Osteopathy is a hands-on form of practical health care that treats the whole body. It has been practiced for over 120 years and New Zealanders have been enjoying the benefits since the 1930's. Treatment can provide relief for a wide range of conditions and pains resulting from disturbances to the body's structural system.
Osteopaths use a variety of techniques including joint mobilization, soft-tissue manipulation and stretching.
Registration with the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand guarantees that the osteopath will provide quality osteopathic care
A New Zealand Registered Osteopath will have completed a professional training course at university and have a comprehensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology, neurology, pathology, orthopaedics and diagnosis. They wil also have completed a number of years of supervised clinical practice.
Osteopaths registered with OCNZ are recognised by the government as health care professionals who can provide treatment under ACC.
Central Osteopathy is also registered as a treatment provider with Activa, so if your employer provides healthcare assistance as part of this scheme, you may pay for your treatment using your Activa card.
Osteopaths registered with the OCNZ are recognised as ACC health care providers. If your injury is the result of a recent accident, including accidents that occur in the workplace, your osteopath can make an ACC claim on your behalf. You do not need a referral from your GP.
On your first visit a full case history will be taken followed by an osteopathic examination. The examination will enable the osteopath to look at your posture, assess your muscle tone and balance, and measure your flexibility; some other tests may also be performed such as checking your reflexes or taking your blood pressure.
From the results of the examination, the osteopath will then explain their findings, advise you of a treatment plan and proceed with treatment accordingly. You may find that the treatment will leave you feeling a little more tired than usual so plan to avoid any vigorous activity afterwards.
Please bring along any relevant x-rays, GP referrals or ACC forms.
Osteopaths can treat any person of any age from the newborn to those more senior members of our society.
Osteopaths are very effective in treating a wide range of problems:
- Sports injuries
- Workplace injuries
- Back and neck pain
- Muscle strains
- Joint pain
- OOS
- Muscular aches
- Sciatica
- Symptoms associated with pregnancy, such as back and hip pain
- Colic and sleep disturbances
- Reflux
- Headaches and migraines
- Sinusitis
- Digestive problems/heartburn
- Asthma and respiratory disorders
- Menstrual problems
- Stress and anxiety
Acute pains caused through injury or trauma.
Chronic pains caused by occupational stress and repetitive strains.
Pregancy and early childhood and is particularly appropriate following childbirth to prevent post natal depression and to assist in regaining normal hormonal levels.
Other conditions which often get a medical label on them, such as:
All of these have a structural component that can be treated by an osteopath.
© Revitalize Health Practice Limited, New Zealand 2006
Osteopathic treatment can provide pain relief for a wide range of conditions and pains resulting from disturbances to the body's structural system.
Osteopaths use a variety of techniques including joint mobilization, soft-tissue manipulation and stretching.
