What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy recognises that much of the pain and disability we suffer stems from
abnormalities in our body’s structure and function.
Osteopaths diagnose and treat problems with muscles, ligaments, nerves and joints to
help the body’s natural healing ability.
Treatment involves gentle, manual techniques - easing pain, reducing swelling and
improving mobility. Often, this involves manipulation which can result in an audible
‘crack’ which is simply the sound of gas bubbles popping in the fluid of the joints.
Osteopathy does not involve the use of drugs or surgery.
Visiting an osteopath
On your first visit, and before examination begins, we will discuss and record your
medical history in detail. You will then normally be asked to remove some of your clothing so
that a series of observations and biomechanical assessments can be made. You are very welcome to have someone accompany you.
We will then apply a highly developed sense of touch to identify points of weakness
or excessive strain throughout the body. Further investigations may include an x-ray or blood
test. This will allow a full diagnosis of the problem and will enable us to tailor a
treatment plan to your needs.
We will do our best to make you feel at ease and tell you what is happening throughout your
consultation. Please ask questions you have if you have any concerns. If further medical treatment is needed we may contact your doctor, with your permission.
How many treatments are needed?
This of course depends on the condition. The body is very good at adapting to change, but as we get older it is less capable of doing this. Finally, after a doing something very trivial, like picking up a child or an afternoon gardening, the body can cope no longer and an acute back ache may ensue. Something that has taken many years to develop will need more than just one treatment, often many more. On average, we say that six treatments should make a significant difference.
Chronic conditions such as degenerative changes will need regular treatments. Unfortunately, there are no magic wands we can wave in the case of osteoarthritis. The best we can do is to make sure that the joint in question (usually the knee or hip) have the best range and quality of motion that the arthritis allows. This will mean articulating the joint such that the joint surfaces become well lubricated and that the surrounding musculature is relaxed. |
