What is osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a form of holistic manual healthcare that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of neurological and musculoskeletal ailments.
It achieves this by examining and improving tissue texture and flow, and how the body moves and functions.
It is based on the principle that the body is a unit—its structure and function are closely interrelated, and the body has an inherent ability to heal itself when in balance and supported.

Osteopathy treats a wide variety of conditions affecting the whole body including acute injuries, chronic pain, headaches, hip and pelvic pain, fatigue, postural issues, breathing mechanics, TMJ, sciatica, sprains and strains, rib pain, rehabilitation, general wellness and stress management.

A typical treatment includes a thorough case history, physical and biomechanical assessment and diagnosis to identify the root cause of the issue, treatment of the whole body and take-home advice.
A core principle of Osteopathy is that everything in the body is connected, and with that guidance, treatments use a combination of massage, stretching, articulation, fascial release, gentle manipulation and nervous system balancing.
Biodynamic and Craniosacral Osteopathy is a more subtle and gentle approach that supports the body’s innate ability to heal and self-regulate.
Developed by master osteopaths who explored the deep foundations of health, this modality works with the body’s inherent rhythms, fluid dynamics, and primary respiratory mechanism—a subtle, vital force believed to underlie all healing.
Using light, therapeutic touch, it helps calm the nervous system, restore balance, and promote profound relaxation and well-being.

In Australia, all Osteopaths are government (ahpra) registered allied health professionals who complete university training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, general healthcare diagnosis, and osteopathic techniques.