Osteopathy
Osteopaths near you
How can osteopathy nourish you?
Osteopathy is a holistic form of health care that focuses on the interaction between musculoskeletal structure and other important systems[1] of the body. The core principles of osteopathy are based on the idea that the body is a unified whole[2] which has the innate resources to heal and maintain itself. It is believed that because structure and function are inseparable, helping to repair the body’s ‘framework’ will stimulate the processes needed to regain healthy function.
By applying principles of human biomechanics (a study of how different parts of your body move and affect other parts), osteopaths aim to support the body’s natural healing abilities[1]. Osteopathy treatment includes a variety of manual therapies such as adjusting the alignment of the spine, gentle stretches and soft-tissue massage[3]. Osteopaths can also provide a therapeutic exercise program and offer education about lifestyle factors including ergonomics[4] which may support long-term well-being.
Osteopathy was founded by Andrew Taylor Still, a medical doctor who worked as a hospital steward during the American Civil War[5]. Disillusioned with the medical practices of his time after the deaths of his children[6] during a spinal meningitis epidemic, Still spent several years researching more effective ways to help the body heal itself. He concluded that making adjustments to the ‘structural framework’ of the body could have a ripple effect[6] on circulation and other body systems, supporting natural mechanisms of healing and self-repair.
Some aspects of osteopathy, such as spinal alignment and joint manipulation, are also characteristic features of chiropractic. In Australia, osteopaths are regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)[7].
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Practitioners offering Osteopathy
Benefits of osteopathy
There is evidence to suggest that osteopathic manipulation may significantly reduce lower back pain, and the improvements may last[8] for up to three months after treatment. Research suggests that when compared with conventional treatment for lower back pain, osteopathy may be equally effective, with the possible benefit of requiring less medication[9] than other approaches to pain management.
The results of one study indicate that osteopathic manipulative treatment may be an effective treatment for chronic migraine[10]. Research suggests osteopathy may reduce bowel discomfort and irritation[11] in people with a history of Crohn’s disease. There is also evidence to suggest osteopathy may reduce the duration of hospital care required by premature babies[12], with significant implications for reducing healthcare costs.
People also turn to osteopathy for sciatica pain relief. This problem can come from living a sedentary lifestyle to sudden injuries that can evolve into complications such as a herniated disc. Osteopathy is an effective treatment that relieves people from these pains.
Osteopathy may assist in relieving symptoms related to:
What to expect from an osteopathy session
On your first visit to an osteopathic clinic, the practitioner will ask you about your medical history as well as the health concerns for which you are seeking treatment. You will be given a thorough examination which may include neurological tests[13] and diagnostic scans. Your osteopath might also ask you to perform various stretches and diagnostic motions to evaluate your mobility and identify possible problems with your posture and alignment.
Your osteopath will develop a diagnosis and a treatment plan intended to address your health concerns but also support your overall wellness. The treatment may include manual therapies[14] such as gently moving various joints through their range of motion, soft-tissue massage, spinal adjustments and stretches.
Because osteopathy is a holistic treatment that emphasises whole-body health, your practitioner may likely work on several different parts of your body, not just where it hurts[15].
If you are seeking osteopathic treatment for sciatica pain relief, for example, your osteopath might adjust joints in your spine and help you do stretches[16] that relieve muscular tension in your buttocks to treat pain or numbness in your foot or calf. Your osteopath might also provide you with instructions for how to continue supporting your wellness[17], for example by doing back pain exercises or improving the ergonomics of your office environment.
Although osteopathy is generally a gentle and pain-free modality, some aspects of treatment (such as dry needling) may be slightly uncomfortable. Your practitioner will do everything they can to minimise discomfort[18], and they will inform you if any part of the treatment may cause unpleasant sensations.
Osteopathy may result in slight aches and pains, which are your body’s natural response to manual therapy, and usually don’t last longer than a day or two. More serious reactions, such as those that require emergency treatment or lead to long-term health problems, are very rare: it is estimated that only one in 36,079 treatments is associated with a major incident.
As with any exercise or wellness program, please consult your medical professional before commencing osteopathy. If you have an injury or other health issue, or any concerns at all, also speak to your osteopath, who will be happy to address these and explore whether osteopathy is an appropriate treatment for your health condition.
References
1. Osteopathy. Better Health Channel; [cited on 2024 Nov 27].
2. What is Osteopathy? Brisbane Osteopathic Centre; [cited on 2024 Nov 27].
3. Melbourne Osteopath. Growing Bones;
4. Goodman M. At Home Ergonomics. Summit Osteopathy; 2024.
5. A.T. Still Biography. The Museum of Osteopathic Medicine; [cited on 2024 Nov 27].
6. History of Osteopathic Medical Education. American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine;
7. Regulating Australia’s osteopaths. Osteopathy Board; [cited on 2024 Nov 27].
8. Licciardone JC, Brimhall AK, King LN. Osteopathic manipulative treatment for low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders; 2005.
9. Andersson GBJ, Lucente T, Davis AM, Kappler RE, Lipton JA, Leurgans S. Comparison of Osteopathic Spinal Manipulation with Standard Care for Patients with Low Back Pain. New England Journal of Medicine; 1999.
10. Cerritelli F, Ginevri L, Messi G, Caprari E, Di Vincenzo M, Renzetti C, et al. Clinical effectiveness of osteopathic treatment in chronic migraine: 3-Armed randomized controlled trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine; 2015.
12. Cerritelli F, Pizzolorusso G, RenzettiCozzolino V, D’Orazio M, Lupacchini M, et al. A multicenter, randomized, controlled trial of osteopathic manipulative treatment on preterms. PLoS ONE; 2015.
13. In preparation for your initial appointment, here are our top tips for your first session!. Summit Osteopathy; 2021.
14. What to expect from an Osteopath Treatment.. Body & Health Creation;
15. Felman A. Everything you need to know about osteopathy. Medical News Today; 2017.
16. Sciatica & Osteopathy. Melbourne Osteopathic Clinic; 2012.
17. 9 things you would only know if you have seen an Osteopath. City Way Health; [cited on 2024 Nov 27].
18. Risk and Patient Incidents. NCOR; [cited on 2024 Nov 27].
Frequently asked questions
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