Paul Hermann Osteopathy Australia Interview

Osteopathy is a Form of Manual Healthcare

Osteopathy is now the fastest-growing health regulated health profession in Australia. With a workforce increase of over 6.5% last year alone, Osteopathy is now taking the allied healthcare profession to the next level, competing with the larger streams of allied healthcare, being Chiropractic & Physiotherapy.

To give a brief background on what Osteopathy is, Osteopathy is a form of manual healthcare which recognises the important link between the structure of the body and the way it functions. Osteopaths focus on how the skeleton, joints, muscles, circulation, connective tissue and internal organs function as a holistic unit. In Australia, Osteopaths are primary healthcare practitioners that requires a minimum of 5 years accredited university training. In Australia, there are three universities that offer Osteopathy: RMIT, Victoria University and Southern Cross University.

Interview with Paul Hermann, Osteopath

Question: Why did you study Osteopathy?

Paul Hermann: I became an Osteopath because I was fascinated by the detective style approach it took to the overall health of the person. I was always the annoying kid who asked why and Osteopathy helped me find a job where asking why is not annoying, and is actually the essence of what we do.


Question: Can you define in your own words, what as Osteopath is/does and what differentiates them from a Physiotherapist/Chiropractor?

Paul Hermann: All therapists are different, and all manual therapists have cross over. There is sometimes as much difference between me and another Osteopath as there is between me and another physiotherapist or chiropractor. I can't speak for other's therapist's styles or beliefs, but I find passion and connection to the philosophies and beliefs of Osteopathy. We are all unique and complex beings, and to achieve and maintain health, we need all aspects of our complete selves to be taken into consideration. Sometimes as an Osteopath I release muscles, address joint issues and other times I educate about posture, desk set up, hydration or stress. My job is to help the patient find the answers to their health imbalances. That doesn't mean I have all the answers, but I will always help patients find them.


Question: What was your greatest achievement in 2017?

Paul Hermann: As a leader of the team at Stay Tuned Sports Medicine, my achievements are measured by their success. My success this last year was helping the people in my team, realise, establish and achieve their goals. It's also one of the best parts of my job!

Personally, a three-year dream of mine came true in 2017. I was part of a volunteer project through our foundation, Stay Tuned for Rangas, which entailed going over to Borneo and helping the amazing team there, enrich the lives of the Orangutans and Sun Bears in their care.


Question: What are your five New Year's Resolutions for 2018?

Paul Hermann: Eat less chocolate; I'm currently eating chocolate covered almonds…
Drink less coffee; there's the empty cup of my third today on the desk...
Learn how to sleep in on day's off.
My beach volleyball coach would say, -swing faster not harder'.
Make more time to cook.


Question: Where do you see Osteopathy in 2018?

Paul Hermann: The work we are doing with the CPG's is really coming along and we are seeing them receive acknowledgement from industry leaders and groups. I see this being a springboard to help educate the public on the vast array of areas where Osteopaths have developed their skills, and to get greater recognition of these developments with insurance providers and governing groups. We have so much to offer and I see us getting greater opportunities to use our skills to help care for even more people.


Question: What is your advice for anyone who wants to seek treatment with an Osteopath?

Paul Hermann: Osteopathy Australia is a great tool for anyone who wants to seek treatment with an Osteopath. I recommend checking out www.osteopathy.org.au and clicking Find Your Local Osteopath. You'll find the nearest one to you in no time! Alternatively, word-of-mouth is a great way of finding out a great Osteopath right near you. They may have been right around the corner the whole time!