Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a recognized health profession that uses hands-on therapy to diagnose and treat pain, poor function and lack of mobility in the body. It is well known for  treatment of  musculoskeletal problems and aims to improve function and overall health and well-being. 

It was developed in the late 19th century by Andrew Taylor Still, an American doctor, and it has three guiding principles: 
  • The body is a unit
  • structure and function are interrelated
  • and the body has self-healing mechanisms. 

Osteopaths use a range of therapy approaches to treat the body, including 
soft tissue work, joint and ligament mobilization and stretching neural manipulation,  manual lymphatic drainage, exercise prescription, and education.
Osteopaths aim to find the cause of the problem, which involves looking for other areas that have changed as the body adapts to an original injury. They are well known for using their hands to release tensions and restrictions located some distance from the problem area to help change occur. 

In Australia, Osteopaths are Allied Health professionals and are five-year University trained with a Bachelor's and Master’s degree, having studied anatomy, physiology, clinical medicine and osteopathic techniques. 

All significant health funds recognize Osteopathy, which is included under their “extras” cover. No referral is required.

Medicare referrals cover osteopathy under Enhanced Primary Care for up to five consultations annually. See your GP for more information. 
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DVA, workers' compensation and NDIS funding may be available in some circumstances.