Soft Tissue Massage/ Deep Tissue Massage/ Trigger Point Deactivation
Massage is one on the oldest therapeutic modalities. During our daily lives we are using our muscles constantly; from sports to even sitting at a computer, muscles are contracting and relaxing to maintain posture. Muscle dysfunction is when a muscle cannot stretch to its full length. Commonly a muscle is overstretched or torn and reacts by strongly contracting (spasm), to prevent further over-stretching. However, even prolonged sitting causes muscle dysfunction; the muscles are continually held in a contracted state they can stay that way and form painful trigger points.
Massage uses gentle force directed at the tightened musculature and trigger points to relieve muscular pain.
Spinal Manipulation
Once a joint has been diagnosed as having limited range of motion and function, the fastest method of restoring normal use is Osteopathic manipulation. The joint that is limited in use is placed at the end of its limited movement in all three planes of normal motion (flexion/extension, left or right rotation, and left or right lateral bending) and with a small additional movement the joint is allowed to gently separate. Often a �pop� or �click� will be both felt or heard at this time. This is not the sound of a bone rubbing over another bone as is commonly thought, but is the sound of a gas being released within the vacuum created in the joint by the separation of the two surfaces. The same sound may be created when you �pop� your finger joints. These sounds are normal and while they may seem loud, especially in the neck where they are close to the ears, they should cause no alarm. A manipulation does not necessarily always have this sound but it is an indication that the joint has fully separated. These joint separations are more easily produced in some people than others and are affected by the tightness of the ligaments, the presence of muscle spasm, the health of the disc, the age of the patient and the presence of arthritis.
Muscle Energy Technique
In cases where the patient's spinal condition limits the use of osteopathic adjustments (i.e. osteoporosis or severe arthritis) very gentle techniques called muscle energy are used to help release limited range of motion and restore function. The joint or spinal segment is placed at the end of its range of motion in the direction of limited function and the patient gently contracts muscles to rotate, side bend or flex/extend the joint in the opposite direction under the careful direction of the osteopath.
For the patient who simply does not like or tolerate spinal adjustments, it provides a safe and effective alternative. Muscle energy treatments do not have some of the known risks of manipulation.
Craniosacral Therapy
Cranial Osteopathy is a refined and subtle type of Osteopathic treatment that uses very gentle, though highly effective, manipulative pressure to encourage the release of stresses throughout the head and body.
The Osteopath uses their highly trained sense of touch to identify and correct mechanical disturbances and limitations both in and around the joints in the skull and throughout the body. Cranial Osteopathy is extremely effective in treating a wide range of conditions in people of all ages, from birth to old age.
Interferential Electrotherapy
The effects of electrical stimulating currents on the human body are physiological, chemical and thermal. The type and extent of biological response depends on the type of tissue treated and the electrical current's intensity, duration, waveform, modulation and polarity. Biological tissue responds to electrical energy in a manner similar to how it normally functions and grows. Electrical therapy can be used to reduce pain, increase muscle tone for muscle rehabilitation, reduce swelling and inflammation, reduce muscle spasm, increase local circulation, and speed wound healing. Medical use of electrotherapy is effective for sprains, strains, myositis, acute edema, and certain forms of osteoarthritis, tenosynovitis and neuritis.
Short Wave Diathermy
High frequency electrical currents may be used to produce a tissue temperature increase. Electrical current flowing through a conductor will generate an electrical field and a magnetic field. Two forms of diathermy have been used in the past, shortwave and microwave. Diathermy is particularly useful due to its depth of penetration being far deeper than with ultrasound. For some locations, deep within the joint for example, it is the only method of deep heating available. Recently research has shown electromagnetic fields have a dramatic and positive therapeutic effect on severe arthritis and bone healing.
Ultrasound
Ultrasonic energy is vibrational energy with frequency above 20,000 Hertz, usually in the range of 1 million Hertz. It is generated by an electrical current causing a crystalline substance to vibrate rapidly which produces the vibrational source or �sound-wave�. Ultrasound does not pass through the air and requires a liquid or cream base as a coupling agent to transfer the energy from the sound-head into the body's tissues. The vibrational energy is transferred into heat energy within the body and will penetrate from 4 to 5 cm into the body, deeper than regular surface applications of heat. Therapeutic ultrasound is used to reduce inflammation in conditions such as Carpal Tunnel syndrome, Rotator Cuff injuries, muscle sprains/stains and tears.

About

Dr. Ross Trattler N.D, D.O Gold Coast Osteopath I received my university degree (pre-med) starting at University of Illinois (1968-71) and finishing at University of New York (1974-75). There were three years between the two, when I left school, to live communally, exploring eastern mysticism . This sabbatical was very good for my inner growth, but extremely bad for my back, which I had previously injured at the age of 5 when I pulled a 200 pound granite mantelpiece off it's braces, crushing my back. My back was injured enough to cause me to develop spinal curvature soon thereafter. My high school gridiron playing was no great help and the commune, with the daily hard physical labour, left me with a severe disc injury. That was my first experience with chiropractic, which was certainly a help, but not enough to allow me to continue doing physical labour. After several years I learned of osteopathy, and the difference in approach helped me return to a more active life. So much so that I decided to return to university and then attend osteopathic medical school. I attended the British College of Naturopathy and Osteopathy in London, England (1975-1979). After graduation and four cold years in London, I decided to set up practice in Hawaii where I lived and practiced from 1979-1995, relocating to the Gold Coast in 1996. Although I am both a naturopath and osteopath, I practice solely as an osteopath in Australia, mainly due to time constraints. I do advise many of my patients to adopt naturopathic principles of living to aid their recovery when their general health is a factor in their musculoskeletal condition. For those interested in learning more about Naturopathic Medicine, you may wish to obtain a copy of my book "Better Health Through Natural Healing" available in your local library or bookstore. I am a great believer in exercise as both treatment and prevention of dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system and advise all patients, regardless of age, to do specific exercise regimes to both speed recovery and prevent recurrence. It is always my aim to put your health in your own hands and not have you depend on mine for your optimal well-being. Dr. Shea Trattler B.App.Sci (Complementary Medicine), M.Ost Gold Coast and Brisbane Osteopath My Osteopathic training was completed at RMIT University in Melbourne. This five-year program consisted of a three year Bachelor of Applied Science (Complementary medicine) and a two year Master of Osteopathy. I utilize advanced soft tissue techniques, Muscle Energy techniques, Articulation, Manipulation and Craniosacral therapy. I place a strong focus on the importance of the musculature and soft tissues in my treatments and educate my patients in the best self-management practices and exercises. My Masters research focused on the importance of the Transversus Abdominis muscle; the muscle primarily trained in Pilates/core strength exercises. The study examined the clinical tests for measuring the strength of this muscle and correlated this to spinal dysfunctions of the Lumbar spine. I treat all areas and joints of the body and all types of patients, from children to adults.

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