Osteopathy Brisbane

Osteopathy is used to identify and treat damage and dysfunction in the entire framework of the body, including the muscles, bones, spine, ligaments, and connective tissues (fascia). It is a hands-on therapy which involves a variety of techniques, including massage, stretching, mobilisation of the joints, and gentle spinal adjustments.

What is the Difference Between a Chiropractor, Physiotherapist, and Osteopath?

In very simple terms

• Chiropractors mostly work on the spine and the joints
• Physiotherapists normally work on the muscles
• Osteopaths usually work on the muscles, spine and joints

Osteopaths use multiple techniques to treat the body, including many similar to massage therapy, physiotherapy techniques, and osteopathic joint manipulation similar to chiropractic adjustments.

By working on the muscles and soft tissues, osteopaths can help keep the spine and joints freer and more mobile. By working on the alignment of the spine and the body generally, they can take the pressure off the nerves, improve blood flow, and help the body to heal itself.

Other Differences

• Osteopaths also work on the tendons, ligaments and connective tissues (fascia)
• They take a holistic view of the body, by looking at what is causing the problem for that person, as well as seeing how the problem is impacting on the rest of their body
• Osteopaths assess the musculoskeletal system, looking for areas of weakness, imbalance or excessive strain. Any of these problem areas can affect how well the person’s body is functioning, and impact on their health.
• As a result, our Brisbane osteopath sometimes uses osteopathy to treat respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, and various other internal health conditions
• Osteopaths can also use Craniosacral Therapy to help balance a person’s nervous system

How Recognised is Osteopathy?

• Osteopaths are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), the same as medical doctors, pharmacists, dentists, physiotherapists, etc.
• Their treatments can be partly covered by Medicare under a Chronic Disease Management (CDM)/ Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan by a GP.
• Most health funds include Osteopathy as standard in their Extras cover.
• It takes 5 years of full-time study to become an osteopathic doctor

What do Osteopaths Treat?

They can treat a very broad range of conditions, however are particularly known for treating muscle, spine, joint or tendon issues. These include

• Back pain (including disc pain)
• Neck pain (including whiplash)
• Knee, hip and ankle pain
• Sprains & strains
• Headaches & migraines
• Tennis/golfers elbow
• Shoulder elbow and wrist pain
• Arthritis
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Vertigo
• Sciatica
• Sports injuries
• Tendonitis
• Jaw pain
• Pregnancy related conditions
• Workplace related conditions

However, as mentioned previously, they can often treat a variety of internal disorders as well.

About Dr Becky Hull, our Brisbane Osteopath

Becky obtained her Masters in Osteopathy 12 years ago in England. After moving to Australia, she spent 8 years as the Senior Osteopath and Clinical Mentor at a major osteopathic clinic in Melbourne. In her role as Clinical Mentor, she conducted weekly training sessions for 6 less experienced osteopaths, and supervised students doing their Osteopathic internships.

“I regard myself to be an empathetic and considerate person who strives to get the best outcomes for patients. … I am confident in managing complex cases and enjoy treating people of all ages. I love the variety that Osteopathy brings to my work week.”

Read more about Becky.

To find out more about our Osteopathy services, or to take advantage of our Free Comprehensive Assessment offer, please call our Brisbane clinic on 07 3376 6911. Or you can click on ‘Book Now’ at the top of the page to make an appointment.