OSTEOPATHY AUCKLAND
Osteopathy North Shore
Movement Mechanics
EVIDENCE-BASED CARE FROM A TRUSTED NORTH SHORE OSTEOPATH
If you’re searching for an osteopath near me or a North Shore osteopath you can trust, Movement Mechanics offers modern, hands-on osteopathy combined with advanced shockwave therapy and high power laser therapy in Browns Bay, Auckland. Our osteopaths focus on identifying why pain and movement problems are happening, not just treating symptoms, so you can recover with confidence and get back to doing what matters.
Osteopathy is a form of manual healthcare that looks at how the body’s structure influences movement, pain and function. Rather than isolating one painful area, osteopaths assess how joints, muscles, fascia and the nervous system interact as a whole.
Treatment is hands-on and may include joint mobilisation, soft-tissue techniques, exercise guidance and modern modalities such as shockwave therapy. The goal is to restore normal movement, reduce pain and support your body’s ability to heal and adapt.
Many people seek out an osteopath North Shore when pain has become persistent, recurrent or difficult to resolve with rest alone.
No two bodies or injuries are the same. That’s why your care at Movement Mechanics begins with a thorough assessment, not a generic protocol.
Your osteopath will:
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take the time to understand your symptoms, lifestyle and goals
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assess movement, strength and tissue health
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explain what’s contributing to your pain in clear, practical terms
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Treatment is then tailored using a combination of:
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hands-on osteopathic techniques
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shockwave therapy (North Shore) for stubborn tendon and soft-tissue conditions
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targeted rehabilitation exercises to improve strength and resilience
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This approach is especially effective for conditions such as plantar fascia treatment, heel pain treatment, Achilles tendinopathy treatment, hip pain treatment, and shoulder bursitis treatment.
Osteopathy is well-suited for people who:
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want a hands-on, whole-body approach
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have tried other therapies without lasting improvement
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prefer care that combines treatment with education and active recovery
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As a best osteopath North Shore option for many of our patients, we focus on:
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addressing the underlying drivers of pain
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restoring movement confidence
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reducing reliance on short-term fixes
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We are ACC-registered and Southern Cross-affiliated, making it easier to access high-quality care without unnecessary barriers.
At Movement Mechanics, osteopathy is more than a “quick fix”. Our structural approach combines evidence-informed manual techniques to address joint pain, muscle pain and back pain. These approaches are selected and combined based on your individual presentation, ensuring personalised osteopathy treatment Auckland that’s effective and safe.
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Muscle Energy Technique (MET)
What it is
MET is an active, clinician-guided manual technique where you gently contract a targeted muscle (or muscle group) against the practitioner’s resistance for a few seconds, then relax while the practitioner takes up the new range. It’s commonly used to address:
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Muscle tightness (e.g., hamstrings, hip flexors, upper traps)
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Joint restriction (e.g., pelvis/SI joint, ribs, cervical and lumbar segments)
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Movement asymmetry contributing to back pain in Auckland or broader musculoskeletal health in Auckland
Biophysiology and mechanisms
MET is best understood as a neuro-mechanical “reset” rather than “stretching harder”:
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Post-isometric relaxation: after an isometric contraction, there’s a brief window where muscle tone can reduce, allowing safer lengthening (a blend of spinal reflex modulation and motor control effects).
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Reciprocal inhibition: Contracting an agonist can reduce tone in its antagonist via spinal interneuron pathways.
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Proprioceptive recalibration: repeated, low-threat contractions improve joint position sense and reduce protective guarding relevant when muscle pain is driven by “over-protection” rather than tissue damage.
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Load tolerance: MET introduces a graded, tolerable load into sensitive tissues, often a key ingredient for persistent pain.
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Evidence (what the research actually says)
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For non-specific low back pain, a Cochrane review concluded the overall evidence quality is low, and uncertainty remains about effectiveness (small studies, risk of bias).
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More recent reviews suggest MET may reduce pain intensity (with small to moderate effects depending on subacute vs chronic presentations), though improvements in disability are less consistent.
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For flexibility (especially hamstrings), systematic review evidence supports short-term improvements in range.
Clinical takeaway: MET is a useful, low-irritability tool, particularly when you need to improve movement quickly and safely, but it’s usually best as part of a broader plan (education + progressive exercise + other manual therapy as indicated).​​​​​​
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Active Release Therapy (ART)
What it is
ART is a hands-on soft tissue approach combining:​
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precise contact/tension on a muscle, tendon, fascia, or nerve interface, and
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active movement by the patient through the restricted range,
with the goal of improving tissue gliding and reducing pain.
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It’s commonly used for repetitive strain patterns and stubborn muscle pain, including forearm, shoulder, hip, calf, and hamstring complaints.
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Biophysiology and mechanisms
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ART’s plausible mechanisms are largely mechanical + neurophysiological:
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Improved tissue glide: controlled shear forces may reduce “stuck” sliding between fascial layers and muscle compartments (important when movement feels tethered).
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Mechanotransduction: mechanical loading of connective tissue can influence fibroblast behaviour and collagen remodelling over time (particularly when paired with graded strength work).
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Neural desensitisation: sustained pressure + movement can alter nociceptive signalling and reduce protective muscle guarding.
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Local circulation changes: short-term improvements in perfusion and reduced local sensitivity may change the pain experience, supporting better movement.
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Evidence
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A systematic review reported ART may improve pain, ROM and disability, but also emphasised that the overall evidence base is limited and more robust trials are needed.
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Emerging mechanistic/physiological research (e.g., measures such as muscle stiffness via shear-wave velocity) is being explored, but it’s not yet definitive for long-term outcomes.
Clinical takeaway: ART can be very effective for certain soft tissue presentations, but the research base is smaller than for broader “manual therapy” categories. It tends to work best when used to unlock movement and immediately followed by strength/motor control to keep the gains.
Joint Mobilisation
What it is
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Joint mobilisation uses repetitive, graded oscillations (often described as Grade I–IV) to improve joint glide, reduce stiffness and calm pain commonly applied to the spine, ribs, shoulder, hip, ankle, etc. This is a cornerstone of manual therapy Auckland care for joint pain Auckland.
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Biophysiology and mechanisms
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Peripheral mechanical effects: improves joint arthrokinematics (glide/roll/spin), capsular extensibility, and movement options.
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Spinal cord & brain modulation: mobilisation can reduce pain via neurophysiological effects—changes in dorsal horn excitability, improved descending inhibition, and reduced threat response (helping patients move more normally).
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Muscle tone reduction: by decreasing pain and altering reflex activity, surrounding muscles often relax, improving range
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Evidence
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A systematic review and meta-analysis support that spinal joint mobilisation can have immediate effects on pain (especially short-term outcomes), though long-term results depend heavily on combining with exercise and self-management.
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Broader manual therapy literature for neck and spinal pain commonly finds that manual therapy can be beneficial, particularly in the short term, and often performs best when paired with exercise.
Clinical takeaway: Mobilisation is often excellent early on to reduce pain and restore movement so you can progress to the real “engine” of recovery: graded loading, capacity and confidence.
High-Velocity Low-Amplitude (HVLA) Thrust
What it is
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HVLA is a quick, precise, small-range thrust delivered to a joint with the aim of restoring motion and reducing pain. It’s commonly used for spinal and rib restrictions and is one of several options in structural osteopathy (never compulsory; always clinically reasoned and consented).
Biophysiology and mechanisms
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HVLA is not “putting bones back in.” The leading explanations are:
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Neurophysiological pain modulation: rapid joint input can influence spinal cord processing and alter pain sensitivity.
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Motor output changes: can transiently change muscle activation patterns (often reducing guarding and improving range).
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Biomechanical effects: there may be small changes in segmental stiffness and motion, though mechanisms are still being clarified.
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Cavitation (“pop”): may occur due to gas bubble dynamics in synovial fluid; it’s not required for benefit and doesn’t equal “success”.
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Evidence
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Recent systematic review work continues to evaluate HVLA across spinal regions and conditions; for example, a 2025 review assessed HVLA thrust manipulation in radiculopathy presentations (useful, but evidence varies by region, comparator and outcome).
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Clinical summaries (including evidence overviews) note spinal manipulation can help some patients with back and related musculoskeletal pain, with outcomes dependent on patient selection and integration with active care.
Clinical takeaway: HVLA can be a powerful tool for short-term pain reduction and restoring motion, but it’s best used as part of a plan that addresses strength, movement behaviours, sleep/stress, and load management, especially for persistent back pain in Auckland.
Soft Tissue Mobilisation & Trigger Point Therapy
What it is
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This includes hands-on work (massage-style, cross-fibre, longitudinal gliding) and specific trigger point techniques (e.g., sustained compression/ischemic pressure, myofascial release approaches) aimed at reducing sensitivity and restoring movement.
Biophysiology and mechanisms
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Analgesic effects: touch/pressure can modulate pain via spinal gating and descending inhibitory pathways.
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Reduced local sensitivity: trigger point techniques may temporarily increase pressure pain threshold and improve tolerance to load.
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Improved movement variability: by reducing “guarding,” patients can move with less threat and more range.
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Circulatory and autonomic effects: changes in local blood flow and autonomic tone may contribute to symptom relief (particularly in stress-linked muscle pain).
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Evidence
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Meta-analysis work on ischemic compression for myofascial pain suggests improvements in pain tolerance/pressure pain threshold, but effects on self-reported pain are less consistent and evidence quality varies.
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Other reviews report short-term pain relief and ROM changes, but again the certainty can be limited by study quality and heterogeneity.
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For manual trigger point therapy in some regions (e.g., orofacial), evidence suggests it can be safe and potentially beneficial vs control, though certainty may be very low.
Clinical takeaway: Soft tissue and trigger point work is often excellent for improving comfort and movement quickly—especially for muscle pain—but tends to be most durable when followed by strength, pacing and movement re-training.
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (IASTM)
What it is
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IASTM uses specifically shaped tools (e.g., Graston-style) to deliver controlled pressure and shear to soft tissues. It can help identify tissue restrictions and apply consistent mechanical input, commonly used for tendons, fascia, and chronic soft tissue pain/stiffness.
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Biophysiology and mechanisms
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Mechanotransduction and remodelling: controlled loading may influence connective tissue adaptation (collagen alignment, fibroblast signalling) when paired with progressive loading.
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Desensitisation: similar to other manual therapies, it may reduce pain sensitivity via neural modulation.
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Improved local glide: tool-assisted shear may change fascial layer sliding and perceived stiffness.
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Dose matters: intensity, duration, and frequency likely influence outcomes; too aggressive can flare symptoms.
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Evidence
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A widely cited systematic review found mixed results overall, with some improvements in ROM and outcomes depending on condition and study quality.
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More recent systematic review/meta-analysis work continues to evaluate IASTM across musculoskeletal disorders, reflecting variability in protocols and outcomes.
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Consensus work has also focused on precautions/contraindications to improve safety and standardisation.
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Clinical takeaway: IASTM can be helpful—especially for persistent soft tissue stiffness—when dosed appropriately and integrated with exercise. The evidence is promising but heterogeneous, so patient selection and programme design are key.
Manual therapy, including osteopathy, is supported by a growing body of high-quality research showing it to be an effective option for people experiencing musculoskeletal pain. Large-scale reviews of clinical trials have demonstrated that osteopathic treatment can meaningfully reduce low back pain and improve day-to-day function compared with sham or no treatment, indicating that the benefits are the result of the treatment itself rather than a placebo effect. Further systematic reviews have shown that osteopathy can help reduce pain and improve mobility in both acute and long-standing neck and back pain, including during pregnancy. These improvements are explained by well-understood biological effects of hands-on care, such as improved joint movement, reduced unnecessary muscle tension, and a positive influence on the nervous system’s pain response, helping the body move more freely and with less discomfort.
If your condition is covered by ACC, our team can:
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assist with lodging or managing your ACC claim
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provide ACC-subsidised osteopathic treatment
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guide you through recovery with clear expectations
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Choosing an ACC-registered North Shore osteopath means you receive professional care while keeping costs manageable. Our practitioners are experienced in working within ACC guidelines and communicating clearly about progress and next steps.
For persistent tendon and soft-tissue conditions, we often combine osteopathy with shockwave therapy. This advanced treatment is particularly effective for:
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plantar fascia and heel pain
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Achilles tendinopathy
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gluteal and hip tendon pain
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chronic shoulder and elbow conditions
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Shockwave therapy is not used as a stand-alone quick fix. Instead, it is carefully integrated into your osteopathic treatment plan to support tissue healing, pain reduction and long-term results.
Movement Mechanics is conveniently located in Browns Bay, making us an easy choice if you’re looking for an osteopath near me anywhere on Auckland’s North Shore.
We pride ourselves on providing:
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a calm, professional environment
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clear explanations and collaborative care
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evidence-based treatment without rushed appointments
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Patients regularly visit us from Browns Bay, Long Bay, Mairangi Bay, Torbay, Albany and surrounding North Shore suburbs.
Many patients seeking an osteopath North Shore have shared their experiences of improved function, reduced pain and enhanced quality of life following care with Movement Mechanics:
"Jonathan has being great and the Shockwave Therapy has helped me to reduce significantly my plantar fasciitis pain"
Maria Rogers
"I saw Jonathan to help with a shoulder injury I had suffered from for 4+ months. Thanks to him in just 4 sessions of shockwave therapy it feels as good as new, with improvements from the first session. Jonathan was super friendly and professional as well. Thanks again, really appreciate your help!"
Sean Baty
"My husband, daughter and I have all been to see and I am currently still seeing Jonathan, he has a wealth of knowledge and takes the time to get to the root of the problem, rather than a quick fix which we have experienced in the past elsewhere. Highly recommend!!!"
Judith Stevenson
Jonathan was outstanding. He is an expert at treatment and also makes you feel very comfortable with the treatment process and listens well. I highly recommend him. He has the best world class equipment and gives you the optimal treatment plan. He reduced my pain massively.
Dave Phillips
Service areas include Browns Bay, Mairangi Bay, Torbay, Long Bay, Albany, Takapuna, Waiake, Northcross, Campbells Bay, Murrays Bay, Rothesay Bay, Milford, Castor Bay, Birkenhead, Northcote, Whenuapai, Hobsonville.
Here are some of the questions we get about Osteopathy. We hope they help you feel informed and supported when deciding on the next steps of your healthcare journey.
Still have questions? Email hello@movementmechanics.nz