Melbourne Osteopathic Clinic FAQs

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Have you sought professional help from many specialists, but have not experienced relief from your pain? Perhaps it’s the right time to see an osteopath.

If you’re looking for an osteopath, here are tips on how to choose the best one in Melbourne City.

 

  • Do they really practice osteopathy?

Osteopathy is one of the fastest growing complementary medical fields in Australia. The Osteopathy Board of Australia (OBA) is a regulatory organisation for osteopathic professionals in the country. OBA provides endorsements when it comes to recognised and defined areas of osteopathy. Although OBA does not define scope of practice, they provide accreditation for osteopaths who want to practice their field not only in Melbourne, but all across Australia.

An osteopath practicing in Melbourne should have completed the necessary coursework for their field of complementary medicine. High standards set by the Osteopathy Board of Australia verify the education level of osteopathic professionals as well as establish professional standards and ongoing skills development of practitioners.

Verify the status of an osteopath simply by calling OBA or the Australian Osteopathic Association to ensure that you are getting the best possible care and treatment.

 

  • The focus of osteopaths

There is variety and complexity in the practice of osteopathy in Australia. As there are different skill sets and techniques that osteopathic professionals specialise in, it is imperative for patients to know which techniques they need to treat their complaints.

For instance, structural osteopaths focus on addressing patient complaints by physical manipulation designed to mobilise joints, stretch muscles and modify movement patterns.

Cranial osteopathy, on the other hand, involves the use of a highly-developed sense of touch to identify changes in tension and tissue quality.

 

If you are in a lot of pain and suspect musculoskeletal problems, visit us here to check our availability or call us on 03 9663 5450 to schedule an appointment.

How to Choose the Best Osteopath in Melbourne

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If you want long-term relief from the aches and discomfort that has been bothering you for awhile, you need to choose the best Osteopath that Melbourne offers. Here are valuable tips that will help you select an osteopath that can help relieve your pain.

 

  • Educational Background

Although growing in popularity, osteopathic medicine is still a small niche in the complementary medicine field. To ensure that you are getting the best care possible, it’s only proper that we ask the right questions. The first item that needs to be verified is educational qualifications of the practitioner.

Osteopaths in Melbourne should have completed a degree in clinical sciences with a major in osteopathic studies at an accredited university. This four-year course is then followed by a postgraduate qualification in osteopathy. Some osteopaths also have double degree majors in health science and osteopathy. Having acquired these qualifications, aspiring osteopaths need to apply with the Osteopathy Board of Australia to be registered to work in Melbourne.

 

  • Execution of vital osteopathy tasks

The major task of an osteopath is to identify the cause and nature of disorders/dysfunctions in the musculoskeletal and nervous system. Osteopaths assist in mobilising joints and changing movement as well as adjusting spinal columns. In addition, osteopaths also provide recommendations on exercises as well as other activities that may contribute to providing relief to patients who are in pain.

 

Is an osteopath safe?

Provided that you go to the best osteopaths in Melbourne, you are in good hands. As osteopaths have the know-how in delivering non-invasive treatments to patients, they are generally safe to work with.

 

Here are other safe duties and tasks for osteopaths in Melbourne:

  • Provide recommendations on sleep, nutrition, exercises, and stress management.
  • Refer patients to general medical practitioners or specialists when necessary.
  • Detection of physical abnormalities.
  • Analyses and evaluations in the functioning of the nervous system, spine and musculoskeletal system.

 

If you need relief from aches and pains, check out our services. To schedule an appointment, give us a call on 03 9663 5450 today.

The Top 6 Common Conditions Treated by Melbourne Osteopathy Practitioners

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The aim of osteopathy is to provide treatment in a non-invasive, drug-free manner. The complementary therapies for osteopathy were designed to elevate overall health through manual manipulation, strengthening and conditioning of the entire musculo-skeletal system.

 

What is osteopathy?

 

Similar to chiropractic treatment, osteopathy mainly involves both diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions taking into context any medical issues that may need referral for.. Osteopaths need to undergo years of coursework in order to be qualified and licensed to provide treatment to patients.

 

Osteopathy is a field of complementary medicine that treats a large variety of conditions. In recent years, it is the most preferred treatment for musculoskeletal disorders as well as pain relief and discomfort in localised regions such as in the head, neck, shoulders, back and feet.

 

Osteopathy treatment is just one of the many interventions for a patient. It serves as a complementary treatment that helps boost the efficacy and potency of other conventional medical interventions.

 

What does a Melbourne osteopath do?

 

An osteopath is focused on delivering relief to problem regions of the spine, muscles, and joints. The “hands-on” approach followed in osteopathy aims to improve these following aspects:

 

  • Circulation in problem areas to provide relief, reduce stasis and improve fluid flow.
  • Alleviate or reduce alignment or biomechanical stresses and strains without the use of prescription drugs.

 

Some of the most common manual techniques used in osteopath clinics in Melbourne and Eastern suburbs are collectively known as osteopathic manipulative medicine which includes resistance, gentle pressure and stretching just to name a few.

 

Osteopathic Therapy Indications

 

The most common conditions that are treated by osteopath physicians in Melbourne City are as follows:

 

  • Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow
  • Arthritis
  • Sciatica pain
  • Postural problems caused by pregnancy, sports-related injuries, driving and sporting issues
  • Neuralgia
  • Hand, shoulder, and elbow pain

To book an appointment, you can get in touch with us by visiting our site here, or by calling us on 03 9663 5450.

Is Plantar Fasciitis a Symptom?

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Wake up in morning with knife like pain in the arch or heel of your foot? It could be plantar fasciitis. It’s the bane of the foot’s existence and can be very frustrating and annoying. In this article I’ll be discussing all you’ll need to know about why and how plantar fasciitis comes to be and how Osteopathy can help you.

 

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

First, let’s talk anatomy. It’s common knowledge that the musculoskeletal system is made up of muscles, bones, ligaments and tendons; but there is a very important and often overlooked structure called fascia. Fascia is the sinew that holds everything together, we have layers upon layers of fascia that surround our muscles, tendons, joints and even our organs.

The plantar fascia is the extension of the achilles tendon that runs over your heel, along the bottom of your foot to the tips of your toes. It holds your foot together, encasing your arch, blood supply, nerves, tendons, muscles and small bones of the ankle. If the Plantar Fascia becomes inflamed and irritated it then presents as sharp unremitting pain in the arch or heel. It’s often worse in the mornings or after rest and is referred as plantar fasciitis.  

What causes Plantar Fasciitis?

This is the million dollar question. There’s little proof of an exact cause but there are studies that show plantar fasciitis being a manifestation of another biomechanical problems in the foot or leg. Biomechanical problems can be split into two categories;

Compressive forces: This is where the arch structures are very weak and collapsed similar to someone who has a ‘flat foot’; therego putting extra pressure on the plantar fascia to hold the foot together. This causes the plantar fascia to overstretch, inflaming its attachments to the heel; and in severe cases causing spurs on the heel bone. People who are obese and/or have flat feet are predisposed to this kind of injury.

Traction forces: This is where the plantar fascia is being overused and overstretched in someone who runs or walks on their toes. The repetitive physical stretch of the plantar fascia during the push off phase of running and the over activation of the calf muscles can pull the plantar fascia tight over the heel; therego irritating it. Athletes are more prone to this kind of injury.

 

How can an Osteopath treat this?

Osteopathic manual therapy can provide immense relief for people who suffer from this injury. Firstly an Osteopath will diagnose the cause of your plantar fasciitis and treat the problematic structures with safe, gentle manual therapy techniques. The most important factor is to change what is causing your plantar fasciitis and proceeding to strengthen the arch supporting muscles in the leg and foot. Our friendly and helpful Melbourne Osteopaths here at City Osteopathy will help you with your plantar fasciitis. Book in today!

Dr Stephanie Norton-Smith

Melbourne Osteopath

What Goes On Inside a Melbourne Osteopathy Clinic Near Me?

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Osteopathy is a field of complementary medicine that involves the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal conditions. Unlike traditional medical therapies, the best osteopaths in Melbourne skillfully utilise manual techniques to treat common conditions such as back pain, shoulder pain, postural problems and more serious conditions such as arthritis, neuralgia and sciatica pain, just to name a few.

 

Who needs to visit an osteopath in Melbourne CBD?

 

Osteopathy caters to musculoskeletal conditions that affect both young and old patients. Pregnant women, blue collar workers, white-collar professionals, as well as athletes can use the manual or touch therapies offered by osteopath clinics in Melbourne City.

 

What are the things that happen during your visit to a Melbourne Osteopathy Near You?

 

Before you seek treatment at an osteopath clinic in South Melbourne, make sure to check the following:

 

  • Visit a licensed osteopath accredited by Osteopathy Australia, formerly known as Australian Osteopathic Association
  • Ask regards their education, skills training, make sure it is up to date and relevant to you.. This is to ensure that you are getting the right level of osteopathic treatment and care from your chosen professional.
  • An initial visit to the best osteopath in Melbourne will be for a consultation. A thorough assessment will be held in order for the osteopathic doctor to come up with a comprehensive hands-on treatment regimen.
  • After the consultation, there will be a thorough physical examination of the patient to create a proper and accurate diagnosis. The osteopathic doctor will then request patients to perform movements and simple stretches to come up with an accurate diagnosis of his/her condition.
  • After the assessment, diagnosis and evaluation, a skilled osteopath will formulate a customised treatment plan that will provide relief from pain and discomfort as well as reduce the occurrence of symptoms altogether.

 

How much do osteopathy therapies cost in Melbourne City?

 

The cost of osteopathy visits depend on various factors such as location, level of expertise of  an osteopathy physician, and the condition they are suffering from. You should ask your insurance company if osteopathy is covered by your policy or otherwise.

To schedule an appointment with us, click here or call us on 03 9663 5450.

Our experienced Melbourne osteopath Mike’s 5 tips for better low back care!

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Top 5 Tips to Better Back Care

Dr Michael Santamaria, Melbourne Osteopath at City Osteopathy

Back pain, especially low back pain, is by far the most common complaint our Melbourne Osteopath’s see. Almost every Australian will experience some form of back pain in their lifetime. Many low back pain episodes are avoidable. There are simple habits you can adopt to reduce your risk of a flare-up and keep you out of our clinic!

 

  1. Reduce the amount of time you are seated.The more you sit, the less your core muscles are switched on and that means less back support. It also increases compressive load onto your low back. When this happens your joints and discs are asked to do a lot more of the work and often these strain as a result. So get up, walk around, walk at lunchtime or even better, get a Sit-Stand Desk that is electronically controlled.
  2. Strengthen your gluts.It’s not very osteopathic just to single out one muscle to save us all, but the gluteal muscles are just so important for pelvic and low back stability. Simple “bridges” or “clams” are so effective in strengthening your gluts. See exercises, the ‘clam’ is easier without a band and still effective but the band obviously increases the difficulty.

  1. Exercise.This is obvious, and it will vary for different people. But if you exercise, your core muscles are engaged and this is key to supporting your low back. Walking or gentle exercise such as swimming or bike riding are brilliant. Many patients do Pilates or Yoga, which is great, but many of us don’t have the money or the time to keep doing that, so just get out and walk for 20 minutes every night instead.
  2. Avoid heavy lifting.Another very obvious rule, but it is amazing how many people come into us saying, “I know I shouldn’t have done it, but I just needed to move that large pot plant/chest of drawers/box of wine out of the car…” Just get someone to help you. Get to know your neighbours, ask them to help out for 1 minute. Patients can end up getting months of treatment for one silly lifting injury.
  3. Drive less. Driving is one of the worst things for your back. Two reasons.  One you are sitting in a position that is unergonomic with your right leg outstretched and rotated on the accelerator. This puts traction stress onto your back whilst you are sitting.  And the vibration from the road puts pressure onto your low back and its discs whilst in a compromising position.  Ask someone that has had back pain, they all hate driving!

If you are looking for back pain help, come visit your Melbourne Osteopath at City Osteopathy, we are experienced, motivated and caring practitioners.