What is Osteopathy
Osteopathy recognizes the importance of the link between the structure of the human body and the way it functions. Osteopaths focus on the body’s skeleton and joint function along with the underlying muscles, soft tissue, and internal organs.
Osteopaths consider each person as an individual and treatments are tailored to the individual and their presenting complaint.
Patients are treated using a holistic approach, which may include structural, visceral and cranial osteopathy, naturopathy and medical acupuncture. Advice can also be given on self help treatment and lifestyle choices.
The Treatment
Your first 45 minute consultation includes a full medical case history, a thorough structural assessment, and treatment. As part of the examination you may be asked to perform a few simple movements so the osteopath can assess the problem.
The osteopath will use their highly developed sense of touch to assess areas of weakness, tenderness, restriction or strain within your body. They may also use other diagnostic methods such as orthopaedic tests, functional neurology testing using applied kinesiology, or blood tests as part of their assessment. Your practitioner will make a diagnosis and discuss it with you, and if osteopathic treatment is suitable it will be offered to you.
Treatment will be aimed at helping to restore normal joint stability and function, and may include deep tissue massage, joint mobilisation and manipulation, acupuncture, cranial osteopathy techniques, dietary advice, postural advice and the prescription of exercises.
Follow-up treatments normally last 30 minutes; the number of treatments often depends on how long the problem has been there and how severe it is. Most patients report an improvement within 2-3 treatment sessions.
The Benefits of Osteopathy
Osteopathy is generally regarded as a therapy for treating musculoskeletal conditions such as back and neck pain, sciatic and shoulder pain. However, osteopathic treatment can be helpful for problems associated with all areas of the body, including:
- Neck and back pain
- Headaches
- Disc injuries
- Postural strains
- Repetitive strain injuries
- ‘Trapped’ nerves
- Sports injuries
- Joint problems
- Structural problems in pregnancy
- Problems of childhood and infancy