Osteopathy
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on treating the body as a whole rather than just the symptoms of a particular condition. Osteopathy is based on the idea that the body has an inherent ability to heal itself, and that the health of the body is dependent on the proper functioning of its structures and systems.
Osteopaths use a variety of manual techniques to assess and treat the body, including muscle energy technique, myofascial release, joint mobilisation and manipulation, biodynamics in the cranial field, rocktape kinesiology taping, dry needling, rockblades, exercise rehabilitation, rockpods, glass cupping, massage, and gentle stretching. By restoring balance and proper function to the body, Osteopathy can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and promote overall wellness.
Osteopathy is a safe and effective form of healthcare that can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, from musculoskeletal pain to digestive issues.
At Total Balance Port Macquarie we offer a range of Osteopathy services to treat our patients. Read more about the Osteopathy services we offer below.
Muscle Energy Technique
Muscle energy technique (MET) is a form of manual therapy that uses the patient’s own muscle contractions to improve joint mobility and reduce pain. It is based on the principle that muscles can be used to improve joint mobility and reduce pain. The technique involves the patient actively contracting their muscles against a resistance provided by the therapist. This resistance is then used to stretch the muscle and improve joint mobility. The therapist will then guide the patient through a series of gentle stretches and contractions to further improve joint mobility and reduce pain.
MET can be used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including neck and back pain, shoulder pain, and knee pain. It is a safe and effective treatment option for many patients, and can be used in combination with other treatments such as physical therapy and medications.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release is a safe and effective way to release pain and discomfort throughout the body. It involves applying a sustained gentle pressure to the fascia while going through different ranges of motion. Fascia is a complex network of tissues within the body which attaches muscles, bones and organs and allows the body to function as a whole unit. Tightness through the fascia effects individuals in different ways often presenting with pain, stiffness and/or reduced ranges of motion.
The application of myofascial release can be performed in a multitude of ways, including massage, foam rolling, and stretching.
The goal of myofascial release is to restore the natural movement and function of the fascia, which can help to alleviate pain and improve overall health.
One of the key benefits of myofascial release is that it can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including back pain, neck pain, and other musculoskeletal disorders. It can also be used to improve athletic performance, promote relaxation, and reduce stress/anxiety.
Myofascial release is a technique which can be applied in a safe manner for all individuals to combat their pain. So why not give it a try to see how myofascial release can be applied to your circumstance by our qualified staff who can also guide you through a range of self-myofascial release exercises.
Joint Mobilisation and Manipulation
Osteopathic manipulation and mobilisation are two techniques used in osteopathic practice to help improve joint mobility and reduce pain and stiffness. While both techniques are similar in their goals, there are some key differences between the two.
Osteopathic manipulation involves the use of high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts to manipulate the joints and surrounding tissues. This technique is often used to treat acute injuries or conditions, such as sprains or strains, and is designed to restore normal joint function and range of motion.
In contrast, osteopathic mobilisation involves the use of gentle, rhythmic movements to manipulate the joints and surrounding tissues. This technique is often used to treat chronic conditions, such as arthritis or fibromyalgia, and is designed to reduce pain and stiffness and improve overall joint mobility.
One of the key benefits of osteopathic mobilisation is its ability to improve joint mobility without the need for invasive procedures or medications. The technique is non-invasive and does not involve any drugs or surgery, making it a safe and effective option for many patients.
Another benefit of osteopathic mobilisation is its versatility. The technique can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including musculoskeletal pain, joint stiffness, and even digestive and respiratory issues. By improving joint mobility and reducing tension in the surrounding tissues, osteopathic mobilisation can help to improve overall health and well-being.
Overall, both osteopathic manipulation and mobilisation are valuable techniques that can help to improve joint mobility and reduce pain and stiffness. The choice of technique will depend on the specific needs and condition of the patient, as well as the preferences of the practitioner. If you are interested in learning more about osteopathic manipulation or mobilisation, be sure to speak with a qualified practitioner who can provide you with more information and guidance.
Biodynamics in the cranial field
Biodynamics in the cranial field of Osteopathy is a holistic approach to treating patients with a range of physical and emotional issues. It uses gentle manual techniques to assess the body’s relationship between structure and function, and then applies corrective forces to facilitate the body’s natural healing process.
The biodynamic approach focuses on restoring balance to the body by addressing the underlying causes of dysfunction.
This form of therapy is used to treat a variety of conditions, including headaches, neck and back pain, TMJ, and chronic pain. Biodynamic osteopathy can be used as an alternative or in addition to other forms of treatment, and can help restore balance, reduce pain, and improve overall health and well-being.
Rocktape Kinesiology Taping
Rocktape Kinesiology Taping is a therapeutic technique that uses elastic tape to provide support and stability to muscles, joints, and ligaments. The tape is applied in a specific pattern to help reduce pain, increase range of motion, and improve circulation.
It can be used to treat a variety of conditions such as tendinitis, sprains, strains, and sports injuries.
Rocktape Kinesiology Taping is a safe, non-invasive, and drug-free option that can provide relief from pain and discomfort while allowing the body to heal itself. It is also used to improve performance by increasing muscle activation, improving posture, and helping to prevent injury.
Dry Needling
Dry needling is a form of treatment that involves inserting fine needles into the skin to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. This form of therapy is used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including muscle pain, tension, and trigger points.
Dry needling works by releasing tight muscles and reducing inflammation, which can help reduce pain and improve mobility. It is also used to treat nerve pain, improve blood circulation, and release endorphins to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Dry needling is a safe and effective form of treatment that can be used as an alternative or in addition to other forms of therapy.
Rock Blades
Rock blades are a type of manual therapy used to treat musculoskeletal conditions. This technique uses stainless steel blades to apply pressure to specific points on the body. The blades are moved in a rhythmic motion to help reduce tension and improve range of motion.
Rock blades can be used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and headaches.
The rock blades technique is based on the idea that the human body is composed of interconnected systems. By applying pressure to specific points on the body, the therapist can help to restore normal function to these systems. This technique can help to reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore balance to the body. Rock blades can also help to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and improve overall health. Additionally, it can help to improve posture and performance.
Overall, rock blades therapy is a great option for those looking to reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore balance to the body. This technique is safe and effective when performed by a qualified and experienced therapist. It can help to reduce pain, improve mobility, and improve overall health.
Exercise Prescription
Exercise prescription is an essential part of our practice. It is a powerful tool that we use to help our patients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve their overall health and wellbeing.
When it comes to exercise prescription in osteopathic practice, there are several key factors that we consider. First and foremost, we consider the patient’s medical history, current health status, any existing injuries or conditions, goals, and preferences. This information helps us to design an exercise program that is safe and effective for the patient.
Another important factor in exercise prescription is progression. We start with exercises that are appropriate for the patient’s current fitness level and gradually increase the intensity and difficulty of the exercises as the patient becomes stronger and better at it. This helps to prevent injury and ensures that the patient continues to make progress towards their goals.
In addition to designing exercise programs, we also provide guidance and support to our patients to help them stay motivated on track with their exercise routine. We may recommend specific strategies for overcoming common barriers to exercise, such lack of time or motivation, and provide tips for staying active and healthy outside of the gym.
Overall, exercise prescription is an important part of osteopathic practice that can help patients improve their health and wellbeing in a safe and effective way. We tailor a specific exercise program by considering each patient’s unique needs and goals to achieve their desired outcome.
Rockpods
RockPods are small, silicone cups that can be used to perform a variety of techniques, including myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and deep tissue massage. These tools are designed to mimic the effects of traditional cupping therapy, but with a more versatile and user-friendly design.
One of the key benefits of RockPods is their ability to provide targeted, deep tissue massage. The cups can be placed on specific areas of the body, such as the back, neck, or shoulders, and used to apply pressure and release tension in the muscles and fascia. This can help to improve circulation, reduce pain and inflammation, and promote overall relaxation and well-being.
Overall, RockPods are a valuable tool for anyone looking to improve their overall health and well-being. Whether used alone or in combination with other therapies, they can help to reduce pain and tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation and healing. If you are interested in learning more about RockPods or other therapy tools, be sure to speak with a qualified practitioner who can provide you with more information and guidance.
Glass Cupping
Glass cupping is a technique that has been used in osteopathic practice for centuries. It involves the use of glass cups that are placed on the skin to create a vacuum, which helps to increase blood flow and promote healing. This technique is often used to treat a variety of conditions, including musculoskeletal pain, respiratory problems, and digestive issues.
There are several different types of glass cupping techniques that can be used in osteopathic practice. One of the most common is dry cupping, which involves placing the cups on the skin without any additional substances. This technique is often used to treat pain and inflammation in the muscles and joints.
Another type of glass cupping technique is wet cupping, which we do not use.
In addition to these techniques, there are also variations of glass cupping that involve the use of heat or cold. For example, hot cupping involves heating the cups before they are placed on the skin, while cold cupping involves cooling the cups before use. These techniques can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including respiratory problems and digestive issues.
When performing glass cupping in osteopathic practice, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure that the technique is safe and effective. For example, the cups should be placed on clean, dry skin, and should not be left in place for more than 10-15 minutes at a time. Additionally, the practitioner should be trained in the proper use of the technique to avoid injury or other complications.
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