Supporting the health of your family

Osteopathy is an effective form of manual “hands on” treatment for the whole body. Developed by American doctor A T Still in the 1870s, it is based on the study of anatomy, physiology and biomechanics.

A key tenet is that the structure and function of the body are intimately related. The healthy balance and function of the musculoskeletal framework of the body is essential to whole body health.

Osteopaths work under the principle that there may be a number of contributing factors to the symptoms and will therefore evaluate not only the area which is producing the symptoms, but also any associated areas that may be contributing to the issue, including other areas of the body, past trauma and environmental factors.

Osteopaths know that the body is capable of self-healing and self-regulating, so treatment and management is directed towards encouraging and amplifying this natural response.

More information: What is Osteopathy

Biodynamic osteopathy (as taught by Dr James Jealous) is a natural progression from cranial osteopathy.

Biodynamic treatment is holistic. The forces that direct our growth when we are babies in the womb are the same forces that guide cell repair throughout our lives.  When injury and ill health compromise the body's ability to recover by itself, osteopathic techniques “re-call” the health that is already present and help the body regain its natural balance.

Cranial/biodynamic osteopathy is taught only to osteopaths and differs from cranialsacral or biodynamic cranialsacral therapy even though they may use similar terminology.

More information: The Biodynamic View

No two treatments are ever the same as people use their bodies in very different ways. Your osteopath will explain the technique that is to be performed on you, please let me know if you do not wish to have a certain technique performed on you, as there are always alternatives.

Depending on your symptoms and preferences, an osteopathic treatment will consist of manual therapy, advice on posture, movement, exercise, and lifestyle.

Manual treatment can be "direct", which includes techniques like massage, muscle energy technique, joint articulation, dry needling and stretching.

"Indirect" techniques like functional, counterstrain and biodynamic osteopathy are where we apply light pressure to various parts of your body to encourage the release of any strain or tension and take the tissues towards ease. Patients tell us they find this style of treatment very relaxing.

All osteopaths in Australia need to complete a 5 year, full-time degree. They must also complete 30 hours of continual professional development each year. Osteopaths are qualified to work with patients of all ages, including babies and children, as our undergraduate training includes paediatrics. All osteopaths must be registered with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency).

Osteopathic treatment may help with ​

• joint pain including hip and knee osteoarthritis
• general, acute & chronic back and neck pain
• headache and migraine prevention
• frozen shoulder/ shoulder and elbow pain/ tennis elbow
• circulatory problems and cramping
• digestion problems
• sciatica
• muscle spasms
• neuralgia
• fibromyalgia
• inability to relax
• minor sports injuries

In my experience, osteopathic treatment may also provide symptomatic relief for musculoskeletal pain experienced in chronic fatigue, anxiety and other rheumatological problems. If your condition is not listed here, please feel free to contact us so that we can better understand your goals and determine if you would benefit from treatment.

We can work through loose-fitting clothes for most of the treatment, with the exception of dry needling. You may want to bring a pair of shorts to change into. For payment and claims, please bring in your Medicare and/or private health insurance card, as well as any paperwork from your GP.

Most acute problems resolve after 2 to 6 treatments. Chronic conditions tend to require more support and ongoing treatment, in conjunction with exercise and lifestyle changes where applicable. Some people find regular monthly or quarterly treatments helpful in keeping their bodies pain-free and functioning at its best.​

We use the more gentle techniques for children and they remain fully clothed. Most babies and older children are happy to lie on the table to be treated. There may be some wriggling, and often children give a big yawn towards the end of the treatment. If your child is protesting, we can treat them while you nurse them or as they explore the treatment area. We may play with them for a little while to gain their trust and wait for them to be ready!

Often, babies and children are more relaxed after their treatment and parents tell us they sleep very well that night or that they are happier. On rare occasions, a child can be more unsettled after treatment but this doesn't last beyond 48 hours.

Taking time out to listen to birdsong lets us pause, take a break and remind ourselves of our connection to nature. In a similar way, osteopathic techniques can help to connect a patient to their original state of health. I also love the song by Fleetwood Mac!

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The views expressed on this web­site have no relation to those of any academic institution or practice with which the author is affiliated.

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