Osteopathy is a manual therapy that aims to restore the body to its optimal working condition. The osteopath uses a system of diagnosis and treatment to give pain relief, and work on the stresses and strains of the body. It is a healthcare system that integrates the whole body not just the area of pain or dysfunction.

Osteopathy focuses on the biomechanical integrity of the body and believes that altered structure can not only be the cause of inefficiency and pain, but also be a component that prolongs pain. The treatment focuses on the musculoskeletal system, biomechanics, nervous system, vascular and lymph fluid flow, and connective tissue. The treatment is gentle and appropriate for patients from all walks of life: young, old, office workers, pregnant women, sports people, and more.

Osteopathy can treat all manner of problems such as

Arthritic pains,

Backache,

Joint pain,

Frozen shoulder,

Sciatica,

Muscle spasms and tension,

Minor sports injuries,

Neuralgia,

Rheumatism

Aches and pains that arise from everyday life.

The osteopath considers all elements of the patient’s life, such as medical history and day to day activities, to ensure the treatment is tailored specifically to the individual.

Osteopathy is recognised by the medical profession, and in some cases, you can be referred directly to an osteopath by your GP. If you are unsure about visiting an osteopath, you can check with your GP first, although this is not necessary.

On the first visit, a thorough case history will be taken including medical history and previous injuries or illnesses. You will be asked to dress down to your underwear so that the osteopath can carry out an examination of the movements of your spine and joints. This will allow the osteopath to diagnose your pain or dysfunction and assess if you are safe to treat. Chaperones are welcome if you would feel more comfortable, and are necessary if the patient is under 18.

Osteopaths treat patients with a range of techniques, from soft tissue massage to stronger techniques of articulation and mobilisation.

Treatment may involve;

Soft tissue massage

Ligament balancing

Joint manipulation and articulation

Spinal manipulation

Western medical acupuncture

Muscle energy techniques, stretching and strengthening

Exercise advice and rehabilitation

Professionalism and safety

An osteopath must study for four to five years for a degree similar to a medical degree, with more emphasis on anatomy and musculoskeletal medicine. By law, they must register with the General Osteopathic Council GOsC. The British Medical Association’s guidance for GPs states that doctors can safely refer patients to osteopaths.

Pre and Post natal

Low back pain and pelvic pain are common. Studies show figures between 25 to 80 percent of pregnant women suffer.

Generalised muscular pain

Symphasis pubic pain (pain at front of pelvis)

Sacroiliac joint pain (presenting as lower back pain)

Sciatica and leg pain

Rib and thoracic spinal pain, leading to shortness of breath.

Headaches and neck aches.

Osteopathy is a safe and gentle way of treating common conditions.

As your baby grows, the structure of your body changes. If attention is paid to facilitating this normal physiological change, then the change can take place with the minimum of stress and discomfort, leading to a more natural and easy pregnancy.

6 weeks after birth, once you have been discharged by your obstetrician and midwife, you can then have a check up and realignment to support you in the first months of mothering.