Westernport osteopathy

Pain management

What is Pain Management?

Osteopathy can be effective for acute and chronic pain management, particularly for musculoskeletal pain. Osteopaths use a variety of manual techniques, including osteopathic manipulative therapy (OMT), to address pain and promote healing.

Here's how osteopathy can help with pain management:

Assessment: Osteopaths conduct comprehensive assessments to understand the underlying causes of pain. They consider factors such as posture, movement patterns, tissue health, and the body’s overall structure and function.

Manual Therapy: OMT involves hands-on techniques aimed at improving joint mobility, reducing muscle tension, and enhancing circulation. Osteopaths may use gentle stretching, manipulation, and soft tissue techniques to alleviate pain and restore balance to the body.

Targeted Treatment: Osteopaths tailor treatment plans to address specific areas of pain and dysfunction. They focus on restoring proper biomechanics and optimising the body’s ability to heal itself.

Whole-body Approach: Osteopathy takes a holistic approach to pain management, considering the interconnectedness of the body’s systems. Osteopaths may address not only the site of pain but also related areas of tension or dysfunction that could be contributing to the problem.

Education and Self-management: Osteopaths empower patients to take an active role in managing their pain. They provide education on ergonomic principles, postural awareness, exercise, and self-care strategies to help patients manage pain between sessions and prevent future recurrences.

Collaboration and referrals: Osteopaths often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, physiotherapists, and pain specialists, to provide integrated care for patients with complex pain conditions. This multidisciplinary approach can enhance outcomes and improve overall quality of life for individuals living with chronic pain.

Overall, osteopathy offers a holistic and individualised approach to pain management, focusing on addressing the root causes of pain and promoting the body’s natural healing mechanisms. It can be particularly beneficial for conditions such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, sports injuries, and repetitive strain injuries. .

Who we are

Dr. Alicia Worthington (D.O.) Nee Widraj

Alicia has a keen interest in tailoring treatment approaches to individual patient needs. She enjoys treating a variety of injuries and ailments using a combination of both direct and indirect treatment techniques. She has also completed her further studies in treating obstetrical patients throughout the stages of pregnancy and hopes to advance her knowledge and skills in health care for women.

Alicia is passionate about offering osteopathic care to patients of all ages and from different walks of life. 

Dr. Karl Godden (D.O.)

Karl is passionate about advocating for good health and believes that true healing comes from achieving balance in both body and lifestyle. With a Masters in Health Science (Osteopathy) from Victoria University, Karl has a deep understanding of the many factors contributing to musculoskeletal pain. He views pain as both a teacher and motivator, helping individuals uncover the root cause of their discomfort and empowering them to make informed, healthy choices.

Vallencia Howard

Vallencia is a skilled massage therapist, beauty therapist and reiki practitioner, who specialises in holistic healing practices. With over 8 years of experience, Vallencia has created treatments that are designed to address not just physical discomfort but also to promote overall state of well-being in an individual with spiritual grounding.

Book online

* Private health rebates are available (HICAPS on site)
* Concession rates apply to consult fees upon presentation of proof of concession
* 1:1 and 1:2 mobility classes and exercise sessions are available by appointment