Osteopathy

Osteopathy is an allied health profession that aims to improve the body’s natural functioning by considering the interrelatedness of body structures, systems, and functions. It is based on the principle that the body has the innate ability to heal itself, and Osteopaths assist the body in this process largely through hands-on techniques, education, exercise and adjunctive therapies.

Osteopathy is effective for treating musculoskeletal complaints as it targets the root cause of the pain/dysfunction rather than just treating the symptoms. Osteopaths use a range of techniques such as joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage, manipulation, muscle energy technique, indirect techniques and stretching to restore function and movement. By improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and relieving tension in muscles and joints, Osteopathy can help alleviate pain and improve the body’s overall health.

Osteopaths typically treat a wide range of regions and presentations in the body, most common are the: 

• Neck
• Back
• Shoulders
• Hips
• Knees
• Headaches
• Postural concerns
• Chronic pain
• Tendinopathies

Osteopaths use a holistic approach to treat the whole body rather than just treating the symptoms in one specific area and their popularity is becoming evident through being the highest growing allied healthcare profession in Australia to date. 

Dry Needling

Dry needling is an adjunctive manual therapy technique used to alleviate musculoskeletal pain and improve function. The technique involves inserting a thin needle through the skin and into trigger points to release tension in the affected muscles and reduce inflammation. This works by improving blood flow to the area and promoting tissue healing. Additionally, Dry needling can improve range of motion and flexibility.

While dry needling and acupuncture both involve the use of needles, there are some key differences between the two techniques. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting needles into specific points along energy channels in the body to promote balance and harmony. Dry needling, on the other hand, is a modern Western medicine technique that focuses on targeting trigger points in muscles to relieve pain and improve function.

You may benefit from dry needling if you have musculoskeletal pain, particularly if it is related to tension or tightness in your muscles. It can be used to reduce pain in many areas of the body, including the neck, shoulders, back, hips, and legs. However, it is important to note that dry needling may not be appropriate for everyone, and you should consult with your Osteopath to determine if it’s right for you.

Cupping

Cupping is an adjunctive therapy that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. This suction helps to stimulate blood flow, loosen muscles, reduce inflammation, increase range of motion and decrease pain.

Cupping therapy dates back thousands of years and is often described in western medicine as Myofascial cupping. Osteopaths may use cupping among other treatment techniques for numerous musculoskeletal presentations. These often include neck, back, shoulder and lower limb pain. 

Cupping is performed in two ways. “Fixed” on the target tissue or “mobile”, being moved across the skin to help release tension and adhesions in the muscles and connective tissue.

Speak to your Osteopath about if cupping is a suitable treatment option for you and your presenting complaint.

Exercise Rehabilitation

With overwhelming evidence supporting the efficacy of exercise on musculoskeletal presentations, Osteopaths routinely prescribe exercise as part of an individual’s management plan.

Osteopaths advocate for using targeted and non-targeted exercise in countless circumstances, often including acute sporting injuries, workplace injuries, chronic pain presentations, pre and post operations, mental, physical and social well being along with movement, stability or strength discrepancies.

At Metro Osteopathy we consistently use individually tailored exercise rehabilitation programs within and outside consultations, priding ourselves on finding suitable and enjoyable ways to implement exercise for a want, need and ultimately goal driven outcome.

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy aims to help treat and manage neuro-musculoskeletal issues through hands-on methods. It’s commonly applied in Osteopathic care with the intention of reducing pain, increasing range of motion, reducing inflammation and facilitating tissue repair.

As university trained allied health practitioners, we assess joints, ligaments and soft tissues that may benefit from manual therapy before applying suitable techniques with the patient’s consent.

Common manual therapy techniques include joint mobilisations and manipulations, massage, stretching, traction, muscle energy technique and counterstrain. Manual therapy is best applied when used in-conjunction with other modalities. 

Education

Although not a flashy part of treatment, education would have to be the MOST important. When faced with neuro-musculoskeletal complaints, understanding your diagnosis, its management and prognosis is paramount.

This knowledge intends to empower active rehabilitation participation, which has a higher association with pain relief and recovery from injury. Osteopathic practitioners recognize that an informed patient is not just a passive recipient of treatment, but a partner in the process.

Through education, you will gain insight into your presentation, learn preventive measures, and can make the right lifestyle choices, significantly impacting your well-being.

Sports injuries

At Metro Osteopathy, sport and exercise is a strong passion of ours. To put our money where our mouth is we have built strong affiliations with local businesses, Snap Fitness, Strike Studio, Aligned for life Pilates and Sunshine Football club to name a few, with the intention of keeping injured athletes of all levels participating and returning to their chosen activities efficiently.

Our vested interest and experience in sport and the demands of physical activity best position us to treat, manage and prevent those injuries reoccurring, safely and from an evidence based method.

Common sports injuries include:

• Ankle sprains
• Hamstring strains
• Shoulder impingement
• Achilles tendinopathy
• Patella tendinopathy
• Tennis elbow
• Golfer’s elbow
• Calf strain
• Knee injuries
• Shoulder subluxations and dislocations
• Hip & glute pain