About Us

Osteopaths are primary health care practitioners who recognise the important link between the structure of the body and the way it functions. Osteopathy is a form of manual medicine which facilitates healing by focusing on how the skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulation, connective tissue and internal organs work together as a whole functional unit. Restrictions in joint movements,areas of tension and tightness in the muscles, and problems in the connective tissues under the skin are examined and evaluated. These are treated using a wide range of hands on techniques.

In Australia, Osteopaths are government registered practitioners who complete a minimum 5 years of accredited university training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, general healthcare diagnosis and osteopathic techniques. Osteopaths have training in standard medical examination of the musculoskeletal, nervous, respiratory and cardiovascular systems and are able to assist you with referral to an appropriate medical practitioner if required. Osteopaths make their choice of treatment depending upon the patient and the condition, and may give advice on posture, exercise, nutrition, lifestyle factors like stress management etc.

What Techniques Do Osteopaths Use?

Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy, so hands-on treatment may include massage, stretching, repetitive movements, mobilisation and/or manipulation. Most osteopathic treatment is gentle and should not cause undue discomfort. If your injuries do require hands-on treatment of painful and tender areas, your osteopath will aim to make you as comfortable as possible.

There are techniques which may cause some short term discomfort or pain. You may experience mild soreness for a day or two after treatment, similar to that felt after mild exercise. If this soreness persists or increases significantly, please do not hesitate to contact your Osteopath to discuss your concerns.

What Conditions Do We Treat?

Each patient will present with their own unique injury or complaint, so osteopathic treatment will vary from person to person. Osteopaths thoroughly assess the mobility of problem areas, not in isolation but with respect to the body as a whole unit. Osteopaths ask you questions and make a diagnosis to work out the best treatment plan for each patient. Osteopaths treat more than you think. We focus on how your skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulatory system, connective tissue and internal organs function as a whole body unit.

Osteopaths of Whittlesea are very encouraging towards our patients to introduce an exercise regime, adjust posture, identify and modify certain behaviours/activities maintaining dysfunction/pain, all for long term improvement and results. Our Osteopaths provide information to educate and motivate our patients towards great health and well-being. Giving the patient some responsibility for part of their health care is paramount. Osteopathic treatment is most commonly sought for musculo-skeletal problems such as:

• Neck/back pain

• Repetitive muscle strains - such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome & tennis/golfers elbow

• Sporting injuries

• Headaches/migraines

• Postural strain

• Sciatica, disc injury

• Arthritic/joint pain

• Tendonitis/bursitis

• Shoulder pain/injuries

• Pregnancy related pelvic pain

• Foot pain, plantar fasciitis