Osteopaths use a variety of techniques to help correct abnormal
physical conditions which include back and neck pain, headache, physical
injuries to bones, joints and muscles, and many other physical and
functional disorders.
A wide variety of treatment techniques are used, which could include
manipulation and mobilisation to joints and soft tissues, muscle energy
stretches and cranial-sacral therapy. The Osteopath will use appropriate
treatment, after fully assessing the patient.
Osteopaths are front line health professionals and work with other
registered health professionals including general practitioners,
specialists and radiologists to provide the best service to their
patients.
Osteopaths are able to treat ACC claims patients without referral
from a medical doctor and refer for x-rays and to other health
professionals if required.
History
Osteopathy is a well established method of treatment that was founded
and developed by Dr Andrew Taylor Still M.D., in the United States of
America in 1874. He opened his first school, the American School of
Osteopathy, for the training of Osteopaths in 1892 in Kirksville,
Missouri. To give some understanding of the philosophy of Osteopathy we
should read a quotation from the Founder himself who said quite simply:-
"Osteopathy is based on the perfection of Nature's work.
When all parts of the human body are in line we have health. When they
are not the effect is disease. When the parts are readjusted disease
gives place to health. The work of the Osteopath is to adjust the body
from the abnormal to the normal; then the abnormal condition gives place
to the normal and health is the result of the normal condition." A. T.
Still