Benefits of Osteopathy: Good to the Bone

Along with Pilates, another amazing modality to assist in pain relief and getting you on the road to recovery is Osteopathy. In fact, the benefits of osteopathy are plentiful, so we thought we'd talk to a pro about how the practice works. One of the best Osteopaths on the Gold Coast is Tracey Spruyt from Osteozone. Pilates & Co's Belinda Survilla asked Tracey about what it is that she does and how she does it.

The thing I've come to learn is that the majority of us all have injuries. From issues that might cause infrequent discomfort to injuries that are a constant pain in the neck. Many of you love Pilates because of the support it offers, strengthening the small stabilising muscles and the bigger supporting muscles allowing greater movement, strength, and flexibility. 

P&C: What does an Osteopath do? 

Tracey: An Osteopath specialises in musculoskeletal medicine and treats a range of conditions and injuries through manual treatment and exercise.  The key complaints I see in practice are chronic lower back pain with sciatic symptoms, neck pain, headaches and migraines, sporting injuries including rotator cuff and shoulder impingements, tennis elbow, ankle sprains and knee pain due to muscle instability and weakness. 

P&C: What would a general Osteopath appointment involve?

Tracey: The Osteopathic appointment (45min consult) includes a brief discussion of the patients presenting injury or condition, including the patient's history and other pre-existing conditions.  The majority of the consultation is comprised of manual therapy to alleviate the patient's pain symptoms, and prescription of simple exercises and advice such as ergonomics to prevent further injury. 

P&C: Who can benefit from seeing an osteopath?

Tracey: Those who suffer from acute or chronic musculoskeletal pain as a result of sporting injuries, poor posture or ergonomics, pregnancy or post-pregnancy, overuse injuries, or stress and anxiety.  People of all ages can benefit from Osteopathic treatment, particularly those with a sports background or those wishing to increase or return to an active lifestyle. 

P&C: How hands-on are you with clients? 

Tracey: As an Osteopath, manual therapy is the key component of the treatment which is individualised to the patient's specific injury or condition. The types of hands-on techniques include soft tissue manipulation, articular mobilisation, stretching, balancing, dry needling and sports Kinesio taping.

P&C: How do you feel Pilates and Osteopathy work together?

Tracey: I believe that Pilates is an amazing adjunct to Osteopathic treatment as it addresses many of the muscle imbalances and weakness (especially core stability) which I see in practice every day.  Osteopathy can also benefit those who practice Pilates by addressing muscle tension and articular restrictions which may cause pain or repetitive strains.