Osteopathic Healthcare

Osteopath health professionals view the entire person as a single, integrated unit. To identify the underlying cause of a condition the physician assesses and treats the whole person rather than just concentrating on the area causing pain. Osteopaths medically identify structural abnormalities such as, poor posture or injury, which interrupt the nerve and blood supply to the tissues, restricting the body's capacity to heal. They apply a variety of manual techniques to correct these dysfunctions, enhancing the body's natural reparative processes. Feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.

History of Osteopathy

Dr Andrew Still, from the USA founded the Osteopathic profession in 1874. He was originally trained as a medical physician but was compelled to find a more complete form of medicine when orthodox treatment was unable to prevent his wife and three children from dying from disease prematurely. His techniques were so effective that he chose to abandon the use of drug therapy and concentrate on developing what became known as Osteopathy.

The name 'Osteopathy' is derived from the two Latin words, osteon (bone) and pathos (dysfunction of) to emphasise the role that the musculoskeletal system plays in the body's healthy functioning. He recognised the body itself was a source of powerful healing properties and that the physician could effectively enhance these by interacting with the patient through the musculoskeletal system and by addressing key areas such as nutrition and exercise.

As Dr Still's reputation grew, Osteopathy became increasingly popular and patient numbers forced him to open the American School of Osteopathy. This created a new generation of Osteopaths, which included William Sutherland who developed Cranial Techniques.

Since this period Osteopathy has grown in popularity with schools being opened up around the world. The profession continues to gain respect from the scientific community and has recently been incorporated under new legislation in New Zealand, bringing the country into line with the UK and Australia. This legislation officially recognises the profession as a legitimate form of healthcare and ensures public safety with only fully trained and registered physicians being permitted to practice Osteopathy. Feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.