Allied Health

Physiotherapy Consultation

Arrive early
It’s advisable to arrive a little early for your first appointment, as you will need to fill out some paperwork.
You will be asked to sign a general consent form, but you will have the opportunity to consider and consent (or not) to specific treatment in the consultation.
Your first consultation
Your osteopath will ask questions about your problem and symptoms. They may also ask 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 osteopathic appointments you should tell your osteopath at your next consultation.
Next, your osteopath will conduct a full osteopathic examination and if necessary, clinical tests, this may involve diagnostic, orthopaedic or neurological tests, postural assessments and activities or exercises that will help determine how best to manage your condition. The examination may include passive and active movements, such as the osteopath lifting your arms or legs.
Osteopathy takes a holistic approach to treatment, so your practitioner may look at other parts of your body, as well as the area that is troubling you. For example, if you have a sore knee, your osteopath may also look at your ankle, pelvis and back.
Your osteopath may also provide education and advice to help you manage your condition between appointments. This may include giving you exercises to do at home or work.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
Many patients are referred to osteopaths by their doctors, other health practitioners or personal trainers. However, as osteopaths are primary care practitioners, you can make an appointment directly without a referral.
What do I need to bring?
Bring along any X-rays, scans or test results that you may have. Depending on the area of your body requiring examination, your osteopath may ask you to undress to your underwear. It’s important that you feel comfortable, so you may want to bring a pair of stretchy gym shorts to change into. You may bring a chaperone if you wish. Plan to attend along with your child if your child is the patient.
Is osteopathic treatment painful?
Osteopathy is a manual therapy, so hands-on treatment may include massage, stretching, repetitive movements, mobilisation and/or manipulation.
Most osteopathic treatments are gentle and should not cause undue discomfort. If your injuries do require hands-on treatment of painful and tender areas, your osteopath will exercise care to make you as comfortable as possible.
Some people experience mild soreness for a day or two after treatment, similar to that felt after mild exercise. If this soreness persist or increases significantly, call your osteopath to discuss your concerns.

Treatment

Each injury is unique so osteopathic treatment will vary from person to person.
Osteopaths assess the mobility of problem areas, ask you questions and make a diagnosis to work out the best treatment plan for each patient.
Osteopaths treat more than you think. They focus on how your skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulatory system, connective tissue and internal organs function as a whole body unit.
Find out how osteopathy can help you. For more information click on the links below.

Head

Osteopathy: an effective approach to headache treatment.
The most common type of headache originates from tension, muscle stiffness or joint strain in the neck and upper thoracic region*.
Other causes include:

• eye strain
• sinus congestion
• whiplash injury
• stress
• poor posture
• jaw imbalance and teeth grinding
• infection
• allergies and food intolerances.

Your osteopath can help to:

• improve your general mobility
• improve the mobility of your ribs and thoracic and cervical spine
• reduce muscular tension, nerve compression and inflammation
• advise on posture, exercise and stretching to help prevent a recurrence of symptoms
• offer guidance on diet and preventing dehydration
• advise on improving the ergonomics of your home or workplace.

Osteopaths, as primary health care practitioners, are trained to differentiate between headaches with common causes and those due to serious pathology. You should always seek advice from a health professional, including an osteopath, if you get a headache after a head trauma and/or the headache is getting worse.
You should also seek professional advice if the headache is accompanied by:

• fever
• nausea or vomiting
• bleeding or fluid draining from the nose or ears
• dizziness
• blurred vision or speech
• numbness, tingling or paralysis.

Did you know?

• headaches are one of the most common medical complaints. A headache is rarely caused by serious underlying disease.
• your osteopath may be able to assist with treatments that reduce the need for headache medications.
• your osteopath is a primary health care practitioner with the training and skills to assess your complaint and develop the most effective course of action (including referral when clinically indicated).
• your osteopath can assess structural changes that may lead to immobility, pain and dysfunction. Your osteopath will perform a thorough physical examination, including observation and palpation, to form a diagnosis and treatment plan.

If you get regular headaches, try keeping a headache diary
If you experience headaches regularly, keeping a headache diary can help identify these triggers and ultimately help them avoid them. A headache diary allows you to record important details about your headaches, such as symptoms, frequency and other. This diary will provide your osteopath with important information.
Order a printed copy or download a copy of the NPS Medicinewise Headache Diary
*World Health Organisation Factsheet #277

Back and Neck

Osteopaths can be visited without a referral from a GP and are trained to know the difference between uncomplicated back pain and back pain requiring referral to specialist care. In some cases there may be a more serious cause for low back pain such as disc injury, fracture, tumour and infection, which requires ongoing specialist support.

Back Pain

80% of the population will suffer from back pain at some time.
Studies show that osteopathic treatment reduces back pain, increases mobility and speeds the recovery process.
Your osteopath will work with you to:

• reduce muscular tension, inflammation and nerve irritation
• improve joint mobility
• reduce the duration of low back pain episodes
• offer advice on posture, exercises and stretching
• help prevent future episodes.

Osteopaths can be visited without a referral from a GP and are trained to know the difference between uncomplicated back pain and back pain requiring referral to specialist care. In some cases there may be a more serious cause for low back pain such as disc injury, fracture, tumour and infection, which requires ongoing specialist support.
Common causes of back pain

• extensive sitting or standing
• heavy lifting
• injury
• pregnancy
• constipation, irritable bowel and endometriosis
• menstrual pain
• insufficient flexibility
• muscle weakness
• dysfunction in the thorax, lower limbs and pelvis.

Learn More:

• Wellbeing – What causes low back pain?
• Good Health – Back Health Handbook
• The Nature of Back Pain (12 min podcast)
• Wellbeing Blogs – Acute Low Back Pain Management
• Vital Health – BackAtcha

Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain can be caused by a wide variety of conditions. Osteopaths can help with pain caused by trauma or repetitive strain. Muscles from the abdomen and lower limbs attach to the pelvis and overuse or over exertion of these regions can result in pelvic injury and pain.
Your osteopath will work with you to determine the cause of your pain and decide on a course of treatment.
Common pelvic injuries include:

• Osteiitis Pubis – inflammation of the pubic bone
• Sacroiliac joint pain and inflammation
• Pelvic instability with pregnancy
• Inguinal hernia.

Symptoms of pelvic pain may include:

• localised pain and tenderness on the pubic bone
• pain on abdominal contraction e.g coughing, turning in bed, bearing down or when going to the toilet
• groin pain
• pain in the buttocks and down the back of the leg.

Osteopaths can help your pelvic pain by:

• improving muscular flexibility in the region
• improving joint range of motion in the low back, hips and pelvis
• maintaining correct alignment of the lower back and pelvis
• providing advice on maintaining flexibility and strength around the pelvis.

Your osteopath may also suggest you see a GP for any additional medications or treatment.

Learn More:

• A series of osteopathic treatments might be beneficial for women suffering from period pain
• Infographic – Period Pain and How To Survive It

Sciatica

Sciatica is a painful syndrome caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve runs deep through the buttock and down the leg. Sciatica can range from a dull ache to an incapacitating pain. Symptoms may be constant or intermittent, depending on activities or time of day.
Osteopathy can be useful in relieving the symptoms of sciatica
Osteopaths will usually conduct a full musculoskeletal and orthopaedic examination to find the true underlying cause of the sciatica. Osteopaths treat the related joints, muscles, ligaments or tendons to reduce the pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Sciatica can often resolve quickly with the appropriate management and self-care.
Symptoms of sciatica may include the following:

• pain in the buttock or down the leg
• numbness
• muscular weakness
• pins and needles or tingling
• difficulty moving or controlling the leg.

The pain associated with sciatica can be caused by a number of underlying conditions. These may include:

• herniated (bulging) disc in the lower back
• bony growths on the spine
• arthritis in the low back or hip
• tight muscles in the buttock or trauma to the lower back
• pregnancy, due to changes in the pelvis and lower back.

Learn More:

• Yours Magazine – 6 ways to beat sciatica
• Stay at Home Mum – The Secrets of Sciatic Nerve Pain

Upper Limb

Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain has become extremely common over recent years as a result of frequent computer and smartphone usage and increased sedentary lifestyle.
Shoulder pain is often very complex. As a result, shoulder injuries can be more difficult to treat.
Your osteopath will work with you to determine the cause of your pain and decide on a course of treatment.
Common Shoulder injuries include:

• rotator cuff tears
• tendonitis
• shoulder impingement (Subacromial bursitis) – when shoulder tendons are trapped and compressed during shoulder movements
• frozen shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) – when the shoulder capsule swells and stiffens, restricting mobility
• postural tension
• referred pain

Symptoms of shoulder pain may include:

• ‘catching’ sensation when raising the arm or reaching
• sharp pain when moving your arm
• weakness in your arm or grip
• throbbing and aching in shoulder whilst sleeping
• pain radiating down the arm
• neck and shoulder stiffness

Osteopaths can help your shoulder pain by:

• improving muscular flexibility in the shoulder area
• improving range of joint motion in the mid back, neck, shoulder blade and shoulder
• addressing postural strains and bad habits
• providing advice on maintaining flexibility and strength around the shoulder region
• providing exercises for stretching and rehabilitation

Your osteopath may also refer you to a GP for any additional medications or treatment.

Elbow Pain

Elbow pain often occurs due to a variety of sports and occupations that involve repeated pressure on the muscles and tendons near the elbow joint. This pressure can cause the muscles to become strained and tendons to become inflamed. You will often notice the pain when using your wrist or hand.
Your osteopath will work with you to determine the cause of your pain and decide on a course of treatment.
Common elbow injuries include:

• tennis elbow
• golfers elbow
• radial head ligament sprains
• ulnar nerve entrapment.

Symptoms of elbow pain:

• weak grip
• pain when twisting the wrist
• constant dull ache, worse at night
• sharp pain when moving the elbow joint.

Osteopaths can help your elbow pain by:

• treating the area with manual therapy
• providing advice on wearing brace support
• applying sports taping
• providing information and advice on taking anti-inflammatories
• referring you to a GP for further investigation if needed.

Learn More:
Wellbeing Blogs – Tennis Elbow – why you don’t have to be an athlete to suffer from it

Lower Limb

Hip and Groin

Hip pain can be caused by a number of injuries or conditions. The most common cause of hip pain is inflamed tendons. Hip and groin pain can be related to a range of muscle or joint problems or it could be referred pain from your lower back.
Your osteopath will analyse your lower back and lower limb movement to help determine the cause of your pain. Because the hip is the centre of movement between the upper and lower parts of the body, it can easily be affected by poor movement control, posture or exercise.
Hip joint pain is often caused by a sitting position, landing awkwardly, certain sports, a sedentary lifestyle or arthritis. Hip joints can become sore when are held in a fixed position for a long time, or repeatedly moved into an uncomfortable position.
Minor and short term pain
Muscle pain often occurs in people who perform repeated sideways movements such as soccer players, dancers and AFL players. Many minor conditions can be painful but usually heal within a few days.
For muscular pain, your osteopath will look at the other muscles around your hip and groin to understand the cause of your discomfort.
Long term pain
Longer-term pain may be caused arthritis or bursitis. If pain is caused by arthritis your osteopath can help but may also suggest you see a GP for any additional medications or treatment.
Your osteopath will work with you to improve your posture, discuss the way you move or why you may be experiencing hip problems.
Learn more:
Popsugar – Everything You Know About Posture Is Wrong

Knee Pain

Knee pain can be caused by a range of factors and can be painful and debilitating.
Some people worry that their knee pain will result in the need for surgery. Often this is not the case. Knee trauma is common from falls and collisions however most knee pain is due to altered muscle mechanics, often involving the kneecap.
Osteopaths will determine the cause of your knee pain and most importantly help you correct the mechanics of your knee and other joints so that you can move around with confidence and comfort. If need be, your osteopath will refer you for further medical assessment.
Further information on knee pain
Most knee pain is due to altered joint and muscle mechanics particularly of the kneecap (patellofemoral joint).
The kneecap slides up and down on the cartilage surface of the thigh bone and is enveloped by the thigh muscles (quadriceps). The main action of the kneecap is to increase the leverage of the thigh muscles and increase power and range of knee extension.
If the kneecap is not sliding evenly in this groove, pain is highly likely to occur, especially when the thigh muscles are contracting (e.g squatting, walking up and down stairs, running). This is usually a gradual occurrence and explains why people may experience episodes of swelling after these activities.
The patellofemoral joint is reliant on flexibility and strength of the thigh muscles. If the muscles on the outer thigh are tighter and stronger, the kneecap will be pulled toward the outside of the joint surface. This is a common occurrence as the muscles of the outer thigh and buttocks are used whenever we weightbear and gradually become tighter and tighter. If this tension is not released (particularly by stretching) the kneecap will continue to be pulled off centre increasing the likelihood of patella tendonitis, bursitis and ultimately arthritis of the knee joint.
Further contributing factors to the kneecap moving off centre include:

• Wasting of inner thigh muscles (often after previous injury).
• Feet rolling inward due to unsupported arches and poor footwear.
• Wider hips (especially females) increase the angle of thigh muscles.
• Legs bowing inward (knock knees) increase the angle of thigh muscles.

Ankle Sprain

An ankle sprain involves damage to the ankle ligaments, typically sustained during simple sudden traumatic incidents, such as rolling or twisting the ankle. The ligaments on the outside (lateral aspect) of the ankle are much more susceptible to injury than the inside (medial aspect), and can produce pain, swelling, bruising and a sense of instability.
Prompt assessment and management is essential in the first 24 to 48 hours, namely following the RICER regime and precautionary X-ray to rule out bony fracture, if indicated.
Your osteopath can assist in the rehabilitation of an ankle sprain with the following treatment options:

• Soft tissue treatment of the ligament scar tissue to promote optimal stability and range of motion.
• Active and passive mobility exercises to restore normal range of motion to the foot and ankle complex.
• Balancing exercises to re-strengthen the receptors housed in the ligament that provide stability and improve position sense (proprioception).
• Your osteopath can organise and assist with braces/strapping products if required for more vigorous exercise.

It is also important to consider the various predisposing factors that may have caused the injury in the first place. This may include:

• poor foot/ankle mechanics, i.e a stiff ankle joint will tend to make the ligaments work harder
• poor footwear
• joint restrictions and muscle tightness in the lumbo-pelvic region and/or lower limb
• a leg length discrepancy which may be overloading one particular ankle.

Your osteopath may also refer you to a GP for any additional medications or treatment.

Heel/Arch Pain

Painful feet are very debilitating. Pain in the heel area is especially common and may be associated with a heel (calcaneal) spur.
Our feet are made up of a series of small bones, known as the tarsal bones. These tarsal bones, starting from the heel (calcaneus) form an arch, which is supported by a strong band of sinew (plantar fascia) stretching across the sole of the foot below the surface of the skin.
We use our feet all the time and this fascia causes constant tugging on the attachment point into the bone, and inflammation and pain may develop at this site. This painful condition is known as plantar fasciitis.

Sometimes a sharp ‘spur’ develops at the site of this traction on the bone and protrudes into the surrounding tissue. But the pain is usually due to the plantar fasciitis, rather than the heel spur itself.
Inadequate arch support from poor footwear is the most common cause of plantar fasciitis. As the arch is collapsing the plantar fascia is placed under great stress and often other muscles of the foot and lower leg are utilised to help stabilise. The result is marked joint restriction and muscular tension with pain in the foot and lower leg.
Osteopaths will not only advise you on appropriate footwear and exercises but will work to increase the joint range of motion and flexibility of muscles in the feet and lower leg.
In some situations use of heel cups and arch supports may be beneficial.
Learn More:

• Aussie Mum Network – The foot bones connected to the whole skeleton
• Popsugar – If Your Spine Could Talk This Is What It Would Say About Your Heels
• Australian Women Online – A History of Heels & How to Survive them in the 21st Century

Chronic Pain

The impact of chronic pain can be severe and disabling interfering with daily functions. The pain is felt physically but also impacts personally and socially. Pain can be present without a diagnosis or occur as a result of an injury or surgery.
Many people think that pain goes away when an injury or surgery heals. For a large number of people this is the case. However for one in five Australians the pain does not go away*.

Arthritis

Arthritis is common condition that can affect people of all ages. Arthritis affects the muscles, bones and joints and usually involves inflammation of one or more joints.
The symptoms of arthritis are pain and swelling in the joints and surrounding tissues. This is often accompanied by stiffness and decreased movement.
Osteopaths can help arthritis sufferers by:

• Working on the surrounding muscles to reduce stiffness and soreness.
• Improving lymphatic drainage to reduce swelling.
• Gently moving and stretching the arthritic joint to encourage better fluid movement.
• Providing advice on ways to reduce inflammation.

There are 4 common forms of arthritis:

• Osteoarthritis – caused by wear and tear on joints
• Rheumatoid arthritis – an autoimmune disease that causes pain and inflammation in joints
• Gout – caused by a build-up of uric acid in the bloodstream
• Ankylosing spondylitis – inflammation of the spine and pelvis

Your osteopath may also refer you to a GP for any additional medications or treatment.

Bursitis

Bursitis is an inflammatory condition of the bursa. The bursa is a fluid filled sack that sits between bones, tendons or ligaments when they come into contact with each other. A bursa prevents these structures from rubbing on each other.
Bursitis is often related to overuse of a particular joint, or where there is excess tension on a specific area over a long period of time.
Bursitis can also be caused by a fall or car accident. This can instantly cause inflammation.
An osteopath will diagnose bursitis after a full medical history and conducting a full orthopaedic and musculoskeletal examination. They will then look at the area to see if there are any muscles, ligaments, tendons or joints that are aggravating the bursa.
Your osteopath will help to relieve the pressure on these joints and on the bursa by using hands-on manual techniques. This will often start the healing process and the inflammation can reduce. If your osteopath notes any related muscle imbalance or weakness, they will give you exercises to address this issue. Your osteopath may refer you for an x-ray or ultra-sound.
Your osteopath may refer you to a GP or pharmacist for anti-inflammatory medication.
The symptoms associated with bursitis can include:

• pain
• inflammation
• swelling
• restricted range of motion of a joint
• warm or red skin overlying the affected area.

The most common areas within the body that can be affected by bursitis are:

• Shoulder joint – often caused by the impingement of surrounding muscles resulting in a painful shoulder with reduced range of motion.
• Hip joint – There are two common areas of bursitis: on the side of the hip and in the buttock area.
• Knees – inflammation of the area just just below the kneecap.
• Bursitis is also common in the elbows, wrists and ankles.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon and usually occurs due to overuse. Tendons are bands of strong connective tissue that attach muscle to bone. The most common symptom of tendonitis is pain that is dull and aching, sharp and burning or radiating.
Recovery from tendonitis is often lengthy.
Your osteopath will work with you to determine the cause of your tendonitis and decide on a course of treatment.
Common areas of tendonitis include:

• shoulder
• wrist
• knee
• shin
• heel/Achilles tendon

The symptoms of tendonitis can include:

• pain
• swelling
• stiffness and restricted mobility at the affected joint
• muscle weakness
• warmth in the joint area.

Osteopaths can help your tendonitis by:

• Identifying the cause such as poor sporting technique and postural imbalances.
• Reducing muscular tension and increasing blood flow to the affected tendon via soft tissue massage and stretching.
• Creating a management plan to improve healing time, reduce pain and ultimately a return to normal activity.

Your osteopath may also refer you to a GP for any additional medications or treatment.

Sports injuries

Give yourself a sporting chance with osteopathy.
Whether you are a weekend warrior or an elite athlete, your osteopath can help prevent and treat many sporting injuries, including:

• neck and back strains
• shoulder, elbow and wrist injuries
• hip and pelvic injuries such as osteitis pubis
• knee, leg and ankle injuries.

Reduced joint or muscle flexibility will affect your performance and may result in injury if you don’t realise that you can’t perform at your usual level. If you do become injured, your osteopath is highly trained to facilitate a return to optimal function and prevent compensatory strains from occurring. This will minimise re-injury and allow a quicker return to physical activity.
Osteopathic treatment involves safe, gentle and effective manual techniques, including soft tissue stretching, mobilisation, inhibition and manipulation. These techniques assist in improving elasticity, strength, endurance, mobility and performance.

Sport and children
Children need to grow with optimal mobility, strength and balance. Sport and exercise can place exceptional demands on their bodies. Children should be cared for by professionals who are fully aware of the needs of young growing bodies.
Before treating your child, the osteopath will perform a comprehensive physical examination and refer to other health care professionals if necessary. The osteopath can provide nutritional advice along with strategies, exercises and routines to help your child avoid further injury and stay healthy, happy and active.
Did you know?

• osteitis pubis is related to pelvic and lower limb strains
• hamstring and groin injuries invariably involve low back or pelvic restriction and imbalances
• knee pain is related to poor foot and ankle mechanics, thigh muscle tension and hip dysfunction
• shoulder injuries can be caused by tension in the ribs, neck, shoulder blade and upper back
• shin splints involve poor mechanics of both leg bones
• joint injections and pain killers may only mask the problem. Unless you deal directly with the cause of your problem, further injury and joint degeneration will result.

What to do when you suffer a sports injury
To avoid injury whilst playing sport, make sure you warm up and warm down with stretches. You should also drink plenty of water to keep your spine more mobile. If you do get injured, remain calm and apply the following basic first aid procedure:
Rest – to reduce further stress to the injury
Ice – apply an ice pack for 10 minutes every hour to reduce inflammation
Compress – gently apply bandages towards the heart to minimise swelling
Elevate – raise the injured area to improve drainage.
Seek proper medical assessment, including osteopathic assessment, as soon as you can.
Learn More:

• Crossfit and HIIT sports injuries- 5 Questions answered by osteopath Lee Muddle
• Winter Sports Injuries and Treatment Infographic
• Australian Women Online – How to Dance Like There’s Nobody Watching and Stay Healthy and Fit
• Yours Magazine – The Core Issues
• Osteopathy and Sports Injuries (with osteopath Jason Stone) 9 minutes

Joints and Flexibility

Muscular flexibility and joint range of motion are taken for granted by most people and rarely a major focus in fitness and training regimes, yet they are the major precursor to injury and a limiting factor to sporting performance.
To help explain this statement consider why the average golfer cannot play a consistent 18 holes or why a thinly built teenager can drive a ball further than a stocky stronger man? Many golfers will know the answer is ‘timing’ i.e contacting the ball with the sweet spot of the club head at the optimal speed. ‘Timing’ is heavily reliant on smooth, coordinated joint motion and hence any resistance from tight muscles and stiff joints is going to effect the timing of the swing. Which is why some golfers improve as they get warmer, others decline as they stiffen up, and a younger more flexible person can connect better with the ball than a stronger but less flexible person.
These same principles can be applied to all sports and explain why not only a more flexible person can perform longer and more consistently but why a less flexible person pushing them self to a high level is at great risk of injury.
Osteopaths use a variety of ‘hands on’ treatment techniques to improve your muscular flexibility and joint range of motion and they will assess and treat not only the area of pain but all those related regions which may have predisposed to the injury or are being affected by it. The benefit of seeing an Osteopath for a sporting injury is that they will identify the cause of the injury, which not only aids full recovery but also greatly reduces the risk of reoccurrence.
The most common sporting injuries our Osteopaths treat and manage are:

• Ankle Ligament sprains/tears
• Shoulder tendonitis/impingement
• Knee ligament and tendon injuries
• Muscle strains/tears
• Chronic Hip/Groin/Hamstring injuries
• Rehabilitation of knee/ankle/shoulder reconstruction and arthroscopes

Osteopaths will generally prescribe for you the appropriate exercises to maintain joint range of motion and muscular flexibility and where required the relevant strengthening exercises also.

Posture

Poor posture can cause a range problems including back pain, spinal problems, poor circulation, joint degeneration and rounded shoulders.
Good posture can help relieve back pain and involves training your body to function in positions where the least amount of strain is placed on supporting muscles and ligaments.
When improving your posture, your osteopath will work with you to determine the cause and decide on a course of treatment.
Poor posture can cause problems including:

• back pain
• headaches
• spinal problems
• muscle fatigue and strain
• joint degeneration and increased disc problems
• ligament laxity/stretch
• rounded shoulders
• poor circulation.

Osteopaths can improve your posture by:

• improving muscular flexibility in your body
• improving range of joint motion in the spine and extremities
• providing instruction on ‘good’ posture
• advising on ergonomics
• providing exercises to strengthen postural muscles.

Learn More:

• Popsugar – Everything You Know About Posture Is Wrong

Seniors

Many older Australians mistakenly believe the effect of ageing on their body’s joints is untreatable and inevitable.
These conditions may include:

• poor balance
• general stiffness
• back, neck and arm pain
• hip and knee pain and stiffness
• arthritis and joint swelling
• high blood pressure.

As we get older, the body loses elasticity, increasing the chance of injuring the soft tissues and bony structures. The body also loses some of its ability to recover from injuries or strains. Osteopaths can offer treatment and advice to help harness your body’s natural healing systems. This can improve mobility, circulation and balance, reduce joint stiffness and help you lead a more fulfilling life.
Osteopathy’s safe, gentle and effective techniques aim to maintain your health, increase mobility, improve balance, prevent further joint wear and tear, and help keep you active and independent.
Osteopaths can help by:

• working on muscles around joints to reduce stiffness and welling
• reducing muscular tension and increasing blood flow to affected areas
• improving flexibility and range of motion of joints
• providing exercises to increase balance and strength
• providing gentle stretches to help maintain joint flexibility and assist in preventing injuries
• giving guidance about outdoor exercising, such as a daily walk to keep your circulation healthy and maintain muscle tone
• giving information about therapies like Tai Chi, yoga or gym-based training which can maximise your balance and strength.

Your osteopath can refer you to a specialist if surgery is needed. Osteopathy can also be helpful during a post-operative recuperation period.
Learn More:

• Yours magazine – Back to Basics
• com.au – Keeping your skeleton, joints, muscles and nerves working well

Pregnancy

Osteopathy is a safe form of manual healthcare that treats the whole person. Osteopathy is proven to be a safe, gentle and effective therapy for mothers and babies. Your osteopath will carefully select the most appropriate treatment techniques to maximise the safety and comfort of you and your growing baby.
Changes during pregnancy
During pregnancy, your body undergoes tremendous change to accommodate the growing fetus. Apart from the obvious physical changes like expansion of the abdominal region, hormonal releases can affect the function of your body’s internal systems. As your pregnancy progresses, the extra weight creates a shift in your body’s centre of gravity. Your supporting ligaments also soften. These factors can add stress to your body, causing problems like back pain, sciatica, insomnia, shortness of breath, swelling, high blood pressure and fatigue. Your osteopath can offer advice about managing these symptoms and demonstrate self-help techniques which you and your partner can use during pregnancy and labour. Your osteopath’s aim is to assist the natural process of pregnancy and birth – maximising your body’s ability to change and support you and your baby with a minimum of pain and discomfort.
Birthing and beyond
In birth, the descent of the baby through the pelvis is influenced by a range of factors. If the mother’s pelvis is twisted or stiff, it can interfere with the baby’s passage through the birth canal. Osteopathic care may restore and maintain normal pelvic alignment and mobility, helping to reduce musculoskeletal stresses during birth. After the birth, your osteopath may advise you to make return visits with your newborn to help prevent or manage problems like pelvic and low back strain, pelvic floor weakness, mastitis, incontinence, interrupted sleep and fatigue. An osteopath can make referrals to other health professionals if needed. This will help you meet your baby’s needs, whilst caring for your own.
Osteopathy for Infants
Using gentle and safe techniques, osteopathy supports the healthy growth and development of your baby in the womb, and following birth.
Osteopaths commonly treat infants with:

• musculoskeletal problems
• growth pains
• constant crying
• feeding difficulties
• flat head syndrome.

Osteopathic care can assist the young body to adapt to growth-related changes, and can prevent health problems from developing. It can help your baby grow into a healthy child and, ultimately, a healthy young adult.
Learn more:

• She Said – GOOD HEALTH IN BIRTHING AND BEYOND
• com.au – Zoe Foster-Blake on her continuing pregnancy-induced Osteitis Pubis – ‘I was in a bit of a dark place’

Children and Babies

Osteopathy recognises the particular stresses on the body children experience as they grow from babies to teenagers, and has developed an approach to work with children of all ages.
A range of problems may interfere with the normal development of a child. Trauma during pregnancy and birth, childhood accidents and falls, or simply the young body’s rapid growth can create or contribute to problems associated with bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves. Other issues faced by children include posture problems, inflammatory conditions and sporting injuries.
An osteopath will work with you and your child to plan the best way forward. The osteopath will take a complete medical history, conduct an examination, and ask you and your child questions. Your osteopath and you can determine which type of osteopathic treatment is suitable, and if referrals to other health practitioners are needed. Your osteopath can also offer advice on nutrition, general health, posture and exercise.
Osteopaths commonly treat babies with:

• developmental problems
• constant crying
• feeding difficulties
• digestive problems and constipation
• skull deformation or flat head syndrome

Conditions that osteopaths treat in children and teenagers include:

• back pain and headaches
• ear infections
• growing pains in muscles, bones and joints
• postural problems including curvature of the spine
• urinary problems
• period pain
• walking difficulties or foot pain
• sporting injuries
• the physical effects of cerebral palsy

Osteopathic care is safe, gentle and effective without the use of drugs or surgery. It can assist the young body to adapt to growth-related changes which can prevent other health problems. It can help your baby grow into a healthy child and, ultimately, a healthy young adult.
Osteopaths treat babies, children and teenagers for a range of conditions. Effective, early treatment can prevent other problems from occurring.
Learn More:

• BubHub – How smart phone use affects your child’s health and posture
• Aussie Mum Network – The foot bones connected to the whole skeleton
• Mumcentral – How Osteopathy Can Benefit Your Child
• Osteopathy Australia Vaccination Policy Statement
• BubHub – Picking the best school bag and how to wear it

In the Workplace

Are you fit for work?
Occupational injuries account for many millions of working days lost each year. No matter whether your work is in the office or outside on the land you need to be able to cope with the individual demands made on your body by the style of work you do. Manual work inevitably carries the inherent risk of injury caused by heavy and often awkward lifting, overstretching, and periods of prolonged bending causing back and disc injuries, sciatica, and muscle strains.
In the office where desk work is more common, there are the dangers of ‘computer hump’ and ‘mouse wrist’, whilst frequent telephone use affects the neck and shoulders causing headaches and carpal tunnel syndrome etc.
Those who drive for a living need to be aware of their driving position as it affects not only their back, neck and shoulders but also can affect hips, knees and feet. Ask an osteopath for advice on the correct driving position for you and any exercises which may help.

For the Employee
Going to an osteopath demonstrates to your boss that you are taking an active role in trying to improve your health and reduce your injury. The osteopath will help you look at the style of work you are undertaking and help you find ways of improving the situation and how to prevent a recurrence of your injuries. You will be treated and offered advice on posture and lifting.
For the Employer
Osteopathic treatment will usually help to resolve work-related injuries earlier so that your workforce is more efficient and productive and it will reduce time off through ill-health. Some companies already benefit from using an osteopath as part of their care programme for employees thereby improving morale and increasing productivity.

Useful tips

• Frequent short breaks away from the desk and computer will help avoid back, neck and eye strain.
• Make sure if you are driving that you make time to stop, get out and do some brisk exercise for a few minutes every so often on a long journey.
• When lifting at work judge whether you can do this safely or whether you need help. Never be afraid to ask for assistance.

Using Mobile Devices and Computer

Australians are increasingly experiencing back and neck pain due to prolonged use of mobile devices and computers.
Australians send more than 20 billion texts every year and spend more time in front of a screen than they do asleep. Shockingly, the average number of screen‐time hours has crept up to 9 per day* and is affecting posture, comfort and quality of life.
A recent study found that 70% of adults and 30% children and adolescents in Hong Kong reported musculoskeletal pain in relation to their use of electronic devices**. These figures reflect a similar trend in Australia where more than 11.2 million use smartphones***. Device related back pain is a growing trend worldwide.

The direct cost of back and neck pain to Australians is over $1 billion each year. Indirectly, this pain costs $8 billion as a consequence of lost productivity and disability.
Mobile device use results in many Australians spending hours hunched over a small screen or slumped on a couch or bed, causing muscular tightness and joint restriction of their upper back, neck and shoulders. Extended periods looking down or slouching often result in conditions like
headaches, shoulder impingement and neck pain. Hunching the shoulders is even more problematic in children and teenagers as their spine is still developing. Poor posture caused by prolonged device use may cause permanent postural problems heading to potential complications later in life.
Osteopaths are experienced and qualified to assist with these musculoskeletal and postural problems. Osteopaths will work with your to reduce muscular tension, inflammation and nerve irritation; improve joint mobility; reduce the duration of low back pain episodes; offer advice on posture, exercises and stretching and help prevent future episodes.

*Medibank. (2014). Is it time to unplug? Community views on the health impact of screen time. Sydney: Medibank.
**The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. (2013). Health effects of using portable electronic devices studied. Hong Kong.
***ACMA. (2013). Communications report 2012–13. Canberra: ACMA.
Learn more:

• BubHub – How smart phone use affects your child’s health and posture
• Channel Ten – Screen time eroding athletic ability
• Not So Smartphones
• Channel 9 – Doctors warn ‘text neck’ problems on the rise