Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a long-established system of diagnosis and treatment recognised by the British Medical Association as a “discrete clinical discipline.” As such, it uses many of the scientific, diagnostic and clinical assessment procedures used in conventional medicine.
The patient is assessed holistically from functional (what you do), mechanical (how you do it) and postural standpoints which gives osteopaths a thorough understanding of the ways in which an injury or illness in one part of the body can affect another.
What conditions are treated? - Is Osteopathy for me?
Osteopathy is a primary healthcare system complimenting other medical practices, suitable for almost anyone and can alleviate an enormous range of conditions.
It offers a full clinical assessment of patients, treating children, pregnant, elderly, shop, office and manual workers, professionals, dancers and sports people.
Osteopathy treats people who may have various conditions such as: sciatica, low back and neck pain, shoulder, knee, hip or ankle pain, sports injury, whiplash, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, repetitive strain injury, jaw pain, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, osteoarthritis, postural and mobility problems, pregnancy pain and many other problems.
Cranial Osteopathy
Cranial treatment may be deemed appropriate in a particular situation and is a part of the Osteopathic skills “toolbox” for treatment of old and young with individual assessment and gentle treatment.
Cerebrospinal fluid movement around the brain and spinal cord is reflected in movement of cranial and sacral bones. Minor strains or abnormalities of motion can be treated to aim to lead to changes in patient health. Within osteopathy, this is often considered the treatment of choice for babies dealing with colic, sleeplessness and so on and is possible for a range of other problems.
What happens during treatment?
Patients are assessed through an in-depth questioning process, evaluating factors both historical, causal and aggravating to a condition.
Details of any medications are recorded along with any contraindications to treatment.
Palpation (feeling) and observation are combined with any relevant clinical tests; neurological (reflexes), orthopaedic (nerve/muscle stretch tests), osteopathic (movement tests).
Patients are generally asked to undress to their appropriate underwear or wear loose, comfortable clothing or an examination gown as required.
What does Osteopathy feel like?
Treatment is generally relaxing with positional stretching combined with soft- tissue techniques leading to increased mobility and decreased inflammation using gentle manual osteopathic techniques applied to the body.
Any pops or clicks (the famous ones- like knuckle clicks) may speed treatment but merely sound a little strange.
