Dr Connie Petousis and Dr Wilmott (née Tilyard) are the directors of Osteopaths of Bentleigh. Their interest in the anatomy and function of the human body led them to the field of Osteopathy and they thoroughly enjoy treating the wide variety of patients that present to them at the clinic; from pregnant women, children and babies to adults, athletes and seniors.
Graduating from Victoria University, both with a Masters of Osteopathy, Connie and Viv have been providing treatment to the Bentleigh area for the past seven years. Their bubbly personalities and shared interests in health and well-being have formed the building blocks of a strong friendship and business partnership.
Connie and Viv joined the team at Jasper Health at the end of 2018 and have thoroughly enjoyed their time so far, getting to know the patients and staff who make up the community of Jasper Medical and Jasper Health.
Connie and Viv are both passionate about the Holistic approach that Osteopathy entails; searching for the cause of dysfunction rather than just treating the symptoms. They work hard to improve the health of their patients through a combination of educating their patients to understand the nature of their condition while proving a hands on evidence based approach to treatment.
What is an Osteopath?
In Australia, Osteopaths must complete 5 years of full-time University training to gain their double degree of Bachelor of Clinical Science and Master of Health Science. This study involves thorough training in the assessment, diagnosis, management and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions.
Osteopaths are Primary Healthcare Practitioners, trained to perform standard examinations of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems. They are trained to recognise conditions that require medical referral, working with other registered health professionals including GP’s, specialists and radiologists to provide the best care to their patients.
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a form of Hands-On manual therapy, designed to help alleviate painful conditions and increase mobility
Osteopaths use a holistic approach, looking at the body as a whole; searching for the cause of pain or dysfunction. Osteopaths of Bentleigh utilise an evidence based, multimodal approach to treatment, including manipulative therapy, exercise and education to provide the best outcomes for their patients.
What do Osteopaths treat:
The common conditions that Osteopaths treat and can aid in the management of are:
– Acute and Chronic Neck and Lower Back Pain
– Arthritic conditions
– Headaches and Migraines
– Muscle and Tendon Injuries
– Pregnancy or Post Pregnancy related pain (including Pelvic Girdle Pain and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction)
– Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow
– Bursitis
– TMJ (jaw) pain
– Rotator Cuff Injuries
– Frozen shoulder
– Plantar Fasciitis and other Foot or Ankle Pain
– Whiplash Injury
– Sporting Injuries
What to Expect at your first Osteopathic Consultation:
During a consultation, your Osteopath will ask questions about your problem and symptoms as well as about your health history, any medications you are taking, as well as factors that may not appear to be directly related to your problem. Your osteopath will conduct a full osteopathic assessment involving clinical tests. This may involve diagnostic, orthopaedic or neurological tests, postural assessments, movement and functional assessments. Some assessments involve the osteopath observing you while you undertake an activity or perform a sequence of movements. Assessments may also include passive and active movements – where the osteopath manually lifts your arms or legs or applies resistance while you perform a stretch or movement. Osteopathy takes a holistic approach to treatment, so your practitioner may look at other parts of your body, as well as the area that is troubling you. For example, if you have a sore knee, your osteopath may also look at your ankle, pelvis and back.
Osteopaths of Bentleigh utilise the wide variety of Osteopathic Techniques available to them, dependent on the patient and their needs. These treatment techniques may include; Soft Tissue Massage, Muscle Stretching & Muscle Energy Technique, Gentle Joint Articulation and/or Manipulation, Positional Release and Intramuscular Dry Needling. Your osteopath may also offer rehabilitation exercises, ergonomic advice, nutritional or lifestyle advice and incorporate the use of sports taping or kinesio taping when appropriate.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
Many patients are referred to osteopaths by their doctors, other health practitioners or personal trainers. However, as osteopaths are primary care practitioners, you can make an appointment directly without a referral.
What do I need to bring?
Bring along any X-rays, scans or test results that you may have. Depending on the area of your body requiring examination, your osteopath may ask you to undress to your underwear. It is important that you feel comfortable, so you may want to bring a pair of stretchy gym shorts to change into. You may bring a chaperone if you wish. Plan to attend along with your child if your child is the patient.
Is osteopathic treatment painful?
Osteopathy combines hands on manual therapy with exercise programming. If your injuries require hands-on treatment of painful and tender areas, your osteopath will exercise care to make you as comfortable as possible. Some people experience mild soreness for a day or two after treatment, similar to that felt after mild exercise. If this soreness persists or increases, call your osteopath to discuss your concerns.
Osteopathy Awareness week:
We hope this has answered some questions that you may have regarding Osteopathy. April 14-20 is Osteopathy Awareness week. Around 75,000 Australians visit an osteopath every week. To find out what osteopathy can do for you or if you have any other questions please feel free to pop into Jasper Health and chat to Viv, Connie or the lovely receptionist Sue, or via email at info@osteopathsofbentleigh.com.au. For more information visit www.osteopathsofbentleigh.com.au. #GiveOsteoAGo #OAW2019