WHAT IS OSTEOPATHY?
In Australia, osteopaths are government registered allied health practitioners who complete a five year university training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, clinical diagnosis and management, and osteopathic techniques.
Osteopaths focus on the neuro-musculoskeletal system, which comprises bones, muscles, nerves and other tissues that support the human body and control its movements. They provide musculoskeletal and nervous system assessments, manual therapy, clinical exercise programs, and movement, postural, positioning advice and ergonomic assessments. Osteopaths may also offer ongoing support and educational advice about lifestyle, stress management, diet or other factors that may influence a person’s pain, injury or movement.
MEET DR SARAH CIPOLLONE (osteopath)
- BSc (Clin Sci), MHSc (Osteo)
- Certified Buteyko Practitioner
- Diploma of Nutrition and Naturopathy
Sarah has a particular interest in lifestyle medicine and promoting proactive, preventative health through education and understanding. She believes in the holistic tenets of osteopathy; that the body has the capacity to self-regulate and heal.
Over her career, Sarah’s expertise and interest has turned to complex or persistent pain concerns. This may range from headaches, neck and jaw pain, back pain and pelvic pain (eg. period pain), joint pain from arthritis, and pain conditions like fibromyalgia. She has extensively studied pain neurobiology and is passionate about revolutionising pain management.
She also volunteers with The Water Well Project, running free health education seminars for community groups of refugee and asylum background. Finally, Sarah is also on an advisory committee for the board of Osteopathy Australia where she advocates for change in modern health care.
Dr Sarah moved to the Whitsundays with her husband Joel and when she is not consulting you will find her camping or on the water. She loves to travel but is excited to call this vibrant community home.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A CONSULT?
An initial treatment with Sarah will include a thorough medical history and physical assessment, where she will determine what factors may be predisposing or compounding your injury or influencing your pain. The treatment and subsequent appointments may include;
A range of manual techniques;
soft tissue, joint mobilisation, manipulation, muscle energy techniques
Education and strategies;
to understand pain, to manage stress, to promote better sleep, to enhance nutrition, to alter ergonomics, to integrate healthier habits.
Exercise prescription;
to promote strength, mobility, balance, confidence and desensitization of the nervous system
Restoring optimal breath function;
using Buteyko techniques to enhance oxygen delivery to tissues, promote healing, reduce stress, reduce pain and improve posture.
WHAT IS THE BUTEYKO METHOD?
Breathing has a profound impact on all aspects of health. The Buteyko Method is a breathing technique designed to restore functional breathing patterns. Buteyko techniques have been shown to help asthma, rhinitis, hayfever, anxiety, panic attacks, childhood craniofascial development, snoring and sleep apnea.
Sarah integrates Buteyko techniques with an osteopathic approach to optimize your body’s mechanics, nervous system and chemistry;
Mechanics – Often persistent pain in your musculoskeletal system is a sign that you are not breathing efficiently. Restoring breath function will enhance posture, muscle function and reduce strain on the neck, jaw, shoulders and back. Optimising our breath has also been shown to take pressure off the lower back, as the diaphragm helps stabilise our core during load.
Nervous system – Slow, gentle breathing stimulates our vagus nerve and helps regulate our autonomic nervous system. It is important to reduce sympathetic dominance in cases of chronic muscle tension, chronic pain, poor gut motility, poor reproductive function, poor sleep etc.
Chemistry – These techniques help improve oxygen delivery to the lungs and body tissues and also accelerates the removal of metabolic waste products (like lactic acid).
FAQs
Do I need a referral to see an osteopath?
No, you may make your appointments directly.
If your GP determines you eligible for a Team Care Arrangement (TCA), they may write you a referral to see an osteopath and Medicare will rebate $58 of up to 5 appointments per year.
What can I claim?
You may be able to claim a rebate from a range of government agencies or private health insurers. Requirements and rebates vary across programs so please discuss with your GP, case manager, or osteopath. We accept all major health funds.
How long is an appointment?
An initial appointment may take up to an hour and subsequent appointments are 30 minutes.
What can an osteopath treat?
More than you might think! Osteopaths treat any pain or injury from your head to your toes. You can see an osteopath for headaches, TMJ pain, back pain, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, frozen shoulder, pelvic pain, pregnancy related strains/discomfort, plantar fasciitis, joint pain, sciatica, bursitis, sports injuries or any other pain related complaints.