Essendon Natural Health

What is Osteopathy?

An osteopath is a qualified, government-registered primary care practitioner trained to diagnose and recognise medical conditions which require referral. They deal mostly with musculoskeletal complaints and provide a medical diagnosis using hands-on examinations and orthopaedic testing. Essendon Osteopathy can help you with the following.

When should I see an Osteopath?

Do you have pains within your body or proactively want to maintain your wellbeing? Osteopaths have the medical skills to determine whether you have a musculoskeletal condition, which can be helped with osteopathic treatment, or if it requires referral.

Osteopathy can help you with:

• Neck pain

• Back pain/Sciatica

• Postural problems

• Headaches

• Pregnancy pain

• Arthritis

• Muscle tightness/sports injuries

• Repetitive strain injuries

• Hip/knee pain

• Ankle/ Foot pain

• Shoulder / Elbow pain

• Wrist / Hand pain

• Treatments of infants and children

What Does Treatment Involve?

• Soft tissue massage

• Stretching

• Joint manipulation

• Joint articulation

• Muscle Energy Technique (MET)

• Postural Release

• Advice on stretching, ergonomics, posture

• Strengthening/ exercise programs

Is A Referral Required?

No. You don’t require a referral to see an osteopath.
Osteopaths often correspond and work with GPs and other health professionals to allow a team approach to health care.

Is Osteopathy Covered By Private Health Funds?

Yes, treatment is covered under the “extras” scheme by all major health funds. Your osteopathic treatment may also be eligible to be covered under Medicare – Speak to your GP about this.

How is Osteopathy different to Chiropractic and Physiotherapy?

Osteopathy is often said to be similar to Chiropractic and Physiotherapy but with some key differences. There are many different styles of Chiropractic, however the majority of patients will typically see a Chiropractor two to three times a week for 10 -15 minutes initially to receive spinal manipulations after the initial longer assessment and consultation. While Physiotherapists may typically see a patient longer for the initial assessment, the ongoing consultations are typically 20 to 30 minutes and usually involve assessment, exercise prescription and a small amount of massage, stretching or mobilisation and often without manipulation.

In Osteopathy, the practitioner typically sees a patient for assessment and treatment initially for one hour in duration, while the follow up consultations are for 45 minutes. After the initial assessment, treatment will focus on soft tissue release such as stretching, MET, and massage as well as HVLA adjustments, that can sometimes look similar to Chiropractic styles of treatment. The Osteopath also provides assessment and exercise prescription similar to a physiotherapist.

What happens at my first consultation?

At the initial consultation, our osteopath will ask questions about your complaint and symptoms. They may also ask about your medical history, any medications you are taking, as well as factors that may not appear to be directly related to your problem. If your medical condition changes between osteopathic appointments, you should tell your osteopath at your next consultation.

Next, your osteopath will conduct a full osteopathic examination and if necessary, clinical tests, this may involve diagnostic, orthopaedic or neurological tests, postural assessments and activities or exercises that will help determine how best to manage your condition. The examination may include passive and active movements, such as the osteopath lifting your arms or legs.

Osteopathy takes a holistic approach to treatment, so your practitioner may look at other parts of your body, as well as the area that is troubling you. For example, if you have a sore knee, your osteopath may also look at your ankle, pelvis and back.

Your osteopath may also provide education and advice to help you manage your condition between appointments. This may include giving you exercises to do at home or work.

What makes our Osteopath so special?

At Essendon Natural Health, we currently have one Osteopath - Dr Amy Ly, is  an RMIT trained Osteopath registered with the Osteopathic Registration Board. She is caring and highly qualified in treating a wide variety of musculo-skeletal complaints including back pain, neck pain, shoulder injuries, jaw pain, headaches, migraines, elbow complaints, knee pain, and ankle injuries.