What we treat
Here at Pat Bourke Osteopathy and Injury Rehabilitation we specialise in treating the following ailments and presentations, regardless if caused by an injury or are an ongoing health concern or part of ageing.
Neck and lower back pain
Neck or low back pain may originate from the muscles, nerves, bones, joints or other structures in the spine. Pain may have a sudden onset or can be chronic. It can be constant or intermittent, stay in one place or radiate to other areas. It may be dull, sharp piercing or burning in nature. This pain may refer into the arms, hands, legs or feet. Other symptoms may include tingling, weakness or numbness.
Accurate diagnosis is extremely important in deciding on the appropriate approach in the treatment of neck and back pain. Osteopaths use a 'hands on' approach to treatment but also address movement imbalances with advise on exercises to help restore function and reduce pain.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammatory condition of the connective tissue on the sole of the foot (plantar fascia). It is often caused by dysfunctional movements of the foot caused by muscle or joint imbalances. Left untreated it can last for many months.
Osteopathic treatment of this condition involves massage, stretching of the surrounding muscles, and mobilisation of the bones of the foot. It is also very important to treat problems that be present in the pelvis and low back. Prescribed exercises to strengthen the muscles of the foot and lower leg muscles are also important in the rehabilitation of this debilitating injury. Read more.
Muscle Strains
This is common injury to a muscle or tendon whilst playing sport, exercising, working or completing a physical activity. This may be due to improper body mechanics. Generally, the muscle or tendon overstretches and is placed under more physical stress that it can exert causing a strain which can result in a partial or complete tear.
Early intervention and sound advice is important in helping patients achieve the best and fastest results possible. Treatment during the acute phase can shorten the rehabilitation phase and assist in preventing a future recurrence.
Headaches and Migraines
A headache is pain anywhere in the region of the head or neck. It can be a symptom of a number of different conditions. The most common type of headache originates from muscle stiffness or joint strain in the neck and upper thoracic region. Other causes include, eye strain, sinus congestion, whiplash events, stress, poor posture, jaw imbalance and teeth grinding, infection, allergies and food intolerances.
Osteopaths are able to diagnose and treat headaches and migraines.
Tennis Elbow
'Tennis Elbow' is an overuse injury occurring on the outer side of the elbow joint. The acute pain that a person might feel occurs when they fully extend their arm back while lifting an object. Osteopathic treatment incorporating dry needling, stretching, elbow joint mobilisation and advise on stretching and strengthening exercises may be an effective treatment in the management of this condition.
Sciatica (Back and leg related nerve pain)
Sciatica is a condition that can lead to pain in the back and legs. It occurs when pain travels along the path of the sciatic nerve. This nerve starts in your lower spine, and travels through your hip and buttock and down the back of your leg to your foot. Osteopathic treatment to reduce the spinal dysfunction that is causing pain may involve massage, dry needling, stretching or manipulation.
Movement modification and exercises to strengthen the back is also a very important part of treatment.
Arthritis (Joint Pain)
The major complaint by individuals who have arthritis is joint pain. Pain is often constant and may be localised to the joint affected. The pain from arthritis is due to inflammation that occurs around the joint, damage to the joint from disease, daily wear and tear of joint, muscle strains caused by forceful movements against stiff painful joints and fatigue.
Osteopaths can conduct and prescribe treatments to assist with acute and long term arthritic pain.
Pregnancy - Pre and Post Natal Care
Pregnancy causes may changes to occur in the body. These changes may involve ligaments, muscles and nerves becoming compromised during pregnancy resulting in pain and dysfunction. Osteopaths use stretching, massage and gentle mobilisation techniques to restore reduce pain, and restore muscle and joint balance.
Have another condition or injury that needs attention?
The above list holds examples of the more common presentations we treat at Pat Bourke Osteopathy and Injury Rehabilitation. By no means is it definitive.
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An osteopath focuses on your whole body, including the soft tissues (such as muscles, ligaments and tendons), the spine and nervous system, and may use a variety of different hands-on methods, including:
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Spinal manipulation
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Soft tissue massage techniques
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Articulation – gentle rhythmic joint movements
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Stretching muscles and joint capsules
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Muscle energy techniques – encouraging muscles to work against resistance
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Visceral manipulation – gentle movement of the abdominal and pelvic areas.
As osteopathic techniques include a gentle approach, they can be suitable for many people, from the newborn to the older person, and for those with complex medical problems.
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There's never any harm in calling 'Osteopath Pat' and team at the Back to Health Centre for an over the phone consultation or discussion on the health concern you may have.
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