What is Osteopathy
Osteopathic medicine is a system of health care based on the idea that disease is the result of the connection between anatomical structure and physiological function.
A well-functioning musculoskeletal system plays an important role in wellness, prevention of disease and improvement.
Osteopathic medicine focuses on the relationship between the body’s nerves, muscles, bones and organs and Osteopathic practitioners have a ‘whole person’ approach to patient-centred care, including prevention, diagnosis and treatment of illness, disease and injury.
Osteopaths understand the systems of the body and how they are inter-related. Osteopathy is best known for its treatment of a range of musculo-skeletal problems but it can be used to treat a variety of other conditions too. The Osteopath believes the health of the musculoskeletal system will reflect and influence the condition of all other body systems.
Why visit an Osteopath?
Many people visit an Osteopathic clinic to help back and neck pain, headaches, joint pain, repetitive strain or sports injuries. However osteopathic treatment can be used in the treatment of many conditions like asthma, high blood pressure or post-natal depression, simply because these conditions have a structural component that can be treated by an osteopath.
Osteopaths use observation, gentle manipulation with their hands and listening skills (to understand your health concerns) to identify structural problems and to support the body’s natural inclination toward self-healing.
Qualifications
Developed 130 years ago by physician A.T.Still, Osteopathy is a fast-growing health care system recognised by the World Health Organisation and the British Medical Association. In New Zealand, to be an Osteopath, you must have the qualification D.O. (Diploma of Osteopathy).
A consultation with Alison Odey may involve the use of Osteopathic type of therapies, but also many others, as this is just one of the therapies Alison draws on to treat the ‘whole person’.