Stillpoint Osteopathic Medicine Centre Ltd  95 Mountain Rd, Epsom, Auckland, 1023. Ph: 09-638-9256  Fax: 02-889-4934 Email: appointment@stillpoint-osteo.co.nz This centre provides excellence in Osteopathic care for all age ranges.  The primary approach in the practice is Osteopathy in the Cranial Field (Cranial Osteopathy).  Practitioners at this centre regularly attend professional education programs and work as a team to the benefit of their clients. In particular, this centre is sought for the care of: *   Neck & Back Pain     *   Headaches     *   Pregnancy     *   Babies & Children     *   Fertility    *   Sports Injuries     *   Joint Pain     *   General Wellbeing Opening hours Our practitioners work throughout the week at varying times.  If you have any queries please contact us we would love to hear from you. Monday: 7.30am to 7.00pm, Tuesday: 7:30am to 5:00pm, Wednesday: 7:30am to 7:00pm, Thursday: 8:30am to 7:00pm, Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm, Saturday 8.30am to 4.00pm Practitioners Details: Anu Norrie D.O, Grad.Dip(Osteo.Paeds) ,  Lynn Grace D.O,Grad.Dip(ClinOst), Nigel Stainton BSc(Hons)Ost. , Lucy Morris B.Sc.(Clin.Sc),MH.Sc.(Ost), Helen Harrison BAppSc(HB)MOst, Greg Fitchew BAppSc.(HB)MOst, Pili Munoz B.App.Sc(Ost),Grad.Dip(Osteo.Paeds) (working part-time from home - Maternity Leave) Hugh McPherson PhD, DO, Grad Dip Clin Osteo (extended leave) What is Osteopathy: Osteopathy is a form of drug-free non-invasive manual medicine that focuses on total body health by treating and strengthening the structures and functions of the body.  Its aim is to positively affect the body's nervous, circulatory lymphatic and musculo-skeletal systems. This therapy is a unique holistic (whole body) approach to health care. Osteopaths do not simply concentrate on treating the problem area, but use manual techniques to balance all the systems of the body, to provide overal good health and wellbeing. Dr Andrew Taylor Still established the practice of Osteopathy in the late 1800s in the United States of America, with the aim of using manual 'hands on' techniques to improve circulation and correct altered biomechanics, without the use of drugs. Osteopathy established itself in New Zealand in the early 1930's, and there are currently over 350 Osteopaths practicing across the country. What to expect: The first visit to an osteopath will be along the same lines as an initial visit to a GP.  A complete medical history is taken and questions will be asked about lifestyle, diet and emotional status.  The osteopath will want to hear about symptoms, as well as details of any past accidents or injuries, even if they may seem unrelated to the patient's current problem. The patient may be asked to remove some outer clothing and to perform some simple movements.  This is so the osteopath can observe how the patient is using their body, identify any obvious mobility impairment and evaluate posture. Osteopaths are highly trained to manually locate points of restriction or excessive strain in various parts of the body.  Using a finely tuned sense of touch or palpation, the osteopath will assess the spine, joints, muscles and tendons.  An osteopath may also refer for blood tests or X-rays to confirm findings, or review existing diagnostic results were available. The initial consultation will take around 60 minutes to complete, after which the osteopath will be able to offer a diagnosis and discuss a treatment program.  Treatment could include such techniques as Cranial Osteopathy, a gentle yet powerful technique; articulation to mobilize joints by being passively taken through their range of motion; and muscle energy, to release tightness on the muscles by alternatively being stretched and made to work against resistance. If the diagnosis is one that requires further investigation or specialist intervention, an osteopath will suggest a referral to an appropriate practitioner.  Osteopaths often treat in conjunction with a GP, dentist, podiatrist or other health care professional. Because osteopathy emphasizes self-healing, an osteopath may also advise dietary changes, home exercise programs and lifestyle adjustments.  All treatment programs are highly individualized and depend on the patient's current condition, past history, and ability to adapt to change.  Most simple problems often require only 3-4 treatments. For more information please see the Osteopathic Society of New Zealand's web page: For further information about osteopathy: www.osnz.org www.osteohome.com  www.osteodoc.com//sutherland.htm