About Osteopathy
What is Osteopathy?Osteopathy is a safe and effective treatment for musculo-skeletal problems, using hands-on techniques to assess and treat any dysfunction affecting the normal working of the body.
Osteopathic techniques work with the body's own natural ability to heal.
A variety of methods can be used to stretch and mobilise the muscles, ligaments and joints to provide pain relief and improve function.
During a course of treatment advice is given to help an individual to identify areas in which they can help themselves. This may include the best exercise to strengthen the problem area, postural advice and ergonomic set up at work.
What Happens on the First Visit?A full medical case history will be taken followed by an examination during which you may be asked to perform a few simple movements. Some clothing may need to be removed so that the area can be examined and treated.
The osteopath will use their highly developed sense of touch to palpate and assess areas of tenderness, strain, restriction or weakness within your body.
After examination the osteopath will discuss their findings with you and advise whether osteopathic treatment is suitable.
Osteopaths usually start any treatment by releasing and relaxing muscles and stretching stiff joints, using gentle massage techniques, rhythmic joint movements and muscle release techniques. The osteopath may also carry out manipulation using short, quick movements to spinal joints. The treatment may be a bit uncomfortable at times as painful areas are being treated but the osteopath will work within your level of tolerance.
The initial visit lasts between 45 minutes and an hour depending on the complexity of the case. Further treatments last up to half an hour, and on average between 2 and 6 sessions are required.
What Conditions Can it Help?The typical conditions that people find respond well to osteopathic treatment are
Back pain Sciatica Muscular aches and pains Neck and shoulder girdle pain and stiffness Headaches Sports injuries
