What is Osteopathy
Osteopathy recognises 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.
The maintenance of good mechanical function is essential to good health. Problems in the framework of the body can disturb the circulatory system or nerves to any part of the body and affect any aspect of health. Thus, mechanical problems can lead not only to aches and pains in joints and muscles, but also to disturbances in the internal organs and the way they work.
Osteopaths work to restore the musculoskeletal system of the body to a state of balance and harmony. Each person is considered 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.
What to expect
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 to improve flexibility, range of movement and strength.
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.
Many patients decide that they would like to have periodic preventative treatments to avoid recurring problems. Depending on the age and health of the individual as well as their daily activities, checkups are recommended every 2-6 months.
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
Karen is unbelievable at what she does. I have been having treatment on my back for over 20 years but the last 12 months I have been seeing Karen has been far the best. I could not live without her now.
– Abby Hart