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 N.Z. since the 1930’s.
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 [see the Cranial Osteopathic
pamphlet], while most people respond to structural treatment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You can find your nearest Osteopath listed in the yellow pages
under “OSTEOPATHS” (Registered) or on the internet
- on the OSNZ website www.osnz.org
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