OMT – Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment

OMT… What is it?

So you have heard about OMT, or Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment?  Or also known as Osteopathy, Osteopathic Treatment, or just “Osteo”.

Do you know what it actually is? You know your friend has seen an Osteo and has fantastic results, but you don’t really know what it’s all about.

You have seen other allied health professionals, your GP and you still have pain that you can’t quite get rid of or understand…and you want to try something different…! Well, try seeing an OSTEO in Melbourne!! ☺

Osteopathy is recognized as an allied health profession in manual therapy. Osteopaths see patients with musculoskeletal conditions and complaints.  As well as diagnosis, treatment, management and rehabilitation, your consultation will have “hands on” treatment.

In Australia, Osteopaths study at university for a minimum of 5 years. Areas of study include anatomy, physiology, orthopaedic examination, pathology, radiology, musculoskeletal and general diagnosis as well as osteopathic techniques.

Osteopaths are government registered practitioners with APHRA, Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and have a professional association, Osteopathy Australia. Osteopaths follow high professional standards and codes of conduct, undertaking professional development and education for continued practicing rights in Australia.  Osteopathy is fast becoming one of the most popular and growing allied health professions due to its success with its patients.

During an Osteopathic consultation, your osteopath will:

• Take a full case history, about your current complaint as well as your past health and medical experiences,
• Ask about medications you may be taking,
• Ask about your exercise and diet, job and other factors that may influence your current condition or health care,
• Take you through a physical examination which can include:
  • Diagnostic tests
  • Orthopaedic tests
  • Neurological tests
  • Postural screening
  • Movement screening
• Once a diagnosis about your condition has been reached, a thorough explanation to you what is happening and why will be discussed.
• This will be followed by Osteopathic hands on treatment, with your consent.

Part of your osteopathic assessment will be looking at not only the area of pain that your present with, but also other areas that may be influencing or affecting your pain. For example if you come in with a sore shoulder, your osteopath will not just look at and treat your shoulder, they will also assess your upper, middle and lower back, pelvis, neck and elbow! And then treatment, rehabilitation and education as to the condition, the cause and management will be as appropriate to you and your condition.

Osteopathic treatment often includes techniques such as:

• Massage
• Mobilisation and articulation
• Stretching
• Muscle energy techniques
• Myofascial release techniques
• Dry needling
• Rehabilitation exercises
• And advice on posture, diet, and other types of support that may be needed to put into place

The most appropriate techniques will be chosen for you and discussed with you as they are being performed. Your understanding of the what and why of your condition and best ways to treat and manage your pain is a large part of your quick improvement!! Our aim is to have you better as quick as possible and not coming to see us for many appointments weeks after weeks!!

You don’t need a referral from your GP, you can make an appointment directly with the clinic as Osteopaths work in private practice. We will liase as required with your consent with your GP, specialist, other allied health, personal trainer as required.  Your back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, RSI, arthritis or sports injury or other muscle and joint complaint is in great hands with us at St Kilda Osteopathy!