manipulation: A variety of soft tissue mobilisation techniques are unique to osteopathy. Osteopaths employ hands-on techniques to manipulate and mobilise muscles, fascia, and connective tissues. Our team of osteopaths uses those methods in combination with other techniques such as acupressure, trigger-point therapy, and many more. These techniques can help to manage sports-related injuries, back pain, chronic overuse injuries, loss of range due to postural compensation, and many other musculoskeletal conditions and alleviate pain, reduce muscle tension, and improve range of motion.
  • Joint Mobilisation: Osteopaths use gentle and controlled movements to restore proper joint function. This is particularly beneficial for conditions such as arthritis or joint stiffness.
  • Muscle Energy Techniques (METs): METs involve the patient actively contracting specific muscles while the osteopath provides resistance. This technique can improve joint mobility and muscle balance.
  • Manipulation: These are quick joint release techniques. During the application of these techniques, the patient may hear a “popping sound.” These are effectively used to improve the range of motion and reduce pain. Our practitioners are well-trained and have long experience using these techniques, and they can work with you so the application will make painless and bring about positive changes.
  • Myofascial Release: It is a gentle massage mainly to release tense or tight areas of joints, muscles, or ligaments. It is helpful for the acute type of pains and also for chronic or long-standing pains associated with tight muscles or joints.Osteopaths apply sustained pressure to release fascial restrictions, promoting improved blood flow and tissue health.
  • High-Velocity Low-Amplitude (HVLA) Thrust Techniques: HVLA techniques involve quick and precise movements to realign joints and alleviate pain, commonly associated with chiropractic adjustments.
  • Counterstrain Technique: This is also known as “positional release.” In this technique, joints, ligaments, muscles, or tendons are brought into the position of comfort by manipulating passively and then held in that position for a due period of time to release spasms and pain.This technique involves identifying tender points and positioning the patient in a way that relieves tension, promoting relaxation and pain relief.
  • Osteopathy in the cranial field: During severe jerk to the head (whiplash injury), either during an accident or a fall, the movement can cause certain injuries and lead to headachesjaw problems, tinnitus, and neuralgias or nerve pain. Restoring normalcy is done by certain gentle techniques applied to the structures around the sacrum, head, face, and jaw which has a profound effect on the body.
  • Functional technique: It involves re-educating the central nervous system. As a result, muscles and ligaments are reset to a normal level of functioning. It involves gentle techniques useful in both acute and chronic conditions. It is a hands-on approach that involves precise movements and stretches to improve joint mobility and alleviate musculoskeletal issues, promoting the body’s natural healing and function.These techniques have very promising results in reducing stiffness around the spine and joints, thus being very effective in acute and chronic pains. These techniques, in some way, can provide complete and permanent solution to recurring pain conditions.
  • Exercise Prescription: Osteopaths design personalised exercise programs to enhance strength, flexibility, and posture. These exercises complement the overall treatment plan, supporting the patient’s long-term well-being.
  • Articulation: This technique is helpful for mobilising stiff joints and chronic areas of stiffness and improves blood circulation. These are specific repetitive gentle techniques. Various articulation techniques can be used to enhance the range of motion of joints.
  • Lifestyle and Nutritional Guidance: Osteopaths often provide recommendations related to diet, exercise, and stress management, empowering patients to make positive lifestyle changes that promote health and healing.
  • Muscle energy techniques: This is so named because this technique uses the coupling of our gentle techniques and the patient’s muscle strength. The patient will control the amount of force used. These are techniques aimed at realigning and restoring the balance of the body. These techniques are also helpful in mobilising joints, restoring a range of motion, reducing muscle tightness, and strengthening the muscles.
  • And many more…Osteopaths facilitate the healing of various conditions by applying osteopathic techniques along with some other techniques. Treatment modality differs from patient to patient as well as from condition to condition and duration of the progress of success. Unique osteopathic manipulative techniques are chosen to bring about healing from the condition wholly and gently. Many times osteopaths change the sequence of techniques depending on patient feedback, preference of choice, and tissue response to the treatment. As we encounter a variety of patients ranging from elite athletes to people with a sedentary lifestyle, various age groups from babies to geriatric age groups, and pregnant ladies, we need to approach quite differently to various types of patients. Thus, some patients need a gentler approach, whereas others need another approach, like a firm treatment. Firm treatment means more deep soft tissue mobilisation and joint manipulation. Feel free to discuss; with your feedback and experience with osteopathy management techniques, we can design the best approach tailored for you.

Looking for Osteopathy treatment near you?

You can avail our services in suburbs like Indooroopilly, Kenmore, Chapel Hill, ToowongBellbowrie, Graceville, Jindalee, Brookfield, and Auchenflower.

Book an appointment or contact us to discover how our Doctors of Osteopathic medicine can help improve your health with a wholistic approach

FAQ

  • Osteopathy is a form of complementary or alternative medicine that focuses on the musculoskeletal system which may have a positive influence on all other systems.
  • It works on the principle that the body has a self-healing mechanism and that the structure of the body is closely related to its function.
  • Osteopathic practitioners use their hands to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions by manipulating the body’s bones, muscles, joints, and Organs to promote overall health and well-being. They also use various advanced technologies which can complement the diagnostic process.
  • Cranial Osteopathy, Visceral Osteopathy, and Lymphatic Nerve, Vascular manipulation are different approaches to promoting healing.
 

  • Osteopathy, near Bellbowrie, can be used to address various musculoskeletal issues and many disorders, to name a few back pain, neck pain, joint pain, and muscle tension.
  • It may also help with conditions such as Vertigo, headaches, digestive problems, and some respiratory issues and many more.
  • Osteopathy can complement conventional medical treatment for certain conditions but may not be a standalone solution for all health issues.
  • Osteopaths are well known for various types of pain management.
 

  • Osteopathy takes a wholistic approach, considering the whole body rather than just isolated symptoms using the biopsychosocial (Biological-Psychological-Social aspects) model.
  • Osteopathic treatment often involves manual techniques like stretching, massage, and joint nerve, and vascular, manipulation, while conventional medicine often relies on drugs and surgery.
  • Osteopathy aims to address the root causes of problems and enhance the body’s self-healing capabilities.
 

  • During a session, you can expect a thorough evaluation of your medical history, lifestyle, and current health concerns.
  • Our osteopaths will perform physical examinations and use hands-on techniques to assess and treat your condition. If needed they can refer the patient to get the required scans or may refer to a specialist.
  • Treatment can vary from gentle, subtle manipulations to more forceful adjustments, depending on your specific needs and the osteopath’s approach.

  • Osteopathy is generally safe when administered by a qualified practitioner.
  • However, it may not be suitable for everyone, especially individuals with certain medical conditions, fractures, or infections.
  • Our Osteopaths have experience in treating various age groups (as young as 7-day-old infants to 106 years seniors).
 

  • The number of sessions needed varies depending on your condition, severity, and your individual response to treatment.
  • Anecdotally most of our patients get significant pain reduction and positive results in three sessions and some get it in just one appointment.
  • Osteopaths typically create personalised treatment plans and may recommend ongoing sessions for chronic issues or periodic check-ups for preventive care.
 

  • Coverage for osteopathy varies by insurance provider and policy. Some plans may cover osteopathic treatments, while others may not.
  • Contact your insurance company to inquire about coverage or check with the clinic for guidance.
 

  • Osteopathy can be beneficial for chronic pain management.
  • Osteopathic techniques may help reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall comfort for individuals with chronic conditions.
 

  • Osteopaths must undergo extensive training and education to become licensed practitioners.
  • They typically hold a Master of Osteopathic Medicine and must meet licensing requirements set by their respective governing bodies like AHPRA (Australian Health Professional Regulation Agency).
 

  • To find a reputable osteopathy clinic near Bellbowrie or any location, consider asking for recommendations from your primary care physician, friends, or family.
  • Check our website, and Google reviews and verify the credentials of our osteopaths, they are licensed and highly experienced.
  • Contact the clinic directly to inquire about our services, fees, and availability for appointments.

Dr. Avinash Sukhtankar

Dr. Avi is an experienced osteopath with 22 years in the manual therapy. He provides personalised, high-quality treatments and is dedicated to improving his patients' overall health and well-being.

Dr. Archana Sukhtankar

Dr. Archana brings 14 years of experience, emphasizing women’s health and paediatric care. She’s passionate about supporting women through all life stages, especially during motherhood, and educating young women about their health.

What Our Customers Say

Vignesh N
Vignesh N
I couldn't be more pleased with the experience. From the moment I walked in, the staff were welcoming and attentive. The osteopath took the time to listen to my concerns and provided a thorough assessment. The treatment was highly effective, and I noticed a significant improvement in my condition after just a few sessions. The clinic itself is clean, modern, and equipped with the latest technology, which made me feel confident in the care I was receiving. I also appreciated the clear communication regarding my treatment plan and the follow-up care recommendations.
Denise H
Denise H
I can highly recommend both Dr Archie and Dr Avi. From muscular and nerve pain issues to more recently relieving the symptoms of Vertigo (BPPV), they have been an absolute blessing.
Arini Stamenkovic
Arini Stamenkovic
So happy and greats therapy I have so Thank you Dr Avi.
Rod Butcher
Rod Butcher
As a 60+ semi retiree I had ongoing back seizures. I had tried various treatments some too aggressive for my aging back. I found Prime Health Hub’s Dr Avi’s Osteopathic treatment to be very effective. He sent me for scans (bulk billed) then created a plan from these scans to treat my back. He also developed an exercise plan once again suited to my age bracket as daily maintenance. I would highly recommend this practice.
Erica Duguid
Erica Duguid
Archie was thorough with familiarising herself with my health status and offered me a variety of modalities to match my needs. I have felt less congested in my sinuses and chest after the lymphatic drainage. She administered my treatments gently and with explanation of what was to happen. I have taken away some exercises that will aid my healing.
Kris Ryan
Kris Ryan
A highly knowledgeable and evidence based team. Thank you for your work in improving my chronic back condition.
Jaz
Jaz
Dr Archana is wonderful. I was in extreme pain, unable to put weight on my left leg through a disc injury. Dr Archana was able to fit me in at short notice and immediately I felt a lot better following that first appointment. I have been seeing Dr Archana regularly since then. She is very gentle, compassionate and caring. She is also a very knowledgeable practitioner. Being a dentist myself I like to know details of anatomy and what’s happening behind the scenes and I found Dr Archana to be very well informed. I would thoroughly recommend this practice to anyone for pain or maintenance therapy. I have had chiropractic care in the past and I prefer the gentle more holistic approach that osteopathy provides. Thank you for you care. Jaz
Lynne Cutler
Lynne Cutler
I was so pleased to find Dr Avi open on a Saturday as I was in a lot of pain in my lower back. No one else was open on Saturday. My pain was acute and has eased within one week to over 75% less. I’m nearly pain free.hooray. I am very impressed with this gentle man’s knowledge, wisdom and manipulation. Thank you so much for my healing. .
Jane Goodwin
Jane Goodwin
Dr Avi has been treating me for ages, I wouldn't hesitate to refer him to anyone. He's very welcoming and knowledgeable, the times I have had to bring my kids with me, he's made that easy too. I tried a bunch of other physios and massage before finding Avi and it's been way better than anything else.
Noel Kapernick
Noel Kapernick
My experience at Prime Health Hub was firstly, one of being carefully listened to as I described the condition that had taken me there. Secondly, there followed the most rigorous diagnostic examination I have ever experienced, I think. What made this particularly useful to me was the way in which everything was explained as it was being done: I'm doing this to assess ... This shows that ... And so on until a diagnosis had been made and again, explained clearly with visuals at times, so that I fully understood the explanation. From then on, the level of professional care I have received has been exceptional, again marked by careful, attentive listening, ongoing assessment and clear explanations. For me, knowing the what and the why of the treatment I am receiving is just as important as the treatment itself, and that, as I said, has been excellent. Noel.

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