Osteopathy was founded in the 1870's by a physician named Andrew Taylor Still. He believed that a problem with the structure of the body would impact on its normal function. He found that the body had its own healing abilities and that osteopathic techniques assisted the body in the healing process of these injuries.
Treatment
Osteopathic treatment primarily consists of 'hands on' techniques that focus on the joints, muscles and connective tissues of the body. These techniques include soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation, stretching and joint manipulation.
Osteopaths do not only treat the affected or painful area, but also the surrounding structures that impact on this area. They address both the pain, and the cause of the pain, to reduce the chance of the problem re-occurring.
Training
All osteopaths trained in Australia must complete five years of full time training at an accredited university. This training includes an undergraduate and a masters degree.
