What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is thought of as a very effective form of physical therapy which can help people of all ages. It corrects mechanical problems in the body, using gentle yet powerful manual techniques. This improves the efficiency of the musculoskeletal system, often leading to 'knock-on' benefits to other body systems. Osteopathic treatment is concerned with postural balance, body mechanics, lifestyle factors and nutrition.

What can Osteopathy help with?

Osteopathic treatment has been used for over 100 years to treat a wide variety of complaints and illnesses. Osteopathy has been used to help conditions such as:

• neck and back pain
• headaches, sinus problems
• arthritis and other joint problems
• pelvic and hip problems
• jaw pain
• "sciatica" & disc problems
• carpal tunnel syndrome (wrist and hand pain)
• repetitive strain injury (RSI)
• postural pain syndromes / ergonomic advice
• recovery from sports injuries
• pregnancy related pain
• whiplash

What to expect:

On your first visit you will be asked to discuss the symptoms you are experiencing and a medical history will be taken.  The osteopath will then carry out relevant examinations using a highly developed sense of touch to identify problem areas throughout the body.

You will usually be asked to undress down to your underwear. This is to allow an accurate assessment of your posture, spinal and other joint movements. Other tests may be performed, e,g,, reflexes or blood pressure.

Treatment can consist of manual work on muscles, ligaments and tendons and the manipulation of joints where appropriate.  There is a wide variety of techniques which can be used, from working to release tense, knotted muscles to gently encouraging a stiff joint to start moving again. So-called 'thrust' techniques are only performed with your consent. 

Advice is given to promote recovery and reduce the risk of re-injury; this may be in the form of exercise, diet & nutrition, or lifestyle changes.