What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a holistic manual medicine. In Australia, osteopaths study the clinical sciences and osteopathy, structured either as a double-degree or a Bachelor and Masters Degree. Osteopaths are recognised health professionals registered through AHPRA.
People seek help from an osteopath for headaches, neck or back pain, but also for the musculoskeletal aspects of other conditions. Osteopaths work with clients in all age groups from babies to older people. We consider that the function of the tissues is affected by their structure and conversely, structure affects function. To this end we diagnose where movement or function of tissues is altered, whether in joints, muscles, ligaments, nerves or fluids. Where we see significant alteration we support the body to restore normal movement and function. Osteopathy encompasses a range of different manual techniques which may include soft tissue treatment, muscle energy techniques, cranio-sacral osteopathy, visceral osteopathy and manipulation. Treatment is tailored to individual needs according to the osteopath's assessment.
Dr Ilona McGavock (Osteopath)
Ilona is a successful osteopath, well established and practising in Fremantle since 2000. She has been teaching qigong and yoga in the area since 2014.
Ilona has always been fascinated with health and well-being, commencing the practice of yoga at the age of 21 and exploring different areas of holistic health till she discovered osteopathy at the age of 34. Understanding the need for a thorough grounding in the western medical sciences, Ilona applied herself to studying and graduated with a Bachelor (1996) and Masters Degree in Osteopathy in 1998 from Victoria University. She has been a registered, practising osteopath since 1999.
Osteopathy is governed by the principles of holism and self-regulation and has been shown to improve nerve and blood supply to the muscles and joints of the body. As a practitioner and as a teacher, Ilona aims to create a unique environment for each person to enhance their self-healing potential.
Ilona practises in Fremantle on Mondays and Wednesdays and in Bicton on Fridays and Saturdays. For bookings click here.
When Ilona is not practising or teaching she can be found at the beach, playing violin in a community orchestra or with her folk band The Dog Ate my Garland.
