What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a healthcare model that aims to improve the body’s physiological function and/or support its homeostasis that may have been changed by the insults placed on it. 

Osteopathic philosophy organises the knowledge of anatomy and physiology in relation to health of the body (the physical, mental, emotional). With a patient-centred focus, osteopathy uses gentle, safe and effective hands-on therapy which primarily helps in the treatment of your musculoskeletal (muscles, joints, fascia, ligaments) system, organs and central nervous system. The osteopathic philosophy differentiates osteopathy from other manual medicine treatments in that osteopaths treat the body holistically; we look at the body as a whole, not just the area where you are experiencing pain or discomfort. We believe that the body’s structure is inherently related to its function so when your joints, muscles or nerves are not operating properly, your health is compromised. 

There are two main types of technique used by osteopaths; direct and indirect – both of which we practice at Homecare Osteopathy. 

·      Direct techniques utilize a level of force in the application. Examples of such techniques are massage, joint articulation, muscle activation, joint manipulation and stretching.

·      Indirect techniques are when the osteopath works with the body to guide it to the freedom of restriction. As a result, this mode of treatment is excellent for children, the elderly and chronic pain. Indirect techniques include fascial unwinding, counter-strain, functional technique and osteopathy in the cranial field.