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Osteopathy - biomechanically analysing the cause of injury including secondary effects.
Osteopathy is not an alternative health option – Osteopaths are university trained, government registered, allied health professionals. All Osteopaths undertake a 5-year, University Masters degree to achieve registration in Australia.
Osteopaths collectively treat over 50,000 people a week, generate over $250 million in the economy and have practiced in Australia for over 100 years. Osteopathy has been a registered profession for over 30 years.
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a form of manual medicine which recognises the important link between the structure of the body and the way it functions. Osteopaths focus on how the skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulation, connective tissue and internal organs function as a holistic unit. Using skilled evaluation, diagnosis and a wide range of hands-on techniques, osteopaths can identify important types of dysfunction in your body. 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.
In Australia, Osteopaths are government registered practitioners who complete a minimum of five years’ university training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, general medical diagnosis and osteopathic techniques. Osteopaths are primary healthcare practitioners and are trained to recognise conditions which require medical referral. They are also trained to perform standard medical examinations of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems.
Osteopathy is covered by most private health funds and the Medicare Enhanced Primary Care scheme. Osteopaths are registered providers for workers’ compensation schemes, motor accident insurers and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
- Common Questions
- Osteopathic Techniques
Common questions
asked by Osteopathic patients and the answers
asked by Osteopathic patients and the answers
Osteopathy treat of a wide variety of musculo-skeletal problems, but it also has a role to play in the management of a number of other conditions. The most common complaints for which patients consult Osteopaths include:
- Head ache – the most common type of headaches originate from muscle stiffness or joint strain in the neck and/or upper thoracic region
- Whip Lash – muscle damage and injuries from whiplash can contribute to long term pain if unaddressed
- Shoulder Problems – sitting in front of computers and sedentary occupations can contribute to complex shoulder problems
- Tennis Elbow – did you know this is frequently caused by repetitive use of a computer keyboard and mouse
- Asthma – osteopaths don’t treat asthma; however, sufferers can benefit from osteopathic treatment to relieve musculoskeletal related symptoms, such pain and muscle tightness that may assist with easier breathing and movement
- RSI – repetitive strain injuries may be prevented or helped with regular osteopathic treatment and advice
- Posture problems – can lead to other common conditions such as sciatica, upper back pain and headaches
- Back pain – up to 80% of Australians suffer back pain at some point in their life. Osteopaths, as holistic practitioners, consider the many factors that can contribute to your back pain
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – surgery may not be your only option, consider manual therapy in the management of this condition
- Digestive Problems – adults are not the only people who suffer digestive problems, babies and children can also respond well to osteopathic care for these conditions
- Sciatica – can be caused by a range of different problems. Your osteopath can assist in identifying the underling cause
- Knee Pain – with the right treatment and advice knee pain can be effectively managed
- Shin Splints – poor footwear, including thongs, can lead to shin splints. Osteopaths treat the soft tissues as well as the joints to help with this condition
- Heel or foot pain –Osteopaths can help with pain from conditions such as plantar fasciitis, ankle sprain or heal spurs
- Pregnancy and Post Natal Care – your osteopath can help prevent or manage a wide range of pre and post-natal conditions, either solely or in conjunction with other health care practitioners
Many mothers-to-be find Osteopathic treatment very beneficial both to reduce back pain during pregnancy and also to help prepare the body for birth. In addition, there is a wide variety of gentle non-manipulative techniques for use on infants and small children.
What's the difference between Osteopaths, Chiropractors and Physiotherapists?
It’s not the role of any health professional to try to define what another health care professional is, and what they do. If you want a definition, it would be best to ask people in those professions. What we can do is tell you about the defining characteristics of Osteopathy, which are its underlying philosophy and its broad range of techniques.
While "Biomechanics" has become one of the most rapidly developing areas of medicine in recent years, Osteopathy was an early profession to incorporate biomechanical analysis of how injuries occur and what the secondary effects are likely to be. To take a simple example, if you go to an Osteopath with a knee injury, the Osteopath will do much more than just examine and treat your knee. They will want to know exactly how the injury occurred in order to assess not just which tissues in the knee are injured, but also whether there may be any involvement of other areas with a mechanical relationship to the knee, such as the foot, hip, low back and pelvis, and the associated soft tissues.
They will then want to analyse any possible secondary effects. For instance, you may be "avoiding" the bad knee and putting more weight on the other side. Over a period of time, this may lead to problems developing in the low back or the "good" knee. The Osteopath will then use this information to prescribe a treatment plan that addresses not just the knee, but all of the other areas of the body and associated tissues that may be involved. The plan will include attention not just to the joints and their associated soft tissues, but also to the blood supply to the affected areas, the lymphatic drainage, the nerve supply etc., in order to include all those factors which will affect the success of healing. It is this "whole body, multi-system" approach that has been the basis of Osteopathy’s success over the last century.
Is osteopathic treatment safe?
There’s no such thing as a form of medical treatment which is guaranteed 100% safe in every case. Even the painkillers you buy in the supermarket for a headache may cause severe side effects in some patients. That said, however, Osteopathy has one of the best safety records of any medically-related profession. Osteopaths are trained to recognise any condition that might make Osteopathic treatment inadvisable, and will refer patients for appropriate medical attention in such cases. Just as a Doctor regards safety as the most important factor in selecting the appropriate medication for a particular patient, so an Osteopath will also select the most appropriate style of treatment with safety as the prime consideration. Your osteopath will discuss with you any risk associated with particular treatment.
Do I need a referral to see an osteopath?
The only times you will need a referral are if you wish to consult an Osteopath under Medicare's Chronic Disease Management (formerley known as Enhansed primary care program), the Veterans’ Affairs scheme or for WorkCare in Queensland only. Remember not all Osteopaths are Veterans' Affairs providers. Otherwise you can simply contact an Osteopath directly.
Osteopathic Techniques
In carrying out treatments, Osteopaths can call upon what is probably the largest range of techniques used in any manual therapy. These include:
- Massage and stretching techniques
- Articulation techniques - in which joints are mobilised by being passively taken through their range of motion
- Muscle Energy techniques - in which contracted muscles are released by alternately being stretched and made to work against resistance
- Counterstrain techniques - which achieve release of restriction by placing the affected joint or muscle in a position of comfort, while applying a "Counter" stretch to the antagonists of the tight muscles
- Functional techniques - which involve gentle mobilisation of joints in a way which "probes" barriers to normal movement until a way is found through the restriction
- Manipulation - which may be used where it is appropriate and safe to do so, though it is not the mainstay of most Osteopathic treatments. Osteopathic manipulations are carried out using minimum force levels in order to maximise safety and minimise patient discomfort
- Visceral techniques - are used in the management of conditions affecting internal organs. These involve gentle and rhythmical stretching of the visceral areas
Osteopathic treatments are tailored to the requirements of the individual patient, and techniques are selected which are appropriate to the patient’s needs.
- Active Release Techniques
I am an Ironman triathlete and for the past 4 years I have been plagued by achilles/calf overuse injuries, severely hampering my running ability. I have been to physios, chiros, herbal remedies, acupuncture, massage (the lot) all with limited and short term success. I was starting to get depressed and despondent about my injuries and thinking that t his was it, they weren't going to get any better than this.
I then read about ART - Active Release Technique, in a number of triathlon magazines, but found that the few practitioners in Australia (let alone Sydney) weren't conveniently located for me. That was until I was recommended to City Clinic in Sydney (for acupuncture) and found they practiced ART. In a little over 3 months the treatment has been my saviour - they have been able to free up all the scar tissue that had built up in my achilles/calves over the years and have got me back running consistently but more importantly pain free.
The only thing holding me back now is my level of fitness and I'm looking forward to my next Ironman. Thanks guys, you have given me back the sport that I love.Steve Taylor - Ironman
I've been using Active Release Technique (ART) for more than four years. I've found it to be the most effective method for dealing with hamstring and back injuries.
Stephen P. Robbins, Ph.D.
After Geoff, my Chiro for the last five years, recently moved away to the good life in Byron Bay I have been looking for a new Chiropractor to take over where he left off.
I am into weight training and have been for over 20 years. I enjoy it immensley and rarely miss a day. As a consequence I do suffer a range of niggling injuries however a visit to the Chiro every couple of weeks or so and I'm back on track.
One of the guys from the gym recommended City Clinic so I booked a session with one of their Chiropractors who I now know also practice Active Release Techniques. Had read about it however never experienced it. With all due respect to Geoff I have to admit City Clinic's Chiropractors are excellent. After only two sessions I'm feeling better than I have felt for years.
If you are into heavy weight training you'll know the frustration you feel when a niggling injury interrupts your training. All I can say is "see City Clinic", and you'll be back in the gym better than ever.
Thanks guys, see you in a couple of weeks.Stanley
I developed very sore tennis elbow in 2004 – the severity ranged from difficult to work at a computer for a day’s work and progressed to not being able to lift a cup of coffee – I basically became left handed just to avoid the pain. After seeking evaluations and treatments which included chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, physiotherapy and two cortisone injections over the course of the next two and half years, I had almost given up.
In late 2007 I started having Active Release Technique (ART) treatments at City Clinic. There was improvement after the very first treatment and with every subsequent treatment it just got better and better.
After several months of treatments my arm had recovered to the point that I could do all the activities I was normally doing prior to the injury including working full time and working out to rebuild all the muscle deterioration. What can I say ART works!Bernie
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic
I've suffered major back pains which have led me to many places , but all seemed low on experience, and helped me temporarily. This clinic helped treat my physical condition and mental condition, explaining the condition and purpose of my recent constant pain and most importantly, how to treat it daily.
M Webb
City Clinics' Chiropractor is an amazing practioner who has made a huge difference to my quality of life. I have suffered from back and neck pain over the years and seen many different specialists, doctors and natural therapists. Finding City Clinic and being treated with ART (active release therapy) in combination with chiropractic treatment has made a huge impact on my day to day quality of life. Being pain free and knowing that when i do need treatment from time to time -- it works -- quickly and effectively, i can do more now and feel great! Thanks you are wonderful practitioners..
L Hamileon
These guys are excellent. I first attended their practice when it was in Crown St after injuring myself at a nearby Gym years ago. I was doing a particular exercise incorrectly (behind the neck military press), which I still see a lot of people doing. They fixed the injury, showed me the correct way to do the excercise and got me into Pilates which I have been combining with my Gym training ever since.
Michael_54
- Dexa Scan Sydney™
I had my DXA Scan in October 2011. Unfortunately the results were not what I expected and certainly way different to another scan I had with another company a few months before.
To their credit however they sent my results to a scientist in the US and then provided a whole lot of info on a new calibration system they use. It turned out the calibration for their DXA was not set right when it was installed. They organised for me to have another scan at no charge and the results were significantly different and in line with the DXA I had with the other company.
I see one of their Chiro's fairly regularly and have always had excellent service from all their staff so it was no real surprise when they went out of their way to solve the DXA scan problem for me.
Can't recommend them enough. They really are a very friendly and professional team.Michael L
- Health Assessments
- HemaView™
- Kinesiology
For many years I have worked in improving my health of the mind, and body through various means. Yoga, meditation with the combination of osteopathy treatments, have helped with my posture and reduction of neck and back pain.
Having an initial session of kinesiology helped me put into words where these niggling body pains stem from, and how my thought patterns are an influencing factor as well.
It has helped me go a step further in my aim for self-improvement. Thank You and I am looking forward to my next appointment.Mrs Galimberti
- Massage
- Naturopathy
- Nutrition
- Osteopathy
I'd like to let everyone know how great I am feeling these days now I have my life back!
Having endured regular migraines for twenty-four years and at my worst I was suffering three migraines every ten days. Even preventative medication did not provide any relief from regular migraines.
It is frustrating to think of the number of days I have wasted due to a migraine over the years that can not be replaced. On good days I was also tolerating pain in my back, neck and hips, but because it wasn't as bad as a migraine, I was putting up with pain and trying to tough it out.That was before I commenced regular visits with Matthew Clark for migraine relief and management of the pain in my back, hips, and neck.
I credit Matthew for making a dramatic improvement in my health and lifestyle. Due to his Osteopathic treatment I am free of regular migraines, relieved of daily pain and no longer require medication. I highly recommend treatment by Matthew to anyone suffering migraines or pain, it's change my life!
Kind regards, Felicity
I had my first appointment with City Clinic this morning ..... this was to treat a sore/strained bicep muscle in my right arm. The service was excellent and the treatment very professional.
Lindsey
I suffered from a chronic pelvis condition for over 2 years and was recommended to visit City Clinic's Osteopath. Unlike other medical diagnosis given to me without identifying my condition, they pin-pointed it immediately, informed me the extent of my condition and what it would involve. I proceeded with visits with steady progress to the place where I was totally relieved from any former pain and now back to normal. I can highly recommend City Clinic for the high standard of practitioners and their integrity.
Varunk
I had never been to Osteo before so I was a little nervous and didn’t know what to expect when I was recommended to go to City Clinic for my sore neck that I had for 2 months. Their Osteo was very professional and fixed my neck and rest of my back in just two visits. I was very happy and he was very honest with how many sessions I required. City Clinic has great opening hours so if you are unable to make it during work you can visit before or after.
Forensics
I cannot fault them. I have been going to the Osteo there and he has fixed all my issues, I am straight and un-injured now. They are really good which is what you want when someone is dealing with your back and spine. It is such a senstivie area, you want to know the person knows what they are doing and can be effective in managing your injury.
Justine C
Got my lower back fixed there a couple of times now. Very nice staff, their ostheo is highly recommended - my wife sent me there the first time and am now going for regular check ups.
Sunny-76
- Physiotherapy
I had my physio at City Clinic and it was wonderful. Very professional place, friendly staff, my appointment was on time. I am going there next week again. I can definately recommend this place.
Aggie
Hi,
I have been meaning to drop you a line to thank you very much for my recent treatment.
I had a range of injuries to deal with but the worst was a knee complaint that was interfering with my marathon training.
After continuing with the stretches and strength exercises it eventually settled down about 2-3 weeks before the marathon – which I completed in a time that I was very pleased with.
I hope that you are all well and many thanks again
RegardsTony
As a patient my interest was mainly in the quality of the services provided by their physiotherapist. I tore a ligament/tendon while playing tennis. The service I received was professional, excellent quality, very caring, extremely knowledgeable regarding what I should and not do to achieve full recovery and play tennis again.
As for general management of the clinic, I would rate reception and ambience 8/10, SMS text appointment reminder a win/win service both for the clinic and its clients.JayaPonniah
- Pilates
I was referred to City Clinic Pilates by a friend who had used them for rehab. After four years of Pilates with a master teacher in NYC I expected to be disappointed as I had heard that Sydney teachers were not as skilled. So I have been delighted to find City Clinic's Pilates Instructors are excellent instructors. Plus they are genuinely nice people who I look forward to spending time with each week. I cannot recommend them highly enough. If you have any back or hip problems or just want to strengthen your core and show off a great belly this is the place for you.
Hyphen
I have been doing Pilates at City Clinic for most of this year. They are great instructors who have helped me to correct posture problems. They are genuinely interested in my progress.
PJD
- Podiatry / Sports Podiatry
I am a new patient. These guys are great. My podiatrist was very thorough, down-to-earth, and has helped with rehabilitation of my little footsie very nicely.
I particularly liked the professional way I was welcomed to the business on my initial enquiry. Polite, prompt service on the phone, confirmation via sms, and even could fill in the new patient form online so I didn't have to complete it when I arrived. Very smooth indeed.
I have lots of problems... so, I'll get to sample the other professional services they offer as well.HiFalutin
Hi,
Just wanted to let you know that I ran the city2surf yesterday in 76 minutes - my best time. While I am feeling a little worn out today, my knees are the best they've ever been after a long run like that. I'm sure I wouldn't have been able to do that / recover without your treatment.
Thank you very much for your help and I'll be sure to come see you once I need a new pair of shoes so you can modify them again.
Kind regards
Gaylia
- Reflexology
- Above Testimonials - Names Removed
Health Professionals Names Removed from testimonials/reviews!
Due to Section 133 of the National Law (AHPRA), as it refers to Health Professionals, we are unable to disclose Health Professional Names in Testimonials. - 2012 Sydney Business Awards - Voting
- Payment Methods Accepted
- 2011 Award
About City Clinic
"It's never too late to feel great!"
City Clinic was established in 1998 as Sydney's first multidisciplinary allied health centre combining primary sports injury disciplines, remedial and alternative therapies, corrective exercise and Pilates all under one roof.
In our experience health professionals working in a multidisciplinary environment are more knowledgeable and have a more co-ordinated approach to patient care.
This collaboration of experiences and ideas has achieved better outcomes for our patients and together we look forward to helping you meet your health goals.
City Clinic is a multi award winning centre now operating in two Sydney CBD locations: 50 King St and 32 Jamison St
"It's never too late to feel great!"
City Clinic was established in 1998 as Sydney's first multidisciplinary allied health centre combining primary sports injury disciplines, remedial and alternative therapies, corrective exercise and Pilates all under one roof.
In our experience health professionals working in a multidisciplinary environment are more knowledgeable and have a more co-ordinated approach to patient care.
This collaboration of experiences and ideas has achieved better outcomes for our patients and together we look forward to helping you meet your health goals.
City Clinic is a multi award winning centre now operating in two Sydney CBD locations: 50 King St and 32 Jamison St
- Winner 2011 Microsoft IT Innovation Award
- Winner 2011 Sydney Business Awards
- Finalist 2010 Sydney Business Awards
- Winner 2009 Sydney Business Awards
- Finalist 2008 Sydney Business Awards