Osteopathy Myths Busted: What You Really Need to Know

Osteopathy is a well-established, holistic healthcare practice, but it’s often misunderstood. There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding what osteopaths do and who can benefit from treatment. At Northside Therapies, we’re passionate about educating our community about the true nature of osteopathy. So, let’s set the record straight and bust some of the most common myths!

The Reality: This is probably the biggest misconception out there! While you might hear an audible “pop” or “crack” during an osteopathic treatment, it’s not about cracking bones. Osteopaths use a wide range of hands-on techniques to assess and treat the whole body, including muscles, joints, ligaments, nerves, and connective tissues. Those sounds you sometimes hear are simply the release of gas within a joint, similar to cracking your knuckles. It’s a side effect, not the goal of the treatment!

The Reality: While osteopaths are highly effective in treating back pain, our expertise extends far beyond that. Osteopathy can help with a wide range of musculoskeletal issues, including:

• Neck pain
• Headaches and migraines
• Sports injuries
• Joint pain (shoulders, hips, knees, etc.)
• Sciatica
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Postural problems
• And much more!

The Reality: Osteopathy is a legitimate and recognized healthcare profession. In Australia, osteopaths are registered practitioners who have completed a minimum of five years of university training. This rigorous education covers anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnosis, and osteopathic techniques. Osteopaths are primary healthcare practitioners, meaning they are trained to recognize conditions that require medical referral. We often work alongside other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care. The difference may be in the approach: we look at the whole body, we work hands-on, we prescribe exercises and changes in habits rather than medications. We offer a useful, different, perspective.

The Reality: Osteopathic treatment is typically gentle and tailored to each individual’s comfort level. While some patients may experience mild soreness after a treatment, similar to the feeling after a good workout, this usually subsides quickly. Your osteopath will communicate with you throughout the treatment to ensure you’re comfortable and informed about what to expect.

The Reality: In Australia, you can book an appointment directly with an osteopath without a referral from another healthcare provider. Osteopaths are primary contact practitioners, just like GPs or dentists.

The Reality: Osteopathy is suitable for people of all ages, from newborns to seniors. Osteopathic care can be beneficial for children and babies, addressing issues such as:

• Colic
• Reflux
• Torticollis (wry neck)
• Growing pains
• Postural problems

The Reality: While some patients experience significant relief after just one or two treatments, osteopathy is not typically a “quick fix.” Healing takes time, and osteopaths often develop personalized treatment plans to address the root cause of your problem and achieve long-term results. We focus on restoring optimal function and promoting the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

Osteopathy is a safe, effective, and holistic approach to healthcare that can benefit people of all ages and backgrounds. If you’re curious about how osteopathy can help you, we encourage you to contact Northside Therapies. Our experienced team of osteopaths is here to answer your questions and help you achieve your health goals.