Osteos, Physios and Chiros:
Are all allied health practitioners
Are all university qualified
All treat musculoskeletal pain or injury or movement problems
May all use manual therapy and prescribe exercise during a consultation
Will all give you lifestyle advice to stay healthy
Will all work in collaboration with other health professionals, such as a GP
All must be registered under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) to practice
There is an overlap and differences between the professions in terms of approach and treatment. Regardless of which health professional you choose to see, they will take a thorough medical history and carry out a physical examination to assess what might be causing your pain, injury, or discomfort. If they can’t help you, they will refer you to another appropriate allied health professional or your GP.
You do not need a GP referral to see any of these practitioners.
Why do we think Osteopathy is different?
Osteopaths will look at the whole you to diagnose the root cause of your pain by considering your body, the way it moves, the pain or discomfort you feel, any injuries or soreness you may have, and your health and lifestyle to determine its impact on you, your pain, and your health. Osteopaths like to take time to listen to you, understand your concerns and what really matters to you.
Osteopathic treatment is very individualised and may be varied. Often, osteopaths will treat you with a range of techniques, including manual therapy, massage, stretching, mobilisation, manipulation, dry needling, and exercise prescription. Osteopathy is a very hands-on profession
By focusing on the whole person, an osteopath may treat many parts of your body, not just the part that feels sore. For example, if you go to an osteopath with a sore back, your osteo will often treat the neck, shoulders, back and legs because everything is connected, and all these areas can influence and impact your back pain.
Osteopaths will also talk to you about the activities that may increase your pain, your lifestyle, how you feel, and will consider all these factors to develop a treatment plan for you and to help you to understand your role in getting better. Their aim is to get you back doing the things you love.
Our Osteopath, Dr. Anne-Marie Noble is available every Monday, Wednesday & Thursday at BodyActive from 12pm – 7pm.
You can contact her directly on 0417 509 120 or at the clinic on 9427 8848.
Alternatively, you can book online using the form from the link below:
Article originally published on the Osteopathy Australia website.