What is Osteopathy?
As Osteopaths, we look closely at your body’s structure in order to diagnose and treat strains. Over our five years of full time university training, followed by years in practice, we develop a special sense of palpation to feel tensions, pain and strains with great sensitivity and accuracy. In this way, postural strains and even acute injuries can be treated very gently and effectively.
We are trained in differential diagnosis, and work with bones, ligaments, muscles, fascia, blood and nerve supply to fully use the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Our seven different treatment approaches encompass thousands of techniques. These allow us to create very specific treatments that we continually adapt as your health improves.
At City Osteopaths, we have practitioners with clinical focus in orthodontics, fertility, pregnancy, babies and children. We are trained to provide treatment and exercises for any age and from sedentary workers to sports people. We work alongside doctors, specialists and ACC.
These common issues may be helped by osteopathic medicine:
We are trained in differential diagnosis, and work with bones, ligaments, muscles, fascia, blood and nerve supply to fully use the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Our seven different treatment approaches encompass thousands of techniques. These allow us to create very specific treatments that we continually adapt as your health improves.
At City Osteopaths, we have practitioners with clinical focus in orthodontics, fertility, pregnancy, babies and children. We are trained to provide treatment and exercises for any age and from sedentary workers to sports people. We work alongside doctors, specialists and ACC.
These common issues may be helped by osteopathic medicine:
- back and neck pain, any joint pain, sciatica
- muscular pain or fascial strain/postural issues
- head injury, headaches, migraines and TMJ (Jaw)
- sports or work injuries, such as OOS
- post surgery, stress, insomnia
- digestion and bowel problems
- women's health
- unsettled babies
The Basic Osteopathic Principles are:
- The body contains within itself a self-regulatory and self-healing system to combat disease processes
- The person is a unit in which structure, function, mind and spirit are interrelated
- Adequate function of the body's systems depends upon an unimpeded blood and nerve supply
We have Osteopaths who are very skilled in gentle (cranial or biodynamic) osteopathy and osteopaths who are very skilled in structural (more physical) techniques including gentle manipulation. Please let our reception staff know if you have a preference so they can help you book in with the right practitioner for you.
All about Osteopathy video
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All our osteopaths are ACC Treatment Providers and registered with the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand
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Our City Osteopaths Team
Diego Polo Senior Osteopath. DO , Reg.Osteopath, MONZ
Diego graduated from the Brazilian Institute of Osteopathy in 2013, where he also taught and supervised many students in their clinical practice training for almost 10 years. Before that, he graduated in Physiotherapy and postgraduate in Manual Therapies, which contributed to his 20 years of extensive professional experience, treating from teenagers to elderly people, professional and amateur athletes, and especially people with chronic pain. He has also dedicated many hours to treat underprivileged people through voluntary work.
Diego believes that osteopathic practice must always follow Osteopathy principles and philosophy, combined with evidence-based practice, and that treatment should be adapted for each patient’s needs and preferences, which may include different approaches within the musculoskeletal, cranial and visceral fields. He considers that creating partnership and rapport with patients is essential for effective treatment and achieving patients’ goals.
After working 12 years as an officer of the Brazilian Navy Health Corps, teaching Osteopathy, and working in his private clinic, in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, Diego decided to seek new challenges and goals in his career and private life, moving to Wellington, and joining the top team of ‘City Osteopaths’.
When not working, Diego enjoys appreciating different kinds of food, having a meal out with his wife, playing football with his son, and spending time with friends. He enjoys being surrounded by Nature to find balance and peace.
Cycling Injuries, Cycling Optimally and how Osteopathic Manual Treatment can help you. An article written by Diego
Osteopathy in Sport for Peak Performance An article written by Diego
See Diego for:
Diego graduated from the Brazilian Institute of Osteopathy in 2013, where he also taught and supervised many students in their clinical practice training for almost 10 years. Before that, he graduated in Physiotherapy and postgraduate in Manual Therapies, which contributed to his 20 years of extensive professional experience, treating from teenagers to elderly people, professional and amateur athletes, and especially people with chronic pain. He has also dedicated many hours to treat underprivileged people through voluntary work.
Diego believes that osteopathic practice must always follow Osteopathy principles and philosophy, combined with evidence-based practice, and that treatment should be adapted for each patient’s needs and preferences, which may include different approaches within the musculoskeletal, cranial and visceral fields. He considers that creating partnership and rapport with patients is essential for effective treatment and achieving patients’ goals.
After working 12 years as an officer of the Brazilian Navy Health Corps, teaching Osteopathy, and working in his private clinic, in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, Diego decided to seek new challenges and goals in his career and private life, moving to Wellington, and joining the top team of ‘City Osteopaths’.
When not working, Diego enjoys appreciating different kinds of food, having a meal out with his wife, playing football with his son, and spending time with friends. He enjoys being surrounded by Nature to find balance and peace.
Cycling Injuries, Cycling Optimally and how Osteopathic Manual Treatment can help you. An article written by Diego
Osteopathy in Sport for Peak Performance An article written by Diego
See Diego for:
- Acute or chronic Back and Neck pain
- Pelvic pain and other pelvic disorders
- Digestive and urogynecological disorders
- Sports injuries, TMJ Disorders and Headaches
- Management of chronic pain
- Developing self-management strategies for treatment and prevention of recurrence
Sebastian Tucker Senior Osteopath. B.A.(Hons), B.Sc. (Hons) Ost. Reg. Osteopath, MONZ
Sebastian graduated from the European School of Osteopathy in the U.K. in 2006. Before coming to New Zealand in 2011 to join City Osteopaths, he worked in Liverpool and London advancing his cranial, visceral and pediatric osteopathy skills. He has completed courses in advanced osteopathic technique including Biodynamics phases. He has assisted in teaching Paediatric care to post graduate osteopaths. Prior to studying Osteopathy he graduated with a degree in Theology.
Sebastian has spent time in Kenya treating orphaned children in the city and women and children of the Pokot tribe in the desert region. He enjoys working with people of all ages and conditions from babies to the elderly. He has particular skill in treating shoulder injuries and providing pre- and post-natal care for mothers and newborns.
With over fourteen years in full time Osteopathic practice, Sebastian has developed a gentle approach, easing back the layers of problems and compensations in his patients in order to reach and change the root cause of their condition whether that originates from stressors in the physical, mental or emotional.
See Sebastian for:
Sebastian graduated from the European School of Osteopathy in the U.K. in 2006. Before coming to New Zealand in 2011 to join City Osteopaths, he worked in Liverpool and London advancing his cranial, visceral and pediatric osteopathy skills. He has completed courses in advanced osteopathic technique including Biodynamics phases. He has assisted in teaching Paediatric care to post graduate osteopaths. Prior to studying Osteopathy he graduated with a degree in Theology.
Sebastian has spent time in Kenya treating orphaned children in the city and women and children of the Pokot tribe in the desert region. He enjoys working with people of all ages and conditions from babies to the elderly. He has particular skill in treating shoulder injuries and providing pre- and post-natal care for mothers and newborns.
With over fourteen years in full time Osteopathic practice, Sebastian has developed a gentle approach, easing back the layers of problems and compensations in his patients in order to reach and change the root cause of their condition whether that originates from stressors in the physical, mental or emotional.
See Sebastian for:
- Shoulder injuries, including elbow and wrist
- Pregnancy, babies and children
- Headaches, neck pain, migraines
- Chronic stress
Lara Sanders Senior Osteopath, M.Ost., B.App.Sc.(Human Biol.), Reg. Osteopath, MONZ
Lara completed her five-year osteopathic training in Auckland, graduating with a Master of Osteopathy and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Biology.
She is particularly interested and experienced in treating spinal problems, headaches, sport and workplace injuries and pregnancy issues. She uses a gentle, mainly structural and biomechanical approach to treat her patients.
Lara has a Pilates teaching qualification, and often uses targeted exercises alongside hands-on treatment to tailor her treatment and advice to fit the unique needs of each person. She enjoys working with her patients to find ways to prevent problems from reoccurring.
Lara enjoys an active outdoors lifestyle, especially camping and cycling, and can often be found pottering in her backyard alongside her young sons, Jim and Ted.
Back Pain, leg pain, sciatic pain help - An article written by Lara
Ten interesting facts about your amazing spine - An article written by Lara
An osteopathic perspective of your spine and how your posture can be affected by osteoporosis - An article written by Lara
A sprained ankle - An article written by Lara
See Lara for:
Lara completed her five-year osteopathic training in Auckland, graduating with a Master of Osteopathy and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Biology.
She is particularly interested and experienced in treating spinal problems, headaches, sport and workplace injuries and pregnancy issues. She uses a gentle, mainly structural and biomechanical approach to treat her patients.
Lara has a Pilates teaching qualification, and often uses targeted exercises alongside hands-on treatment to tailor her treatment and advice to fit the unique needs of each person. She enjoys working with her patients to find ways to prevent problems from reoccurring.
Lara enjoys an active outdoors lifestyle, especially camping and cycling, and can often be found pottering in her backyard alongside her young sons, Jim and Ted.
Back Pain, leg pain, sciatic pain help - An article written by Lara
Ten interesting facts about your amazing spine - An article written by Lara
An osteopathic perspective of your spine and how your posture can be affected by osteoporosis - An article written by Lara
A sprained ankle - An article written by Lara
See Lara for:
- Back pain, neck pain and headaches
- Sports injuries and exercise advice
- Occupational overuse and workplace injuries
- Pregnancy pain
Dr Giulia Buczkowsky DO M.Ost RQ, Registered Osteopath, MONZ
Giulia completed her five-year full-time osteopathic study in Italy at the International College of Osteopathic Medicine, with a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. She graduated with a Master of Osteopathic Medicine from Kingston University in the U.K. in July 2021.
During her practical internship, she became inspired by osteopathic ideas that motivated her to travel to the other side of the world, to join City Osteopaths in Wellington. She firmly believes in the osteopathic philosophy in which “body, motion and mind must blend themselves with, and travel in harmony with nature’s truths” (Dr A T Still, 1899).
Giulia is skilled in finding the origin of the tissue dis-ease. In many cases this is not where patients report having pain. She is trained in the treatment of chronic pain. Giulia utilises structural, cranial, fascial and visceral approaches in order to promote the tissue restorative process, decreasing the inflammatory process and, therefore, the pain stimulus.
In her spare time, Giulia enjoys swimming, climbing and playing many sports, improving her physical performance and personal wellbeing. She enjoys travel, sharing life stories and finding harmony in nature.
See Giulia for:
● Headaches and migraines
● Back pain, pregnancy pain, babies
● Visceral conditions including asthma, stomach, bowels and menstrual disorders
● Scar tissue adherence including burning, surgery, laceration and caesarean section
● Postural check and assistance
Osteopathic Manual, Treatment for Newborn babies at City Osteopaths - An article written by Giulia
Pelvic Floor - An article written by Giulia
Diaphragm Breathing - An article written by Giulia
Mood disorders, diaphragm muscle and Osteopathic Manual Treatment - An article written by Giulia
Whiplash injury and Osteopathic Manual Treatment - An article written by Giulia
The Pathophysiology of scar tissue and Osteopathic Manual Treatment. A research based article written by Giulia
Osteopathic Manual Treatment of Newborn babies A research based article written by Giulia
Venla Kärki Reg Osteopath, MONZ
Venla graduated from Metropolia in Finland in 2019. She has been working in New Zealand since 2020. Venla uses different treatment modalities in her treatments, including structural, visceral and functional/indirect techniques including the cranial approach. She is passionate about developing her skills in the field of cranial and biodynamic osteopathy. Before studying osteopathy Venla worked as a veterinarian.
Venla is also a qualified Integration Mentor and has a special interest in how emotions and the physical body are interconnected. She firmly believes that the body is a unit and is a self healing mechanism, and that to find health we need to work on the whole person, including emotions and mental aspect in addition to the physical.
In her free time Venla enjoys spending time in nature and aerial acrobatics.
See Venla for:
- Stress
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Digestive issues
- Body discomfort with an emotional basis
- Pregnancy and Babies
Stress - An article written by Venla
Vagus Nerve Stimulation - An article written by Venla
Dr Melanie Young B.A., B.App.Sc. (Clin.Sc.), B. Osteo.Sc. Reg. Osteopath, MONZ
Melanie graduated with high distinction in her clinical exams from the 5 year double degree in Osteopathic Medicine at Melbourne’s RMIT University in 1997. She has been the Director of City Osteopaths since 2000.
She has done extensive post graduate Sutherland Cranial Teaching Foundation study in the areas of paediatrics, pregnancy, trauma and the face.
Since 2002, Melanie has completed the Biodynamics of Osteopathy Phases 1-9.
Melanie has over 45 years experience in dance, Tai Chi and Pilates. She draws on these foundations, combining them with gentle treatment approaches, including functional, cranial & biodynamic osteopathy, to effectively treat a wide range of ages and conditions.
Since 2015 she has been working and studying in the field of mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy, to help a range of health conditions including concussion, stroke, spinal cord injury and other neurological conditions. She has also been studying ACT: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help her patients with the cognitive and emotional aspects of their healing journey.
She is married with two teenage children and has a clinical focus in providing osteopathy for pregnancy, preparation for labour, babies and children. Melanie also has a passion for working with people undergoing Orthodontics and enjoys treating the Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) and other mechanical issues of the cranium such as concussion, sinus, tongue problems or ear infections. She loves to help patients fully recover from surgery or traumatic injury and move freely again pain-free.
See Melanie for:
What to do for Concussion or Traumatic Brain Injury. - An article written by Melanie
Concussion Treatment for Children using Osteopathic Treatment and Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy - A case study written by Melanie
Hyperbaric and Osteopathic treatment for a concussed seven year old child - A case study written by Melanie
Childhood Scoliosis Treatment - A case study written by Melanie
Gentle Osteopathic Treatment of Breastfeeding Difficulties and Tongue Tie - An article written by Melanie
Osteopathic Treatment of Pregnancy and Birth - An article written by Melanie
Successful treatment of severe reflux and oral aversion in an 8 month old premature baby A case study written by Melanie
Osteopathic treatment of hip pain in a child A case study written by Melanie
How to keep mobile and supple as you get older. - An article written by Melanie
When can a soother be a good thing for a baby? - A research based article written by Melanie
PTSD and Osteopathic Treatment - A research based article written by Melanie
Broken arm or leg - what can I do to help my recovery? An article written by Melanie from research and first hand experience!
Melanie graduated with high distinction in her clinical exams from the 5 year double degree in Osteopathic Medicine at Melbourne’s RMIT University in 1997. She has been the Director of City Osteopaths since 2000.
She has done extensive post graduate Sutherland Cranial Teaching Foundation study in the areas of paediatrics, pregnancy, trauma and the face.
Since 2002, Melanie has completed the Biodynamics of Osteopathy Phases 1-9.
Melanie has over 45 years experience in dance, Tai Chi and Pilates. She draws on these foundations, combining them with gentle treatment approaches, including functional, cranial & biodynamic osteopathy, to effectively treat a wide range of ages and conditions.
Since 2015 she has been working and studying in the field of mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy, to help a range of health conditions including concussion, stroke, spinal cord injury and other neurological conditions. She has also been studying ACT: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help her patients with the cognitive and emotional aspects of their healing journey.
She is married with two teenage children and has a clinical focus in providing osteopathy for pregnancy, preparation for labour, babies and children. Melanie also has a passion for working with people undergoing Orthodontics and enjoys treating the Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) and other mechanical issues of the cranium such as concussion, sinus, tongue problems or ear infections. She loves to help patients fully recover from surgery or traumatic injury and move freely again pain-free.
See Melanie for:
- Face, sinus, tongue, jaw and ear issues
- Fertility, pregnancy, babies and children
- Scoliosis in all ages
- Past major physical trauma including concussion
What to do for Concussion or Traumatic Brain Injury. - An article written by Melanie
Concussion Treatment for Children using Osteopathic Treatment and Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy - A case study written by Melanie
Hyperbaric and Osteopathic treatment for a concussed seven year old child - A case study written by Melanie
Childhood Scoliosis Treatment - A case study written by Melanie
Gentle Osteopathic Treatment of Breastfeeding Difficulties and Tongue Tie - An article written by Melanie
Osteopathic Treatment of Pregnancy and Birth - An article written by Melanie
Successful treatment of severe reflux and oral aversion in an 8 month old premature baby A case study written by Melanie
Osteopathic treatment of hip pain in a child A case study written by Melanie
How to keep mobile and supple as you get older. - An article written by Melanie
When can a soother be a good thing for a baby? - A research based article written by Melanie
PTSD and Osteopathic Treatment - A research based article written by Melanie
Broken arm or leg - what can I do to help my recovery? An article written by Melanie from research and first hand experience!
Testimonials.
All New Zealand Registered Osteopaths, as of October 2016, are forbidden to put patient testimonials on their websites. Therefore we have removed a large number of fully verifiable patient testimonials which gave specific details as to what had helped and why. We feel this is a shame, however this is now the law and we are no longer able to provide this information to you on our website. We do however have over 100 google reviews you can check out.
Most of our referrals are word of mouth so we would really appreciate it that if you are happy with our treatment and your results, please pass the word on to your family, colleagues and friends so we can continue to help a wider circle of people. Thanks.
You can read the clinical research supporting Osteopathy link here.
All New Zealand Registered Osteopaths, as of October 2016, are forbidden to put patient testimonials on their websites. Therefore we have removed a large number of fully verifiable patient testimonials which gave specific details as to what had helped and why. We feel this is a shame, however this is now the law and we are no longer able to provide this information to you on our website. We do however have over 100 google reviews you can check out.
Most of our referrals are word of mouth so we would really appreciate it that if you are happy with our treatment and your results, please pass the word on to your family, colleagues and friends so we can continue to help a wider circle of people. Thanks.
You can read the clinical research supporting Osteopathy link here.
