OSTEOPATHY AUCKLAND
What do
Osteopaths treat?
MOVEMENT MECHANICS OSTEOPATHY AUCKLAND
We use safe and effective hands-on techniques to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal issues by accurately identifying the affected structures and any underlying biomechanical dysfunctions. Our evidence-based approach ensures targeted treatment to help you return to function as efficiently as possible.
Back pain is a common issue that many of us will face, affecting either the lumbar spine (lower back) or thoracic spine (upper back). Osteopaths assess the muscles, ligaments, spinal discs, pelvis, hips, and even abdominal organs to pinpoint the source of pain. With a range of treatment modalities and referral pathways, osteopaths can identify the tissues causing discomfort and help restore your mobility.
Neck pain can be a complex and debilitating issue that impacts daily activities and may also cause headaches, muscle spasms, and pain in the arms or shoulders. Osteopaths thoroughly examine the head, neck, and shoulders to identify causes such as strained muscles or ligaments, trapped nerves, sleeping position, or posture. Depending on the cause and severity, osteopaths employ various treatment approaches, including soft tissue mobilisation, joint mobilisation, and exercise therapy to alleviate pain and restore function.
Hormonal and physiological changes during pregnancy can lead to various musculoskeletal problems, such as lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendinitis. Ensuring your body is well-prepared to accommodate these changes and the demands of motherhood is essential for the wellbeing of both mother and baby. We are here to support your body through the pre-natal period and assist in your post-natal recovery.
Headaches are commonly reported in primary care and are often complex and misdiagnosed, with tension-type and cervicogenic headaches accounting for 60-80% of all cases. These headaches originate from the muscles and joints, making them types that osteopaths can effectively treat. Since headaches can present in various forms and are often confused with migraines, the key to successful treatment lies in accurately diagnosing whether a patient has headaches or migraines and identifying the specific type of headache when applicable.
Sciatica
Sciatic nerve issues can result from various causes, including prolonged sitting, crossing your legs, tight clothing (especially with phones or wallets in back pockets), tight gluteal muscles, lower back injuries, arthritis, and changes to the spine or discs. Treatment focuses on reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve by addressing musculoskeletal factors contributing to compression or irritation and includes a management plan with exercise and lifestyle modifications to strengthen and increase the flexibility of muscles supporting the lower back. In some cases, referral to a specialist may be necessary.
Breathing dysfunction
Poor breathing mechanics can contribute to muscular strain injuries and negatively affect psychosocial issues like anxiety. Pain, stress, injury, and illness can cause dysfunctional breathing, often leading to shallow breathing and overuse of accessory muscles, which exacerbates pain and increases strain on movement muscles, predisposing them to injury. Research shows that breathing retraining through Osteopathy can help address breathing dysfunctions (such as asthma, COPD, coughing, sighing, wheezing, breathlessness, and sleep apnea), as well as improve blood circulation, reflux, constipation, and gut health.
Injuries can happen to anyone, from elite athletes to weekend warriors and recreational participants. Osteopathy can help accurately diagnose your injury, aid in efficient rehabilitation and pain management, and prevent compensatory movement patterns during recovery. Our treatment for sports-related injuries includes hands-on techniques to alleviate pain, correct muscular imbalances, restore joint mobility, and equip you with the tools for recovery. Understanding the healing times for various tissues, we can refer you to trusted specialists if your progress isn’t as expected.
Osteoarthritis, a common form of arthritis caused by mechanical wear and tear, can be effectively managed with Osteopathy. Our treatment focuses on enhancing the body’s ability to accommodate mechanical changes and ensuring adjacent joints and muscles are equipped to handle increased load. Osteopathy can help maintain function before surgery, manage osteoarthritic pain, and assist with rehabilitation following joint replacement, making it a beneficial treatment choice at any stage.
TMJ issues
Jaw pain or Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction is a common issue in osteopathic practice, involving the temporal bone, mandible, and an articular disc that cushions the joint. Proper TMJ function relies on numerous muscles, and dysfunction often arises from asymmetric muscle tension or misalignment between the temporal bone and mandible. Osteopaths frequently treat TMJ dysfunction and associated symptoms, including pain, clicking, jaw locking, difficulty chewing, earaches, and headaches.
At Movement Mechanics Osteopathy, we recognise that children and adolescents have unique developmental and biomechanical needs distinct from adults. We offer gentle, safe, hands-on osteopathic treatment to reduce pain and improve function by addressing structural anomalies. Our approach includes a biomechanical assessment to support optimal development. Whether it’s a postural pain from device use or an injury from sports or play, we are here to help.
Hip pain involves discomfort in the bones, cartilage, muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the hip joint, affecting movements like walking and sitting. It can result from conditions like arthritis, bursitis, strains, or injuries, causing pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility. At Movement Mechanics Osteopathy, we carefully diagnose the cause of dysfunction and tailor our approach using manual therapy techniques such as massage, joint mobilisation, and stretching to improve function and relieve discomfort. We also specialise in treating complex lateral hip pain with Shockwave Therapy, a non-invasive method proven effective in reducing pain and promoting healing.
