Osteopath

Dedicated Osteopath in Mullumbimby

A Holistic Approach to Healing

Osteopathy is a hands-on manual therapy within Australia’s allied health sector that focuses on improving the body’s structure and function to enhance its self-healing and self-regulatory mechanisms. Osteopaths treat a wide range of chronic and acute musculoskeletal complaints by using various techniques tailored to each individual’s needs. These techniques include soft-tissue work, joint articulations, exercise prescription, indirect releases, breathing techniques and joint manipulation. The goal of osteopathy is not just to alleviate pain but to address the root causes of discomfort by restoring balance and function within the body. By working with the body’s natural ability to heal, Mullumbimby Comprehensive Health Centre's naturopaths aim to promote overall wellbeing.

To book an osteopath in Mullumbimby, call Mullumbimby Comprehensive Health Centre on (02) 6684 1511. We can also assist with skin health, women's health, men's health, family medicine, chronic disease management, travel vaccinations, QML pathology, naturopathy and nutrition, podiatry, exercise physiology, physiotherapy, psychology, mental health services and preventative health.

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The role of Osteopathy

An osteopath’s role involves using their understanding of anatomy and physiology to create positive changes in the body’s tissues. Through hands-on techniques and patient education, osteopaths facilitate healing and encourage self-care. During an assessment, an osteopath may:

Evaluate postural alignments and asymmetries.
Assess the total range of movement in various body parts.
Identify uncomfortable movements that could indicate underlying issues.
Palpate relevant body tissues to detect irregularities in texture, tone, temperature and reactivity.

Based on these findings, treatment may focus on:

Joints.
Muscles.
Lymphatic and circulatory systems.
Nerves.
Internal organs (visceral manipulation).

Osteopaths also provide guidance on improving posture, mobility and movement. Additionally, they help patients identify and modify lifestyle factors such as work habits, diet and stress that may contribute to their condition. This comprehensive approach ensures that treatment is both effective and tailored to the unique needs of each patient.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between osteopathy, chiropractic and physiotherapy?

There are philosophical and practical differences between all three modalities, which may often be true but not absolutely always true in all cases.

Osteopaths and chiropractors are taught fundamental skills like joint manipulation/”cracking” while physiotherapists need further specialised training in these techniques.

Physiotherapists are generally known for using exercise prescription as a primary tool, with consequently less hands on time, while osteopaths and chiropractors tend to place less emphasis on exercises and more on corrective adjustments to the bodies musculoskeletal system.

In distinction to chiropractors and physiotherapists, osteopaths generally give the majority of a treatment to be a hands-on treatment, with or without exercise prescription, depending on the case.
When would I need to see an osteopath?

Osteopaths work with patients with a wide variety of problems and are widely known for treating musculoskeletal injuries, joint pain and other pain syndromes including headaches, back and neck pain, pregnancy pre and post care, breathing disorders, digestive problems, genitourinary complaints, ear/nose/eye/throat problems and arthritis related pain.

Any age group and most physical condition can be safely treated with a great variety of techniques ranging from gentle to firm.
How long is an osteopathy consultation?

An initial consultation is usually 45 mins and follow-up consultations are usually 30 mins.

No referral is needed to see an osteopath unless you wish to consult one under the Veterans’ Affairs scheme or for WorkCare in Queensland.
What will happen in my osteopathy consultation?

Your osteopath may use a combination of any of the following treatments, soft tissue manipulation, stretching muscle groups and spinal adjustments. They may also recommend exercises and dietary modifications. Osteopaths effectively support people with back and neck pain, sciatica, headaches, joint pain, work-related and repetitive strain injuries and sports-related injuries.