What is osteopathy?

Osteopaths focus on the neuro-musculoskeletal system, which comprises bones, muscles, nerves and other tissues that support the human body and control its movements. They provide musculoskeletal and nervous system assessments, manual therapy, clinical exercise programs, and movement, postural, positioning advice and ergonomic assessments. They may also offer therapeutic needling techniques, such as dry needling, trigger point therapy or acupuncture. Osteopaths may also offer ongoing support and educational advice about lifestyle, stress management, diet or other factors that may influence a person’s pain, injury or movement.

Osteopaths mainly work in private practices but also work in a range of health settings, including multidisciplinary medical/health clinics, rehabilitation clinics, aged care facilities, professional sports clubs, government, chronic pain management settings and research institutes.

In Australia, osteopaths are university-qualified allied health professionals who take the time to listen and treat patients as a whole, not just focusing on one pain point.

In Australia, osteopaths are government-registered allied health practitioners who complete university training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, general healthcare diagnosis, and osteopathic techniques.