Every year in June, we celebrate and appreciate the world of holistic health in which we live, work and play. This day is dedicated to recognising the unique and encompassing approach of osteopathic medicine, and the body’s innate ability to self-heal and self-regulate – something that is overlooked in the modern world of ‘quick-fixes’.
Osteopathy is an approach to complementary medicine that focuses on the function of our musculoskeletal system and the interrelationship it has with the body as a whole. Osteopaths have adopted manual techniques with the aim to improve function, alleviate pain and tension, improve joint and muscle mobilisation and support the body’s self-healing capabilities.
Our multidimensional, encompassing approach to treatment extends beyond hands-on therapy, incorporating consideration for additional elements which influence us as individuals. Deep-rooted within our holistic philosophy, we consider everybody as a whole – mind, body, social, and lifestyle, rather than treating symptoms in isolation.
We offer a wide range of conservative, non-invasive treatment and management services. These include manual therapy, tissue and joint mobilisation, dry needling and cupping therapy, and more.
Osteopathic treatment was founded in the nineteenth century by Dr Andrew Taylor Still, who established the four osteopathic principles:
1. The body is a unit
2. The body is capable of self-regulation and self-healing
3. Structure and function are interrelated
4. Rational treatment is based on these principles
These principles have enabled us to develop a framework and foundation within healthcare systems, with appreciation and value for preventative and conservative management.
Osteopaths treat a wide variety of conditions, including:
§ Neck and back pain
§ Postural concerns
§ Sports and occupational injuries
§ Headaches and migraines
§ Referred pain, including sciatica
The holistic, patient-centred approach taken by osteopaths aid in not only alleviating aches, pains and rehabilitating injuries, but help to restore imbalances within the body and prevent the reoccurrence of injuries.
World Osteopathy Day is intended not only for practitioners within the field, but for every individual. Whether you have benefited from osteopathic care or are curious of holistic health and integrative medicine, this day enables you to learn, appreciate, reflect, and share.
Osteopathic practice has seen a global surge over the past few decades – despite the profession originating in the US, there have been strong embraces from the UK, Canada, Asia and Australia, amongst other regions.
Many individuals are turning toward alternative medicine as a way of supporting their health and wellness. We are turning the corner from prescription to prevention, enhancing body awareness and proactively promoting health and wellbeing.
Osteopaths tailor care to not only the patients’ unique wants and needs, but also around their health, wellness and performance goals and desired outcomes. This integrative approach to healthcare aligns with modern day wellness practices of preventative healthcare. Being present and active within our own healing processes can drive motivation, empowerment, and reassurance.
June 22nd is about more than just osteopaths and their profession – it’s about celebrating the integrative, patient-centred healthcare that considers individuals beyond their aches and pains and promoting the self-healing and regulation that our bodies are capable of.
An active lifestyle is what piques Kaitlyn Wallace’s interest in Osteopathy. “I’ve experienced many injuries myself and I know the setback that individuals face from injuries, both physically and emotionally. I love being involved in working alongside individuals to get them back to the activities they enjoy.”
Kaitlyn has an holistic approach to treatment, treating the body as a whole and working alongside her patients to achieve optimal health outcomes. “To put it simply, I love Osteopathy because I love helping people achieve both their health and personal goals!”
Throughout her career, Kaitlyn has worked in a variety of settings including the RMIT Sports Clinic environment, which has given her exposure to a wide variety of acute sporting injuries and from that, the ability to accurately diagnosis and apply effective evidence-based care. “I enjoyed sharing my knowledge on rehabilitation advice and working closely with athletes to get them back onto the field.”
While Kaitlyn enjoys treating patients from all ages and walks of life, she has developed a passion for working with pain – both acute and chronic. In particular; low back, neck pain and sports related injuries.
Bordoni, B., & Escher, A. R., Jr (2021). Osteopathic Principles: The Inspiration of Every Science Is Its Change. Cureus, 13(1), e12478. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.12478
Roberts, A., Harris, K., Outen, B., Bukvic, A., Smith, B., Schultz, A., Bergman, S. & Mondal, D. (2022). Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine: A Brief Review of the Hands-On Treatment Approaches and Their Therapeutic Uses. Medicines (Basel), 9(5). 10.3390/medicines9050033
Stamat, H., Injety, K., Liechty, D., Pohlod, C. & Aguwa, M. (2008). Osteopathic Medicine and Community Health Fairs: Increasing Public Awareness While Improving Public Health. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 108(8), 397-403. https://doi.org/10.7556/jaoa.2008.108.8.397
Steel, A., Blaich, R., Sundberg, T. & Adams, J. (2017). The role of osteopathy in clinical care: Broadening the evidence-base. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 24, 32-36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijosm.2017.02.002
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