OSTEOPATHY  

 

The philosophy of Osteopathy is the underlying basis when an Osteopath treats a patient.

  

The human body operates in much the same way as a machine, with all parts interrelated, and with structure being closely related to function. Further to this and extending the machine analogy further, damage to one part can have adverse effects on other systems or organs.

  

Underlying this theory is our belief that the human body has all of the necessary elements to attain, and maintain, optimal health, and an in-built repair system that enables us to recover from injury and disease.

  

As with any system in the body, this in-built repair system functions best when the machine is functionally sound. By using clinically developed techniques, that promote sufficient blood flow, osteopaths help maintain optimal function of the internal organs, which in turn promotes and maintains the body’s balanced production of natural chemicals.

  

The principal technique that we employ is ‘Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy’ or OMT for short.

  

Examples of OMT are:

  

Soft Tissue Massage

  

Muscle Stretching

  

Passive Range of Motion

  

Gentle Joint Manipulation

  

Specially developed ‘slow release techniques’ are commonly used in the elderly and the very young, to ensure that the treatment is both safe and comfortable.

  

As part of the holistic, or ‘whole person’, approach to optimal health, osteopaths also consider the roles of appropriate exercise programs, a healthy diet and nutrition, and emotional well being (through techniques such as stress reduction exercises and strategies) as important factors in your treatment.

  

In a nutshell, the aim of osteopathy is to restore the individual’s natural abilities to heal, by using a combination of biomechanics, lifestyle improvements, and healthy nutrition.

  

In Australia, Osteopathy has been practiced since 1909 and, as well as the United States, is widely practiced throughout the United Kingdom, Europe and New Zealand.

  

Click the following links for further information:

Asthma:  http://www.osteopathic.com.au/index.php/asthma

Seniors:  http://www.osteopathic.com.au/index.php/seniors

Sports:  http://www.osteopathic.com.au/index.php/sport

Pregnancy:  http://www.osteopathic.com.au/index.php/pregnancy

Headache:  http://www.osteopathic.com.au/index.php/headache

Low back pain: http://www.osteopathic.com.au/index.php/lower_back

  

  

NUTRITION and ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE

  

What is Nutritional and Environmental Medicine?

  

Nutritional Medicine

Nutrients are the building blocks of human physiology and play a key role in a person's health and wellbeing. Current medical literature increasingly bears out the fundamental role of nutrition in health-optimisation and the prevention and treatment of many common conditions.

“Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food.”
--Hippocrates (460-377 B.C.)

Although as quoted above it can be seen that maybe current knowledge is finally catching up with ancient wisdom!

  

Environmental Medicine

This area addresses the body's:

External environment - allergies, sensitivities, toxicities and level of ability to detoxify

Internal environment - the GI tract - gut flora, integrity of intestinal wall, nutrient absorption and the immune system

Environmental Medicine is concerned with those physical and psychological symptoms that result from allergy or sensitivity to various inhalants, foods, beverages and numerous chemical substances in air, water and food. The central nervous system, with its rich blood supply, is particularly susceptible to the effects of allergens and toxins. Consequently, individuals exhibiting physical or mental illness are suspected of having a sensitivity to some environmental factor that is upsetting the balance of nutrients within the body.

Environmental toxins are eliminated as far as possible. For optimum results, a regular program of physical exercise and relaxation is advised. Stresses of emotional, psychological and social origin must also be dealt with, as part of a total treatment program.

  

Nutritional and Environmental Medicine

is defined as the study of the interactions of both nutritional and environmental factors with human physiology, biochemistry, pathology and anatomy and the clinical application of these interactions in the optimisation of health and the prevention and treatment of disease. This may involve the removal of certain foods or chemicals from the patient's environment, the use of rotation diets and the provision of vitamins, minerals, trace elements and essential fatty acids,herbs or other nutritional supplements. Excesses or deficiencies of any nutrient or the presence of basic chemicals or electromagnetic radiation results in cellular dysfunction and illness. The underlying philosophy is closely aligned with Naturopathic principles and is a form of drug free Natural Medicine.

  

Pathology Tests

Some metabolic tests are available which may indicate imbalances within the body. These include: hair analysis, which gives an assessment of minerals and heavy metals; the prolonged glucose tolerance test, which analyses blood sugar levels; urine samples and various blood tests designed to evaluate vitamin, mineral or hormonal excesses or deficiencies. Lipid Peroxidation and antioxidant status are rapidly becoming important clinical investigations.

Perhaps one of the most important tests recommended is the IgG Food Sensitivity Test.

This test tells you what foods you should eat and those you should avoid for optimum health.

An IgG Food Sensitivity Test is a blood test that measures your immune response to different types of food.( usually 93 foods are tested )

It should be a routine test in medicine much like an FBE(Full blood examination) or a  Biochemistry Panel.

Food sensitivities can make you chronically ill without you being aware for many years - even a lifetime.

They can be strongly associated with chronic illnesses such as:

  

• Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia
• Chrohns Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Bloating,Constipation and Diarrhea
• Weight problems
• Dyspepsia,Heartburn and other Digestive issues
• Anxiety and Depression
• Migraines
• Eczema
• Asthma
• Neurological and Behavioural problems in Children
• Colic and Skin conditions and Failure to Thrive in Babies

  

Treatment

Treatment is aimed at  prescribing a varied diet with good nutritional value, while at the same time eliminating any problem foods from the diet.

We then focus on correcting any underlying nutritional imbalances and its cause, as well as providing symptomatic relief from the illness.

Proper balance is achieved by providing the molecular environment that allows the body to heal itself. As stated above this is done by attention to basic nutrition that is individualised for the patient, providing those nutrients that are found lacking or reducing those found in excess. Macronutrients such as Protein or Amino acids, Fatty acids etc and micronutrients such as Vitamin and Mineral supplements are added where diet cannot satisfy the individual need for nutrients. Herbs,Plant ( phyto) nutrients and other nutritional supplements are also utilised where appropriate.

  

 

THERAPEUTIC / REMEDIAL MASSAGE

  

Therapeutic / Remedial massage is the practice of soft tissue manipulation with physical, functional, and in some cases psychological purposes and goals.

 

Massage involves acting on and manipulating the client's body with pressure, tension, motion, or vibration. Target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, joints or other connective tissue, as well as lymphatic vessels, and/or organs of the gastrointestinal system. Massage is applied with the hands, fingers, elbows and forearms.

 

How massage can help you

 

· Regular massage for cumulative therapeutic benefits.

· Occasional massage as a temporary relief from pain and/or stress.

· Regular massage as part of a management plan for ongoing conditions such as arthritis, diabetics, high blood pressure, asthma etc.

· Palliative care to soothe, relieve and provide comfort or reduce the intensity of uncomfortable symptoms such as when conditions are degenerative.

· Infant massage to encourage growth, increase circulation, aid digestion, increase attentiveness, improve immune function and much more.

 

Some of the benefits of Massage

 

· Alleviates pain

· Reduces stress

· Facilitates growth

· Increases attentiveness and learning

· Reduces stereotypical and off-task behaviour in autistic individuals

· Improves immune function, massage increases the number of natural killer cells

· Promotes healing of psychiatric problems

· Assists in overcoming addictions such as cigarette smoking

· Supports effective digestion and breathing through stimulation of the vagus nerve

· Diminishes premenstrual symptoms

· Encourages dietary compliance in diabetics, leading to more normal glucose levels

· Lowers blood pressure, anxiety, and hostility levels in individuals with hypertension

· Reduces pain and increases range of motion in individuals with on going pain  

· Improves all clinical measures in paediatric eczema

 

Relaxation / Aromatherapy and Reflexology massage are also available at HealthQuest.

 

  

PAYMENT OPTIONS

  

	Medicare  You can now be eligible to receive up to 5 (five) Osteopathic treatments per year through Medicare. You must first be referred by your GP. Call us for more details.
	HICAPS  We have a HICAPS Terminal at this Practice so don't forget to bring you private health fund card with you, on the date of your appointment, for your fast on the spot health fund refund. (Check with your private health fund if they participate.)
	Eftpos, Visa, & Mastercard
	Work Cover   Remember to get a Doctors referral to this clinic prior to your initial treatment.
	Veteran Affairs Remember to get a Doctors referral to this clinic priorto your initial treatment.