Osteopathy is a practical form of health care that treats the body as a whole. Osteopathy is a hands on treatment that works on the physical body to allow it to return to good health. Osteopathy was defined by Dr A.T.Still in Missouri, USA, in the mid 1800’s and has been used in New Zealand since the 1930’s.
Osteopathy in practice.Who can osteopaths treat?
Osteopaths can treat any person of any age from the newborn to the very old. Young children, older people and people in a fragile state are treated using Cranial Osteopathy, while most people respond to structural treatment.
What can osteopathy treat?
Osteopaths treat a wide range of problems that the body suffers throughout life.These range from the acute pains caused through injury or trauma, to the chronic pains caused by occupational stress and repetitive strains. Other conditions which often get a medical label on them, such as asthma (breathing problems), hypertension (high blood pressure), cephalalgia (headaches) and a host of others, all have a structural component that can be treated by an osteopath. Osteopathic medicine is very effective in treating the problems that develop during pregnancy and early childhood and is particularly appropriate following childbirth to prevent post natal depression and to assist in regaining normal hormone levels. Osteopathic treatment can be used in conjunction with your normal medication and can be adapted to treat any age or condition.
What happens when I consult an osteopath?
The Osteopath will discuss with you the problem you have and will ask questions about your general health and lifestyle and may take your blood pressure and test your coordination and reflexes. The Osteopath will use their hands to test the way your bones, muscles and body moves to find the area that needs to be treated. Sometimes it may be necessary to remove some of your outer clothes so a clearer view of the body can be obtained. They will tell you what they have found and outline how they could treat you, what the out come should be, and how you feel as the treatment progresses. They will carry out the treatment that has been agreed on. You may be advised on any things you could do to prevent the condition returning
How much will osteopathy cost me?
Osteopathic treatments vary depending on where you live in New Zealand but should reflect the normal costs that it will be charged to visit a G.P. Some specialized treatments may take a longer time and the charge will reflect this. When you make an appointment you should discuss the charge with the practitioner. If you have a problem that is related to an accident, then ACC will cover part of the cost. An ACC form will need to be filled out during the consultation, and if you live at a distance from the treatment provider, you may be able to claim travel costs.