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What is an osteopath?

There are many misconceptions surrounding what is an osteopath, what is osteopathy, what does an osteopath do, as well as how osteopathy can benefit your body. One of the most common of these misconceptions is that an osteopath only treats back pain.

Osteopathy is one of the fastest growing health professions in Australia. To become a registered osteopath, you must study five years full-time at university and gain a Bachelor and Masters degree. During these studies, a strong focus is placed on anatomy, physiology and bio-mechanics. Osteopathy is a predominantly hands-on therapy and aims to restore health to the musculoskeletal system. Treatment can also involve discussion about diet, exercise, stress and other lifestyle factors that may be relevant.

The philosophies of osteopathy are what help to define the profession. We look at the body as a whole functioning unit – we aim to identify the cause of a problem but also look at the other areas a dysfunction may be affecting. We understand the body has amazing self-healing properties, but with today’s lifestyle and stressors it often needs some help to restore them.

Body Organics osteopath Lauren Coffey

Why would you see an osteopath?

If you suffer from pain or restriction anywhere in your body, an osteopath can help. This includes acute pain such as that experienced after an injury, or chronic problems that have been plaguing you for a while. With a thorough examination of your symptoms and your history, your osteopath will determine the cause of your pain and whether it can be helped with manual therapy.

What does an osteopath do?

Osteopathic treatment may include massage, joint mobilisation, resisted stretching, manipulation and gentle indirect techniques. Treatment is often followed by a discussion about exercises or lifestyle modifications that will help you to manage your condition.

Due my strong sporting background and work as a sports trainer, I have a particular interest in sports injuries. I also love working with jaw related problems, pregnancy related pain, osteoarthritis and headaches. I am passionate about osteopathy and enjoy educating and empowering my clients to achieve their optimal health.

If you haven’t tried it yet, maybe it’s time you discovered osteopathy for yourself!

Osteopathy is available at our West End, Chelmer and Annerley locations. For more information, or to to schedule an appointment with one of our osteopaths, contact Body Organics today.

Kaitlin Newman is a Brisbane-based osteopath who graduated from Victoria University, Melbourne, with a Bachelor of Applied Science (osteopathy) and a Masters of osteopathy. After university a job opportunity and a chance to explore the tropics lead her to North Queensland. Kaitlin adopts a holistic approach to treating, which can be applied to a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. She has developed specific interests in pregnancy, children and sports rehabilitation. Kaitlin brings a gentle structural approach to her treatments.