What Sort Of Treatment Techniques Will My Osteopath Use?
Osteopaths in Australia undergo 5 years of extensive study and during these 5 years they are trained in a variety of techniques so that they are able to select the most appropriate and effective treatment techniques for your particular injury. Some of the techniques commonly used by the osteopath within an osteopathic consultation can include:
- Soft tissue massage – this may involved direct or indirect treatment of the tight or tender soft tissues. Direct soft tissue massage may involve working into the muscle to relax the tissues, whereas indirect soft tissue technique may involving moving away from the tight/tender spot to help reduce tension and pain. Some of the osteopaths at Principle Four Osteopathy may also apply instrument assisted soft tissue massage (similar to FAKTR or Graston Technique).
- Joint articulation and mobilisation – this involves moving joints through its anatomical range of movement. Sometimes following an injury a joint can become stiff and restricted and gentle joint articulation and mobilisation can help improve their mobility.
- Joint manipulation (high velocity low amplitude) techniques are typically commonly known as “joint cracking” “joint cavitation” “popping” the joint.
- Stretching (which can include static, PNF, dynamic application) of the muscles. Practitioners might assist with the stretching or prescribe stretching for the client.
- Taping such as rigid stability taping or dynamic taping (kinesiotaping, rock taping) to help with support and proprioceptive awareness.
- Dry Needling. In recent times more and more manual therapists (osteopaths, physiotherapist, chiropractors & myotherapists) are training in dry needling techniques. This technique is often used for the treatment of trigger points.
- Exercise prescription and rehabilitation. More and more osteopaths are now educating and prescribing exercise as part of the treatment and management of their clients injuries or conditions. This may involve the prescription of movements, strength, endurance, flexibility or balance exercises.
- Ergonomic and manual handling risk assessment/training. Reviewing and educating on best practice ergonomics and manual handling is another common treatment and management approach by the Osteopath.
This article aims to highlight some of the more common techniques used by Osteopaths at Principle Four Osteopathy within their treatment and management of clients.
Osteopath Heath Williams is owner and director of Principle Four Osteopathy. Principle Four Osteopathy is one of Melbourne City CBD and Docklands leading Osteopathy Clinics.
The Melbourne City CBD clinic is located at 29 Somerset Place (basement), close to the corner of Elizabeth St and Little Bourke in the Melbourne City CBD. Our premises adjoin the Jon Weller Personal Training Studio, a fully-equipped training space which allows clients to combine their osteopathy treatment with exercise tutorials or specific training programs and rehabilitation.
The Docklands clinic is located at 717 Bourke St (Ground Floor), beneath the Channel 9 building near the walkway from Southern Cross Train Station to Etihad Stadium. Our premises adjoin Pilates on Bourke, a fully-equipped pilates and yoga training space which allows clients to combine their osteopathy treatment with exercise tutorials, pilates or specific training programs and rehabilitation.
To speak to an Osteopath or book an appointment at Principle Four Osteopathy, please book online or call 03 9670 9290.