What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a form of manual health care which recognises the important link between the structure of the body and the way it functions. Osteopaths focus on how the skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulation, connective tissue and internal organs function as a holistic unit.
Using skilled evaluation, diagnosis and a wide range of hands-on techniques, osteopaths can identify important types of dysfunction in your body. Osteopathic treatment uses techniques such as stretching and massage for general treatment of the soft tissues (muscles, tendons and ligaments) along with mobilisation of specific joints and soft tissues.
Osteopathy is covered by most private health funds and the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) scheme. Osteopaths are registered providers for workers’ compensation schemes, motor accident insurers and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
In Australia, all osteopaths complete a minimum of five years university training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, general medical diagnosis and osteopathic techniques. They are also trained to perform standard medical examinations of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems. These university graduates hold either a double Bachelors or Master qualification.
Osteopaths are required, by law, to maintain ongoing professional development and education to stay in practice. In Australia, all osteopaths are required to be government registered practitioners. The register can be found here.
Information from the Australian Osteopathic Association website: http://www.osteopathy.org.au