What is Osteopathy & is it Safe?

Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. It works with the structure and function of the body and is based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues functioning smoothly together. Osteopathy is considered a safe treatment method for many different medical conditions.

We use touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension, to enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues, and to help your body’s own healing mechanisms. We can also provide advice on posture and exercise to aid recovery, promote health and prevent symptoms recurring.

Patients can come from all walks of life including the young, the elderly, manual workers, office professionals, pregnant women, children and sportspeople.

After diagnosing the cause of your condition we will propose a treatment program which may consist of one or more of the following techniques:

• Soft-tissue massage

• Medical Acupuncture

• Mobilisation/ articulation

• Manipulations (HVLA Thrust techniques) - Check out this blog!

• Muscle Energy Techniques (a form of stretching).

Advice will also be given on specific exercises to do at home and how to minimise any negative impact of your lifestyle on your condition. This ‘homework’ is the most crucial part of your treatment and should not be ignored. Through exercise rehabilitation we are seeking to promote your body’s ability to self-heal and the exercises are an important part of this process.

In most cases, between two and six sessions are enough to achieve desired aims, although sometimes a single treatment is sufficient and equally sometimes it may take longer depending on the severity of your injury. I aim to make you feel at ease and will ensure that we communicate effectively with you, so that you fully understand your condition and to answer any questions you may have.