Osteopathy service comes to town

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 526, 8 March 1994, Page 7

Osteopathy service comes to town

A new osteopathic service is available now from Wanganui practitioner, Dennis Stewart, at the Waimarino Health Care Centre in Raetihi. Mr Stewart has been practising in Wanganui since 1987. Before setting up his Wanganui clinic he had established one at New PlymOuth. He is New Zealand trained, with postgraduate study in the USA to his credit. He is currently president of the International Society of Osteopathy. Osteopathy is a method of treatment which incorporates thrust type adjustments, manipulation, massage and muscle and tissue therapies. The aim of osteopathy is to correct structural body abnormalities which are often responsible for various types of body dysfunction or illness. The concept began with American Dr Andrew Taylor Still in 1897. Although added to, his original concept of "structure governs function"is still valid. Ghanges to the physiology of the spinal column can put pressure on the spinal

cord and/or one or more nerve roots, says Mr Stewart. He said this can create a reduction in nervous energy which can then prevent normal function in that part of the body controlled by that nerve. One or more of four general areas of physical well-being can create an area of stress which can lead to blockages in the muscular and skeletal system. These areas are physiological (posture, over-use, occupational); emotional; behavioural (eg a repetitive action may result in muscular hypertension - an abnormal development); and structural (changes in tissue texture, tone, body chemistry). "Anyone who has suffered back pain and headaches will know only too well the emotional strain and physical disability which results," says Mr Stewart. Nerve pinch (described earlier) can create a number of symptoms which can be very misleading in clinical diagnosis and which don't respond to drug therapy. "In these cases relief is

brought about by correcting the structural abnormality osteopathically, thereby releasing the restriction and restoring proper body function." "Osteopathy is based on scientific principals and is aimed at correction and prevention and enjoys a high success rate."

Mr Stewart said, while it cannot claim to be a 'cure-all', it is "an important link in front line medicine and worthy of consideration in natural approaches to the treatment of illness and disease." Mr Stewart will start his Waimarino service nextweek. Appointments can be made by calling 06.3854 616.