Osteopathy

We are all more than just a sum of our own body parts. The body interacts in all sorts of subtle ways with a myriad of different influences. For this reason osteopathic medicine practises a ‘whole person’ approach to health care.

As osteopaths we understand how all the body’s systems are interconnected and how each one affects the others. We mainly focus upon the musculo-skeletal  system and treatment can often involve the correction and balancing of this system using an array of differing techniques.

Everyone is different, no two people are ever alike. Even though two people may present with two very similar problems, the treatment they receive may be quite different. For example, pain in the right shoulder may be caused by a multitude of different factors, not necessarily sited in the shoulder. There may be soft tissue or skeletal problems in the shoulder itself or the pain may be caused through sequences of misalignments or imbalances in the body remote from the shoulder region or a combination of both. As an extreme example, via nerve referral, a right shoulder pain may also result from a faulty gall bladder. Only with a full and thorough examination can a working diagnosis be reached. The age, fitness, health, disability and severity of pain of each patient is considered when choosing techniques of treatment. When deciding on the path of a treatment, the gentlest techniques possible are used to achieve the swiftest  recovery possible.

What does osteopathy entail?
One of our fundamental concepts is that the body will always try to heal itself. Osteopaths aim at removing the blocks that are preventing this from happening.  A good blood supply is essential for good healing and needs to be encouraged at all times. By using safe techniques, osteopathy can help to balance muscles, joints and connecting soft tissues to maintain, not only the structure, but also the optimal functioning of the internal organs to help promote the body’s physiological balance.

Osteopathy is a ‘hands-on’ treatment. Only by palpating the differences between injured and well tissues can a proper impression of the problem be obtained; this is essential for a thorough diagnosis. All treatment is performed manually: no machines are used. This allows the osteopath to get constant feedback from the area being treated and if necessary, alter the treatment accordingly.  

Treatment can involve the use of,

• soft-tissue massage and stretching
• articulation of joint complexes which encourages a slow increase in the range of movement   within restricted joints
• manipulation of ‘locked’ joints which have ceased to move. This involves a gentle ‘nudge’ to restore full and correct anatomical movement
• muscle resistance techniques to unwind tightened tissues
• manual traction
• slow release gentle techniques
• cranial osteopathy (see separate page)
  

As part of a holistic approach to better health, most conditions are also assisted by following exercise and advice programmes specific to the individual problem. This may include advice on healthy diet and nutrition or postural improvements in daily life or ways of coping with excess emotional stress.

What can osteopathy treat?

• back and neck pain
• any muscle, joint or ligament problems
• faulty posture
• musculo-skeletal related headaches
• trapped nerves
• disc problems
• arthritic pain 
• frozen shoulders
• repetitive strain injuries
• pregnancy related postural problems
• scoliosis
• babies and children (see cranial osteopathy) 
  

What to expect when you have a treatment?
On your first visit you will asked about your problem and a full case history will be taken. Questions will be centred not only on your problem but on your all round general health as well. Prior to examination you will be asked to remove some of your clothes depending upon the area involved.  Gowns are often used and you may be asked to carry out a series of simple movements to see how your gross movements have been affected. After this any necessary orthopaedic or neurological testing will be carried out. The osteopath may then use gentle movement and palpation techniques to check for joint restrictions and muscle spasm and assess areas of tenderness, stiffness and pain. This is always performed as carefully as possible to minimise any discomfort.   
You will then be told of any findings and a treatment plan will be formulated. With your consent the first treatment will then be carried out. Rarely further investigations may be needed before commencing treatment. In such cases you may be referred back to your GP.

How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments needed varies greatly. It depends on several factors. Usually the longer a condition has been present the longer it takes to get better. If an injury is fairly new, it may take only two or three treatments to gain a complete recovery. However, if it has been worsening over several years, it may take a lot longer. Some chronic conditions may necessitate a maintenance programme to sustain long term good health.