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OSTEOPATHY
What Is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a form of healthcare which focuses on the relationship between the musculoskeletal system and the overall health of the patient. Osteopaths use a wealth of knowledge to assess, treat, and prevent a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions to reduce pain and improve physical function.
This is done by using an array of techniques to assist the body return to functioning movement, increase nerve and blood supply to the area of dysfunction, restore balance and support the body’s natural ability to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery.
What Conditions Can It Be Used For?
There are many conditions Osteopathy can be used for, here are some of the more common complaints which we see:
Arthritic Pain
Back Pain
Hypermobility
Neck Pain and Headaches
Peripheral Joint Pain (Hips, Knees, Ankles, Shoulders, Elbows and Wrists conditions)
Plantar Fasciitis
Postural Problems Causing Pain
Pre- and Post-surgical rehabilitation
Pregnancy related pain (pubic symphysis, pelvic instability, lower back pain)
Sports Injuries
Sprained Ligaments and Strained Muscle
Tendinopathy
Radiculopathy – herniated discs, compressed nerves, sciatica
Repetitive strain injuries
Who Is This Treatment Suited For?
Osteopathy is a treatment suitable for anyone, in particular those suffering with acute or chronic pain due to injury, illness or disability who require a treatment to reduce or prevent ongoing imbalance, dysfunction, and pain.
An important aspect of patient management is educating the patient about their condition. Everyday activities and habits can lead to restrictions and stiffness building up over time, causing stress and damage to the body, which makes recovery from injury more difficult.
Your Appointment
On your initial visit to the clinic, your appointment will be slightly longer to accommodate a thorough medical history and physical examination, this will enable the practitioner to identify structural and functional difficulties your body may be having and areas of restriction and weakness.
Following this assessment, you will be provided with a working diagnosis and given a treatment plan appropriate to your needs. Your practitioner will also offer you a rehabilitation plan to guide you through to recovery.
Follow-up appointments work towards reducing pain and improving physical function of the original complaint and assessing how the prescribed rehabilitation plan is progressing. Treatment technique will begin with releasing muscle and stiff joints by using soft tissue massage and gentle joint articulation, assisted stretches and joint manipulation will also be used if appropriate.
In all appointments, an examination will be carried out, so we ask that you wear something comfortable, such as shorts and a vest top.
Patients can request a chaperone to accompany them for part or all of their appointment. You will be told in advance of your appointment whether you will need a chaperone present for certain consultations, such as those for children under 16 years old.