WHAT IS AN OSTEOPATH?
An Osteopath is an Allied Health professional who treats musculoskeletal complaints using manual therapy.
Jess completed 5 years at university, graduating with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathy) and a Masters of Health Science ( Osteopathy). Osteopaths are taught anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, psychology, radiology, biochemistry, orthopedic assessment and osteopathic techniques at university.
All Osteopaths must be registered with AHPRA ( the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) and adhere to their standards of practice, including miminum hours in practice per year, yearly ongoing professional development and compliance with regulation guidelines.
HoW many appointments will I need?
Jess aims to get you to a level where self management is sufficient.
Usually patients will do 2-4 sessions in a row (depending on their injuries) and then progress out to sessions further and further apart.
Some people come in every month, others every 12 weeks, others only when they need to - treatment is tailored to you and your injury.
The treatment and management plan for someone with an acute ankle sprain or neck injury is very different to someone with a chronic degenerative complaint.
What CONDitions does Jess treat?
These include conditions relating to acute and chronic joint and muscle injury, surgical recovery, pregnancy, and arthritis.
Jess can also help manage some of the musculoskeletal components of more complicated conditions such as asthma, multiple sclerosis, migraine, and arthritides ( RA,OA, AS) and cancer treatments such as mastectomy.
In your first appointment Jess will thoroughly discuss your history and complaint. She will always be upfront about likely results and prognosis before starting treatment and refer you on if she feels that you are more likely to respond to other management.
Jess particularly enjoys treating foot and ankle pain, jaw pain and headaches.
ARE THERE ANY RISKS?
The most common side effect is some aching type pain after the treatment, which can last a few days - just like when you do a work out or have a deep tissue massage, you tend to feel the most sore 2-3 days later.
Not everyone will feel this, but this is what most patients say they felt when asked about any adverse effects.
Jess takes a very thorough family and personal medical history to ensure she is aware of any previous injuries or illness's that may predispose you to a higher risk for some techniques.
If there is any concern about a predisposition to injury, Jess will just avoid those techniques that would have a higher risk of complications - for instance if you have a history of osteopenia or bone weakness, Jess will not use manipulation as a technique during your treatment.
All risks are thoroughly discussed during your treatment and patients can request to avoid certain techniques. You will always be informed of what Jess plans to do and can ask questions or change your mind at any time.
Will it hurt?
Jess will ask you for feedback throughout your treatment on your pain levels, and adjust the techniques and pressure accordingly.
Some people have a higher pain sensitivity and Jess does her best to provide a treatment as pain free as possible. Other people belong to the "Go Hard or Go Home" club and Jess also is very happy to use her elbows and the leverage of an adjustable table if she feels that is needed!
OTHER QUESTIONS
Give Jess a Call on 0435 312 847, she is always happy to talk through any concerns or questions you have about treatment.
