Osteopathy – Shepparton Osteopathic Clinic

What Is Osteopathy?

At Shepparton Osteopathic Clinic, we provide a caring and personalised approach to osteopathic care for every patient.

Our clinic has been supporting the health of the local community for over 20 years. Founded in Shepparton, our practice has expanded to a second location in Mooroopna, making it easier for patients to access osteopathic care close to home.

Osteopathy is a hands-on form of manual healthcare that focuses on the relationship between the body’s structure and how it functions. Osteopaths assess and treat the muscles, joints, ligaments and connective tissues to help improve movement and support overall function.

Our team of osteopaths take a holistic approach to managing pain, injuries, and physical discomfort. Treatment may involve a range of gentle manual techniques designed to improve mobility, reduce tension, and support the body’s natural ability to adapt and recover.

Osteopathic treatment is suitable for people of all ages, including babies, children, pregnant women, adults and older people. By carefully assessing each person’s individual needs, osteopaths aim to help patients better understand their body and support improved movement and wellbeing.

—
Dr Claire Reese-Hackford (Osteopath)

Training and Qualifications

All osteopaths at Shepparton Osteopathic Clinic have completed a five-year university qualification in osteopathy and are registered health practitioners with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency under the Osteopathy Board of Australia.

Osteopaths are required to maintain their professional registration through ongoing continuing professional development (CPD) each year. Our team regularly participates in further training and education to stay up to date with current research, clinical approaches, and best practice in osteopathic care.

Osteopathic training includes extensive study in areas such as anatomy, physiology, general medicine, orthopaedic assessment, and neurology, along with clinical training in osteopathic assessment and treatment techniques.

This training supports osteopaths in assessing how the body moves and functions, and in developing appropriate treatment plans tailored to each patient’s individual needs.

What Osteopathic Treatment Involves

At Shepparton Osteopathic Clinic, we recognise that every patient presents with a unique set of circumstances. Our osteopaths aim to approach each person’s care individually, providing treatment in a caring, respectful, and supportive environment.

Initial Consultation

Your first appointment usually lasts up to one hour. During this time, your osteopath will discuss the reason for your visit and take a detailed case history, including information about your symptoms, general health, lifestyle, and medical background.

This is followed by an osteopathic examination, which may involve assessing posture, movement, and joint function. You may be asked to perform a range of active movements, and other clinical tests may be used where appropriate.

Your osteopath will then discuss their findings with you, outline a proposed management plan, and answer any questions before seeking your consent to begin treatment.

Osteopathic Treatment Techniques

Osteopaths use a range of hands-on manual therapy techniques aimed at improving movement and supporting the function of the musculoskeletal system. Depending on your individual needs, treatment may include techniques such as:

Soft tissue and fascial release
Joint articulation and mobilisation
Muscle energy techniques
Joint manipulation
Balanced ligamentous or tissue tension techniques
Dry needling
Rehabilitation and movement-based exercises

In some cases, your osteopath may also provide lifestyle advice, self-management strategies, or exercises to support your recovery and help you maintain healthy movement between appointments.