Introduction

Osteopathy is a professional, valuable, natural and safe treatment option offered to all Australians to improve quality of life. The primary focus of Osteopathy is the restoration of function. Osteopaths assess and diagnose the problem, then plan and administer treatment programs that aim to restore function or minimise dysfunction after disease or injury.

Osteopaths strive to improve an individual's quality of life by physical means. A combination of manual and gentle manipulative therapy, movement training and exercises all help to achieve this. Osteopaths also offer you personal advice on stretching and strengthening exercises, posture, diet, lifting procedures and stress management.

Adequate education provided to Australians will lead to the prevention of many physical problems and this is a priority area for Osteopaths.

Your Osteopath

Australian Osteopaths are registered health care professionals with tertiary qualifications.

Osteopaths assess, diagnose and treat people with movement problems. Osteopaths also help people avoid injuries and maintain a fit, healthy body.

Osteopathy includes a wide range of specialities that meet the health needs of different people such as babies and children, sports people, pregnant women, injured workers and senior citizens.

Osteopathic programs are based on practical goals agreed between the Osteopath and the client. Osteopaths help people gain as much movement and physical independence as possible so they can resume their normal job or lifestyle.

When necessary, Osteopaths will consult with a client's doctor to ensure the best possible treatment outcomes.

Choosing a Osteopath

All Osteopaths registered to practise in Australia are qualified to provide safe, effective health care.

Osteopaths who are members of the Australian Osteopathic Association (AOA) make an extra commitment to quality health care. AOA Osteopaths are required to undertake continuing professional development programs to keep themselves up to date and to abide by a Code of Conduct which sets out expected standards of professional conduct. These are important commitments to quality health care and are important points to remember when you are choosing your Osteopath.

What is the Australian Osteopathic Association (AOA)?

The Australian Osteopathic Association is the sole organisation that represents Australian Osteopaths.

Osteopaths who are members of the AOA make an extra commitment to professional accountability because they required to do professional development courses and uphold standards of conduct as set out in the AOA Code of Conduct.

What can you expect from an Osteopath?

You can expect your Osteopath to:

• deliver a professional service
• discuss your treatment options and agree on some treatment goals with you
• provide information about your Osteopathic treatment program
• explain specific treatments to you
• respect your rights, dignity, privacy, feelings and cultural customs
• respect the confidentiality of your professional relationship
• communicate with your doctor if necessary
  

Further Information?

You can get further and more detailed information at the AOA website: www.osteopathic.com.au