What is Osteopathy ?        

Osteopathy is a system of medicine which originated in the United States in the late 1800's. Osteopaths work to restore the musculoskeletal system of the body to a state of balance and harmony. We do not just treat symptoms, but establish and treat the underlying cause of pain. Osteopathy can benefit most types of aches, pains and strains in patients of any age. Osteopaths treat many types of pain and illness from injuries and acute physical problems and strains to more constitutional problems like migraine and digestive problems. We offer care from pregnancy through to childbirth and and specialise in the treatment of the newborn and babies using cranial osteopathy.We treat from birth to old age.

Osteopaths diagnose and treat problems with muscles, ligaments, nerves and joints to invoke the body's natural healing ability. By using a highly developed sense of touch osteopaths identify abnormalities within the structure and function of the body. Treatment involves gentle manual techniques. If appropriate, manipulation can be used which often results in an audible " crack ". This is simply the sound of gas bubbles popping in the fluid of a joint. Osteopaths successfully treat all ages, from birth to old age. An osteopathic treatment is tailored to the needs of the individual patient. It is patient centred.               When you go to an osteopath, a case history is taken. The osteopath will then discuss the problem with you, how and when the problem started and will also ask you about  your general health. This all helps the osteopath understand why the problem has arisen. The Osteopath will then need to conduct an examination of your body to evaluate your physical condition.

The osteopath will look at your body to assess your posture and observe how your spine and joints move. A diagnosis is made based on their findings and they will discuss this with you. They will explain their conclusions and proposed treatment plan to you and answer any questions you may have before starting treatment. In some cases it may be necessary to refer you for further tests such as x-ray. If it is appropriate you will have osteopathic treatment on your first visit. Whilst osteopathy started off as a complete alternative system of medicine osteopaths today are really part of a health care system. Most GP's are prepared to work with osteopaths and I have always tried to work alongside patient's doctors and not in conflict with them. No osteopath has the answer to every problem but a team of good practitioners can sometimes achieve what none of them could do on their own.

In 1993 the Osteopaths Act was passed by Parliament; it formally recognised and regulated the profession. After many years being occasionally misunderstood and marginalised Osteopathy today is a well established and respected profession. All osteopaths must be trained by a recognised institution and registered in order to practise.

What do osteopaths treat?

                                                                     

•   Back Pain 

•   Neck Pain 

•   Sciatica                                                            

•   Frozen Shoulder

•   Tennis Elbow/Golfers Elbow

•   Sports Injuries and Joint Pains 

•   Trapped Nerves

•   Ligament sprains

•   Muscle strains

•   Headaches

•   Migraine

•   Postural Problems

•   Whiplash Injuries

These are the most common problems that patients present with when they consult an osteopath but it is by no means a complete list. Should you require further information or advice  then please do not hesitate to contact me at the practice.