Contrary to the popular notion, Osteopathy is not just about “bad” backs or painful joints, even if it is the treatment of choice for these problems. Osteopathy is a safe & gentle system of "manual medicine" which is used to evaluate and treat dysfunctions of the body. In order to be healthy all tissues & fluids must have freedom of motion. But where there is stasis (lack of motion), the body is unable to self-regulate, leading to dysfunction and pain. Sometimes the body's ability to resolve trauma and strain becomes overloaded, and therefore needs some help. Osteopaths are highly-trained professionals with in-depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology in health and disease. Osteopaths treat the body as a whole, rather than just focusing on any one particular medical condition - the aim of the osteopath is always to look for the underlying cause(s) of the patient's problem and return the body to balance. These are some of the most common conditions that osteopaths see:
headaches/migraine, nerve & muscle problems, ligament & joint problems, back, neck & limb pain, sports injuries, sinusitis pain, RSI, jaw pain, postural changes in pregnancy, excessively painful periods, coccyx pain, stress-induced health problems, unsettled babies, digestive/breathing problems, pain and discomfort following whiplash,
surgery or other injuries. The osteopath uses observation, active and passive movement tests and manual palpation to ascertain the underlying causes of the patient's discomfort and then uses the most appropriate techniques to correct them - returning the body to health. Treatment modalities range from direct techniques (soft tissue work, stretching and manipulation) to visceral techniques (working directly with organs), to Cranial Osteopathy. The aim of osteopathic care is to support the best possible environment in the patient, to allow the bodies inherent self-healing process to emerge. Many other factors will also influence patients recovery, such as levels of exercise, adequate rest, diet, stress etc, which all have a role to play in patients road to health. Osteopaths can provide advice on lifestyle, exercise, diet, ergonomics and posture as part of their treatment plan.  Osteopathic medicine is based on balancing your body’s natural healing forces allowing for a greater expression of health and well-being. For further information on Osteopathy, General Osteopathic Council http://www.osteopathy.org.uk/ British Osteopathic Association http://www.osteopathy.org |
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Osteopathy |