Osteopaths are allied health professionals that offer patient-centred approaches to healthcare and functional improvement which recognise the important link between the structure of the body and the way it functions. Osteopaths focus on how the skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulation, connective tissue and internal organs function as a holistic unit.

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Osteopaths use a range of approaches to enhance function, including manual therapy (mobilisation, stretching, massage and manipulation for ligaments and joints), exercise therapy and programming, equipment prescription, lifestyle advice and patient education. Osteopaths determine the mix and frequency of treatment and management approaches using skilled clinical evaluation and diagnostic approaches.

In Australia, osteopaths are government registered practitioners who complete minimum accredited university training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, general healthcare diagnosis and osteopathic techniques.

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Osteopaths are primary healthcare practitioners and are trained to recognise conditions that require medical referral. They are also trained to perform standard examinations of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems.

Source: Osteopathy Australia

Physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths all take a slightly different approach to treatment.

Physiotherapy is focused on movement and function, often following injury or surgery, or when dealing with a physical disability. A physio uses massage, exercise, stretching and hands-on techniques to treat pain or dysfunction and to improve your mobility and flexibility.

Chiropractic treatment is focused on treating and preventing musculoskeletal problems throughout the body, using manual adjustment of the spine.

Osteopaths do all of the above in a gentle manner and focus on the health of the entire body and not just just the injured or affected part. They look at how your skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulatory system, connective tissue and internal organs function as a whole body unit. You might see an osteo for a large range of issues including (but not limited to) back pain, headaches, sporting injuries or even digestive issues.

Osteopathy may be useful to address discomfort experienced in countless conditions. Though not limited to the following conditions, evidence indicates Osteopathy is particularly relevant to:

- Back Pain

- Neck Pain

- Headaches and Migraines

- Musculoskeletal Conditions during Pregnancy

- Treating children

- Pain Management

- Shoulder Complaints

- Craniofacial Pain in chronic rhinosinusitis

- Dysmenorrhea (Painful Periods)

- Ankle Sprains

- Pain related to Osteoarthritis

- Carpal Tunnel

Each person, condition and injury is unique so osteopathic treatments will vary from person to person.

Not every Osteopath does dry needling, only around 40% of Osteos are trained to, and regularly use dry needling technique. Dry needling is not part of the curriculum in Osteopathic training and Practitioners must recieve extra training to safely administer the needles. Dr. Nicholas Ritter has undergone such training and can offer dry needling as part of his comprehensive treatments.