How does treatment work?

Osteopaths use their hands to help reduce tissue inflammation by a variety of techniques ranging from massage of muscles and connective tissue, stretching and rhythmic joint movements; high velocity thrust manipulation or gentle release techniques (often used particularly when treating children or elderly patients).

This helps to reduce muscle spasm and increase mobility, helping to create a healthier state in which damaged tissue can heal.

What happens?

On your first visit a full case history and examination is undertaken. The examination requires you to remove some clothing and perform a series of movements; the osteopath then uses their hands to palpate the muscles and joints to find the areas of weakness, strain or restrictions in movement.

Osteopathy does not claim to cure all illness. It aims to allow the body to heal itself or adapt to the requirements you put on it, by reducing inflammation and pain and improving mobility: thereby improving your quality of life.

Advice:

It is not unusual to experience some soreness 24-48 hours after treatment - to ease symptoms apply ice to the area for 10 minutes in any hour.

Don't stop taking medication prescribed by your doctor.

If you become injured remember PRICED

• Prevention - always better to avoid injuries, so warm up before exercise and warm down after exercise- take regular exercise.
• Rest - to prevent further injury.
• Ice - 10 minutes per hour covered by a tea towel.
• Compression - so swelling is minimised.
• Elevate - to aid drainage.
• Diagnosis - it is much easier to know what to do with your injury if you understand what damage has occurred.

What do osteopaths treat?

Headaches related to muscular tension in the neck and shoulders or from tension in the neck from unresolved problems elsewhere in the body.

Jaw pain, teeth grinding (Bruxism) and sinus congestion.

Neck, shoulder, upper and lower back pain which is increasingly common due to excessive computer work, manual work, mental stress, poor posture and lack of exercise.

Sports injuries, muscle strains, overuse tendonitis etc.

Repetitive strain injuries of elbow and wrists, such as from computers.

Degenerative conditions e.g. Osteoarthritis affecting necks, back, hips, knees and feet. (Osteopathy does not offer a cure, it aims to reduce pain and maintain mobility).

Pregnant women undergo enormous postural changes, both during and after pregnancy producing lots of aches and pains. Osteopaths can help the body adapt more easily to these changes. Common problems include back and leg pain, neck and shoulder pains, wrist pains....