Summit Osteopathy exists to empower people to get the most out of life, with passion, joy and purpose. We want to help patients realise their summit, no matter how big or small! We work to tangible goals that aim to improve function, empower and educate patients to instil them with confidence in their bodies!
“But what is an osteopath?”
If we had a dollar for every time...
We often hear from our patients that they get stuck when explaining what their osteopath does.
We’re hoping this makes it easier the next time you’re at a barbecue trying to convince your neighbour to see your lovely osteopath. (You can even send them this article!)
“Oh you should really see my osteopath!”
WHY SHOULD SOMEONE SEE AN OSTEOPATH?
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO OSTEOPATHS HAVE?
An osteopath is a hands on manual therapist specialising in using a holistic approach to assess a person’s musculoskeletal system. We are regulated allied health practitioners (registered with AHPRA).
We study at university for a minimum for 4.5 years to qualify as an osteopath. We cover subjects in depth such as anatomy, physiology, neuroanatomy, microbiology, pharmacology and toxicology and pathology. There are three universities in Australia who offer the course, based in Victoria and New South Wales.
What is their approach?
How do Osteopaths differ from other manual therapists?
It’s important to remember, there are fantastic manual therapists across many modalities! We even cross refer with some of them, pending what our patients’ needs are. But let’s focus on us-
We consider the skeleton, joints, muscles, nervous system, circulation and internal organs when assessing the body and the pain or dysfunction present.
We are really interested in how these systems are working together, and how we might be able to optimise their function to enable your body to heal or cope, to re-establish movement and wellbeing.
It is not abnormal for us to assess or treat the feet or hip complex, even if a patient is complaining of lower back pain! It is all connected after all!
We spend on a little more time than average with our patients in order to gather a thorough understanding of their pain or dysfunction, their goals, lifestyle factors and to properly assess their bodies. This is important in establishing an accurate diagnosis and therefore treatment plan moving forward.
Do osteopaths just treat backs?
Nope! We treat the whole musculoskeletal system and how each part of the body interacts with the others! We commonly see patients with:
Headaches
Neck pain
Lower Back Pain
Pain related to arthritic conditions
Pain relating to pregnancy
Sporting injuries - strains and sprain
Chronic pain
Foot, knee or hip pain
Shoulder, elbow or wrist pain
How does an osteopath treat?
We use a range of manual therapy techniques including soft tissue techniques, stretching, joint mobilisation, exercise prescription, lifestyle advice and chronic pain education.
Our approach is based around understanding the cause, assisting in facilitating functional change in the body, ensuring our patients better understand their bodies and feel more confident in managing discomfort or pain moving forward.
So why would I see AN OSTEOPATH?
Osteopaths assist in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a range of musculoskeletal conditions.
It is a common misconception that we need to “put up with pain”, either as we get older, or even if we are sitting at desks all day, or playing sport. But you don’t need to be in pain to see an osteopath.
We encourage people to see an osteopath if they are feeling like their body is holding them back, whether that be due to pain, movement restriction or feeling “not quite right”. Factors such as sedentary behaviour, high workload, stress, poor diet and lack of exercise can all contribute to a feeling of dis-ease. There is not always a specific injury or trauma.
When we move, we often feel less pain and reduce the other stressors on our body, like lifestyle disease and emotional stress. Don’t let pain or restriction limit you any longer! Get back to your best self with the help of Osteopathy.
What happens during an initial osteopathic consult?
During an initial osteopathic consultation we will begin by taking a detailed case history, gathering information about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors. This helps them understand your condition and overall health.
Next, a physical examination is conducted, which may involve assessing your posture, range of motion, muscle strength, and joint mobility. Palpation (hands-on) techniques are used to identify areas of tension, tenderness, or restricted movement in muscles, joints, and soft tissues. We may also perform orthopedic and neurological assessments to evaluate your musculoskeletal and nervous systems.
Based on our assessment findings, we will discuss diagnosis and treatment plan with you. We will explain the techniques they plan to use, the expected benefits, and any potential risks. Informed consent is obtained before proceeding with treatment.
Treatment often involves hands-on techniques such as joint mobilisation, soft tissue manipulation, stretching, or other manual therapy methods. We may also provide guidance on self-care strategies, exercises, and lifestyle modifications to support your recovery. We will also discuss the recommended frequency of follow-up visits.
“We are really interested in how these systems are working together, and how we might be able to optimise their function to enable your body to heal or cope, to re-establish movement and wellbeing. ”