Osteopathy

Osteopathy in Woonona

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What is Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare, where founding principles have taught osteo practitioners to view the body as a unified system, where all parts are interconnected and influence one another. Osteopathy recognises that optimal health is achieved through the harmonious function of the body's structural, physiological, and psychological components.

Our osteopathic practitioners use hands-on manual therapy techniques to assess and treat dysfunctions in all systems of the body (including the musculoskeletal, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and immune systems). By addressing restrictions, imbalances, and dysfunctions throughout the body, osteopathy aims to restore balance, promote healing, and support the body's innate ability to self-regulate and maintain health.

This comprehensive approach to care considers the individual as a whole, taking into account physical, emotional, environmental, and lifestyle factors to achieve optimal well-being.

Treatment may include techniques such as soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation and articulation, cupping, dry needling, manipulation, visceral manipulation, breath training, exercise prescription and education.

To enquire with Align Health Therapies in Woonona, call us on (02) 4285 4817. Our clinic is located in Woonona and we service patients of all ages from Towradgi, Corrimal, Bulli, Thirroul, Austinmer, Coledale, Coalcliff and surrounding areas.

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What We Commonly Treat

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Osteopathy is recognised as beneficial for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including back pain, neck pain, joint pain and headaches. It has also been used to help manage conditions such as osteoarthritis, sports injuries, and repetitive strain injuries. Osteopathy may provide relief from conditions like sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, and fibromyalgia, as well as aid in post-surgical recovery.

While it's particularly effective in addressing musculoskeletal issues, osteopathic treatment may also support patients with certain chronic pain conditions and contribute to their overall well-being. It's important to note that the effectiveness of osteopathy can vary among individuals, and it may not be suitable for every medical condition. Consulting with an osteopath can help determine if osteopathic treatment is appropriate for a specific health concern.

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Paediatric Osteopathy

Discover the gentle approach of paediatric osteopathy, at Align Health Therapies our osteopath Kathryn treats infants and children, addressing various developmental and musculoskeletal issues.

Infants can experience a variety of physical discomforts, such as colic, reflux, and difficulty with breastfeeding. Osteopathy can help to address these issues by using gentle, non-invasive techniques that work with the body's natural healing processes. By assessing the infant's musculoskeletal system, an osteopath may identify areas of tension or restriction and use gentle movements to help release them. This may improve the infant's overall comfort and mobility, which may have a positive impact on their development and well-being.

Additionally, osteopathy may be beneficial for infants who have experienced a difficult birth, as it addresses any strains or injuries that may have occurred during the delivery process.

Osteopathy is a safe and effective way to support the health and well-being of infants, and can be a valuable tool for parents looking to promote their child's physical development and comfort.

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Visceral Osteopathy

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Visceral Osteopathy is a specialised branch of osteopathy that focuses on the relationship between the body's internal organs, their surrounding tissues, and overall health. It involves gentle and precise manipulation of the internal organs (viscera) such as the liver, stomach, intestines and lungs. This approach is important because it recognises that the health of the internal organs can have a significant impact on the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, and overall well-being.

At Align Health Therapies in Woonona, our osteopaths may use visceral manipulation techniques to identify and treat dysfunctions and imbalances within the body's organs. These techniques involve gentle, hands-on pressure to encourage the normal mobility, tone and motion of the organs and their connective tissues. By addressing restrictions and promoting healthy organ function, visceral osteopathy may alleviate a wide range of conditions, including digestive issues, respiratory problems and chronic pain.

Visceral osteopathy may be beneficial for:

Digestive disorders (e.g., IBS, bloating, constipation, reflux)
Respiratory issues (e.g., asthma, bronchitis)
Chronic pelvic pain
Post-surgical adhesions

To learn more about visceral osteopathy or to book an appointment with Align Health Therapies in Woonona, please call our clinic on (02) 4285 4817.

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A Woman Is Getting a Massage on Her Stomach — Align Health Therapies in Woonona, NSW

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Medicare rebates apply?

Medicare rebates only apply when you have an eligible EPC-referral from your GP for osteopathy. Please note we are a non-bulk billing practice, so we process the charge for the full amount. If you have your Medicare card with you, through our HICAPS terminal Medicare will refund you $56 on the spot.
What can I expect during a treatment?

At your initial appointment your osteopath will discuss your individual situation, scans and any diagnostic reports you have. Based on your condition, your osteopath will explain and devise the best treatment plan for you.

At your subsequent appointments, your osteopath will continue with the treatment plan and address any pain or discomfort you have. Our osteopaths have a gentle approach which involves hands-on techniques that focus on releasing tension, stretching muscles, mobilising joints and the skilled manipulation of the spine as well as massage of soft tissues.

For the optimal treatment to be provided, we need to know about your health history, past and present. Therefore, you will be asked detailed questions about the pain or discomfort you are experiencing, your medical history as well as any medication you may be taking. The osteopath will make a diagnosis, which will be discussed with you and in most cases treatment will be given. If the osteopath does not feel you will benefit from an osteopathic treatment, it will be explained to you and other options will be discussed.

Before the hands-on treatment begins, you may be asked to undress in order for the osteopath to observe and test the pain related area. Children and babies are required to have a responsible adult present at their treatment.

During your treatment, your osteopath will examine the area that is causing problems and any other areas which may be related to your condition. You may be asked to perform simple movements to help the osteopath understand and assess your situation and further examinations may be conducted while you lie on the examination table. The osteopath may also take your blood pressure and test reflexes, joint mobility and muscle strength. After treatment, you will receive advice and possibly simple exercises to support the treatment at home.
What does my appointment cost?

First Osteopathic Appointment: 45-60 minutes costs $115*. Follow up Osteopathic appointments: Adult subsequent, 45 minutes – $105*.
*There are some concessions available for children and government health care concession card holders; ask your practitioner.
Do you offer private health fund rebates?

Please check with your private health fund provider for available rebate allowance. We have a HICAPS terminal here and rebate can be claimed on the spot, so you only pay the gap. Don't forget to bring your private health insurance card for on-the-spot HICAPS rebate claiming.