Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a system of manual medicine based on the original discoveries and clinical experience of its American founder Dr. A.T. Still. (1828 - 1917)

He recognised that mechanical disturbance within the spine compromises the pathway of spinal nerves and therefore the function of the tissues and organs that they supply.  He also considered the pathway of the circulatory and lymph systems, the importance of joint mobility and the importance of balance and symmetry for optimal health. In essence he considered the whole body when developing a diagnostic system that is still followed by osteopaths today.  However osteopathy is  a modern discipline that actively researches the effectiveness of the techniques it uses and keeps abreast of current scientific developments.

Today back pain accounts for over 50% of cases brought to the osteopath - though as indicated before it can help with a wide variety of problems. All those advertising as an osteopath must be registered by the General Osteopathic Council (G.Os.C.) which governs the profession in a similar way to the British Medical Association governs Doctors.

Treatment
History - Your first visit will involve taking a full case history, questions about the presenting complaint, along with past health history.

Exam - Most patients are examined in their underwear as the osteopath will be considering the structure and function of the whole body and its effect on the presenting problem.  You will be asked to perform some simple exercises to demonstrate your degree of flexibility.  The osteopath will then palpate (feel) what strains and tensions are present.

Treatment - Treatment doesn't always involve the 'cracks' that manipulative therapists are renowned for.  Osteopaths are equipped with a variety of techniques so that each treatment is tailored specifically to the individual patient and their problem.

The Cranial therapy approach uses very gentle techniques in which the osteopath's highly developed sense of touch is used to identify and correct mechanical disturbances and limitations, both in and around the joints of the skull and spine.

It greatly helps patients who's condition demands a gentle approach.  Also it helps babies trying to recover from the effects of a difficult delivery, by gently releasing tension in the infants body the osteopath can often relieve discomfort which might otherwise be attributed to colic or fretfulness and may prevent future health problems.

For example mechanical disturbances which effect proper drainage from the ear eventually leads to stagnation and reoccurring ear infection.

Many problems have found a great relief via osteopathic treatment. For example

* aches and pains  * arthritic pain  * asthma  * colic  * constipation * headache  * glue ear  * post natal care  * pregnancy pain  * repetitive strain  * scoliosis  * tendonitis  * tinnitus  * whiplash

For a personal chat, or more information contact The Centre, or to book a session now.