The roots of Osteopathy date back to the early 1870's when Dr Andrew Taylor Still developed a system of health care based on the premise that the body contains the basic requirements for it's own healing. At the time of conception, medical practitioners were often poorly trained and had little knowledge of the pathology of disease processes. Therapies utilised were unsophisticated and often dangerous, utilising laxatives, bloodletting, mercury based compounds, narcotics and alcohol as treatments.

Often these treatment modalities were just as dangerous as the disease process.
During the 1860's infectious diseases often ran rampant; tuberculosis, typhoid, measles and meningitis, to name a few, were commonly encountered. It was when an epidemic of meningitis claimed the life of 3 of Dr Still's children, which orthodox medicine couldn't help, that Dr Still broke ties with allopathy. He was disheartened with the system of healthcare at the time and set out to develop his own. He believed in natural immunity, eliminating the use of addictive and toxic drugs from his practice.

A.T.Still's system of healthcare is based on 4 principles

• The body is a unit - The body is a single entity rather than separate parts. The musculoskeletal system is intimately related to all body systems via voluntary and involuntary nervous systems, connective tissue and the circulatory system.


• Structure and function are reciprocally related - An abnormality in the structure of a body part, may lead to abnormal function either locally or distant from the damaged structure. Likewise abnormal function can lead to changes in structure.


• The body has an inherent capacity to defend and repair itself - the body has it's own chemical stores that act to heal the body following trauma and defend from invading organisms.


• Rational treatment is based on these principles
  The name osteopathy (given to the therapy by Dr. Still) comes from the Greek osteon (bone) and pathos (to suffer), so it literally means suffering of the bone. The name has created some confusion, leading people to think that an osteopath treats only conditions of the bones. However, Dr. Still chose the name because he recognized the importance of a properly functioning musculoskeletal system for the total well-being of the individual.

Dr. Still thought of the musculoskeletal system as the primary machinery of life and saw how disruptions in this delicate machine may lead to illness. For the osteopath, therefore, the physical integrity of the whole body is seen as one of the most important factors in health and disease. Rather than bone specialists, osteopaths are in fact masters in the biomechanics of the human machine.

Osteopathy is a wholistic approach to manual medicine based on the theory that the human body operates as a total functional unit. Damage to one part may be reflected as an adverse reaction in another body part, system or organ.
Osteopathy is a system of health care that focuses on the treatment of the physical body, the joints, muscles and connective tissues, with 'hands-on' techniques such as deep tactile pressure, stretching and manipulation.

This has several applications including
• Treating muscular contractions following periods of immobility.
• Increasing the quality and range of motion in joints after muscle or joint strain.
• Breaking down scar tissue after trauma.

This in turn affects the whole body via connections with the nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems

Osteopaths treat the whole person considering psychological factors, nutritional status, lifestyle and stress reduction. For this reason Osteopaths offer personal advice on stretching and strengthening exercises, posture, diet and hydration, correct lifting procedures and stress management.

 

Osteopaths with their vast array of techniques and diagnostic skills can treat many different conditions and age groups. At Wantirna Osteopathy the practitioners are not only experienced in treating chronic and acute back, neck, shoulder and headache problems but also have great knowledge and experience in treating all forms of sporting injuries. Our practitioners can refer for Xrays, Ultrasound and MRI and have access to affordable braces and supports. Wantirna Osteopathy strives to be your first point of call, however, will always work in conjunction with your general practitioner or specialist.
 

The primary objective of osteopathic treatment is to correct faults in the body's mechanics to normalise the body's structure and function. The body has an inherent tendency to heal itself. Its inbuilt 'repair kit' performs best when the body is mechanically sound as it allows for the best circulation of blood and other fluids, the best delivery of nutrients and removal of waste products and the best nervous conductivity. This works to assist, accelerate and enhance the natural healing process. > MORE
 

No. Although an increasing number of general practitioners are referring patients to osteopaths, it is not required to have one in order to make an appointment. Conversely, osteopaths may refer you back to your general practitioner, should any further investigations be deemed necessary.