What can I expect during an osteopathic treatment?
The first visit to an osteopath will be along the same lines as an initial visit to a GP. A complete medical history is taken and questions will be asked about lifestyle, diet and emotional status. The osteopath will want to hear about symptoms, as well as details of any past accidents or injuries, even if they may seem unrelated to your current concerns.
The patient may be asked to remove some outer clothing and to perform some simple movements. This is so the osteopath can observe how the patient is using their body, identify any obvious mobility impairment and evaluate posture.
Please note that all children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when in the treatment room.
Why should you see an osteopath?
Many people come to an osteopath because they are experiencing discomfort, or are unable to work and perform at the level they are accustomed to.
Most of us have had accidents at different points in our life. Our body may have been able to absorb the effects of the accident at the time, but lasting strains often remain. Illnesses and emotional trauma can also leave a lasting physical effect. Gradually our body may find it more and more difficult to cope with these accumulated strains, and symptoms may start to show. Osteopathy offers a system of physical medicine that effectively resolves physical strains that accumulate through the activities of living.
Because osteopathy treats the whole body and is suitable for people of all ages there are many reasons that osteopathic treatment may be appropriate.
- Neck, back, and joint pain
- Migraines/headaches
- Concentration and learning difficulties
- Pregnancy, birth, babies, and children
- Digestion concerns, feeding issues, colic/reflux
- Chronic illnesses, recurrent ear infections, chest infections, immune problems
- Trauma and accidents
- Sports injuries and rehabilitation
- Chronic pain management, repetitive strain injury (RSI)
- Sports injuries and rehabilitation
- Stress, anxiety, and fatigue
- General well being and maintenance
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments will vary from case to case. Your osteopath will be able to discuss with you a treatment plan and give an estimate of how many treatments you will require during your first consultation.
How long does a treatment last?
The initial consultation will take around 40 minutes to complete, during which your osteopath will take a full medical history. Your osteopath will be able to offer a diagnosis and discuss a treatment program. Any further treatments will last 40 minutes.
Why do babies benefit from osteopathic treatment?
Often the forces involved during contractions can produce strains in the skull of a newborn. The bones in the cranium will mould and slide over one another to accommodate the forces involved in labour. The resulting strains can cause discomfort, and difficulties feeding among other issues. Cranial osteopathy is a gentle and effective method to treat newborns.
What is Cranial Osteopathy?
Cranial osteopathy is a subtle form of treatment and is a technique which can be used anywhere in the body. The way it works is complex but essentially involves assessing and adjusting the tensions within the body to bring about positive change. Cranial treatment is guided by the patient’s own body, because of this it is a gentle yet extremely effective approach which can be used in a wide range of conditions for people of all ages, from birth to old age.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
You do not need a referral from your GP, osteopaths are primary healthcare practitioners. We work with many doctors and other healthcare professionals.
How does ACC work?
Our osteopaths are all ACC registered. If you have an injury that is the result of an accident then you are entitled to subsidise osteopathic treatment. Please discuss whether your particular injury is eligible for ACC subsidy with your osteopath.
What training do osteopaths have?
All of our osteopaths have received their qualification in New Zealand, Australia or the United Kingdom. An osteopath is someone who has completed a five-year full-time osteopathic program or its equivalent. Once qualified and registered the osteopath is a competent, skilled primary health care practitioner with a thorough knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and medical sciences.
To be able to practice as an osteopath in New Zealand you need to be registered with the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand. All of our osteopaths at Stillpoint are registered with the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand.