Osteopathy

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a system of manual (hands-on) therapy that focuses on supporting the body’s self-healing capabilities. We take a holistic approach to the assessment and diagnosis of your problem and treat you with a range of techniques that are personalised to your body type and needs.

We look to reduce restriction or ‘dis-ease’ within the tissues to improve the overall function of your physical body. This in turn can have positive effects on the nervous, vascular, lymphatic, respiratory and digestive systems and improve your overall feeling of wellbeing!

Osteopaths in Australia complete 5 years full time university education, with an emphasis on the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Hands on skills are honed by training in palpation, soft-tissue release, joint articulation and manipulation. Skills, which are continually evolving with ongoing practice and professional development.

Why would I see an Osteopath?

People see Osteopaths for a number of reasons, most commonly for aches and pains of any variety, from neck pain and headaches, to low back pain, joint pain, stiffness, sports injuries, discomfort during or after pregnancy and postural strains.

While Osteopathy can be very helpful for these conditions you don’t have to be in pain to see an Osteopath! Many people feel the benefits of an occasional ‘tune up’, to ensure their body is moving and functioning at its full potential.

What will my appointment involve?

At Osteofit we take the time to talk to you about your complaint. We begin by taking a full medical history and performing a thorough examination to be sure we understand fully what you are hoping to achieve. Whether its improved mobility, a reduction in pain or return to your favourite activities we will work with you to formulate a management plan. As well as hands on therapy this may include lifestyle and exercise advice or referral for further assessment and investigations if required.

Once we have established that Osteopathy may be of benefit to you, we will work with our hands to locate the areas of stress and tension in the tissues, releasing them with a range of techniques. This may include some soft-tissue massage, counter-strain or stretching, joint articulation, muscle-energy techniques and manipulation. Your Osteopath will discuss their chosen techniques with you and will always work within your comfort zone.

Because we possess a large range of techniques, from the very gentle and indirect, to stronger, more structural approaches, we have a treatment style to suit everyone, from newborn babies, to sports people, pregnant women and the elderly!

FAQ

Dr. Lauren Coffey – Osteopath

B.Sc (Clin.Sc)., M.H.Sc (Osteo)., Grad.Cert.Neo.and Inf. Paed.Man.Ther., Registered Osteopath, Member Osteopathy Australia, Affiliate Member Australian Association of Orofacial Myology, Owner – Osteofit

Lauren graduated from Victoria University in Melbourne in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Osteopathy. She was drawn to the laidback lifestyle and warmer weather of Brisbane and began practice in Annerley and Southport in 2003. What began as one year of ‘work experience’ has become a 24 year love of the local community and region. Settling in Moorooka and having 2 children has further cemented her place in sunny Queensland.

Over this time she has worked in a number of clinics around the south side of Brisbane, including Clarks Lifestyle Centre (now Tarragindi Fitness) and Body Organics Pilates Studio. For the last 9 years Lauren has enjoyed running her own business here at Eric Crescent. Osteofit is a local, family friendly space that provides the community with a range of experienced (and lovely!) allied health therapists to support the well being of the whole family!

Osteopathically Lauren is a ‘general’ practitioner, treating people with all manner of physical complaints. She uses a range of gentle hands-on techniques including soft tissue release, stretching, mobilisation, inhibition, counter strain, muscle energy technique, visceral techniques and the occasional joint manipulation. Every treatment is unique and based on a thorough medical history, assessment and the tissue ‘feel’.

Lauren has also completed a post graduate certificate in Neonatal and Paediatric Manual Therapy. She treats infants from birth and also enjoys the collaborative approach of the Baby Clinic – a unique opportunity to have two Osteopaths, four hands and almost 45 years of clinic experience in the room while we support the baby and new parents through some of the early stages of life. (Find out more about this under the Baby Clinic tab.) She also enjoys treating toddlers and school aged children.

As a lifelong learner Lauren continues attending conferences and courses in areas of interest such as Paediatrics, TMJ (jaw) dysfunction and headaches. She has completed training in both foundational and advanced Orofacial Myology with the AOMC (Australian Orofacial Myology Collaboration) and is a certified Myomunchee practitioner.

Dr. Becky Hull – Osteopath

M.Ost, Registered Osteopath, Member Osteopathy Australia

Currently on maternity leave

Becky began her career in Osteopathy in 2012 in the UK where she grew up, she then decided to make the move to Australia in 2015 where she was working in busy clinics across Gippsland VIC as a senior osteopath and clinical mentor before relocating again to Brisbane and joining Osteofit.

Becky has done additional training in cranial osteopathy and paediatric osteopathy and loves helping people of all ages, from newborn babies to people in their 90s and above. She is experienced with a variety of complaints from headaches and back pain to foot and ankle problems and lots in between.

Outside of work you can find Becky outdoors enjoying the Queensland weather, at a yoga class or spending time with her dog.

Dr Mikaela Reutschi

B.Clin.Sci (Ost.Studies)., M.Ost., Registered Osteopath

A Brisbane local, Mikaela has recently returned home after spending the last few years studying and working in Northern NSW. She takes a holistic approach to a wide range of musculoskeletal complaints and enjoys looking for ways to support healing and pain relief in the broader context of movement and the nervous system.

Her treatment will involve a comprehensive history and assessment to allow a greater understanding of the diagnosis and its impact. Treatment will involve hands on therapy as well as support to help you take control of your management and recovery.

Mikaela has a special interest in helping women throughout their lifetime, including support during pregnancy and the postpartum period and with painful conditions such as PMOS (previously known as PCOS) and endometriosis.

Her previous training in Clinical Pilates also allows Mikaela to offer support in exercise prescription, injury recovery, strength building and overall movement optimisation. Mikaela has also undertaken further training in Dry Needling – a technique which involves using fine, sterile needles to target areas of tightness in muscles and connective tissues. Needling may be offered as an adjunct to your regular manual therapy. Mikaela is happy to treat all adults and school aged children.

Outside of the clinic Mikaela is enjoying being close to family and is relishing her new role as an Aunty.