What is it?
OSTEOPATHY
Is an Integrative Medicine of assessing, diagnosing, treating and preventing a wide range of medical conditions and health problems. Is designed to treat acute/chronic pain, inflammation and; to improve body and life functionality. It uses a drug-free, non-invasive form of manual medicine that focuses on the health of the whole body, not just the injured or affected part.
It’s a medical system designed to facilitate natural healing processes by finding and correcting anatomical deviations that interfere with the free flow of blood and lymph and with the so-called “nerve force” in the body.
So It works with the structure and function of the body, and is based on the principles of Globality and Tensegrity.
Osteopaths are educated and trained in anatomy, physiology, pathology, general medical diagnosis and osteopathic techniques. We work with other registered health professionals including general practitioners, specialists and radiologists to provide the best service to their patients.
Who is it for?
Osteopathic patients include people of any age, from babies through to the elderly and treatment is helpful for people in any situation - athletes and sport people, student, office worker, manual labourer, pregnant woman, stay at home parent, retiree and anything in between.
How does it work?
Osteopathy aims not just to treat symptoms, but to restore function and health.
Using a highly trained technique of touch known as palpation or listening and a wide range of diagnose and hands-on techniques; I can identify important areas of restriction of movement, weakness or strain throughout the body.
Any untreated trauma, stresses, strains or tension remain in the body, restricting the body’s functioning and it may give rise to problems over the years. The effects may be both physical (such as back pain, migraine or digestive disorders) and emotional (such as anxiety or depression).
Osteopathy is a form of manual medicine which facilitates healing by focusing on how the skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulation, connective tissue and internal organs function as a holistic unit.
What does Osteopathy has been shown to be able to help with?
Osteopathy is most commonly associated with musculoskeletal medicine - biomechanical back and neck pain, sport or work injuries, or other joint or muscle disorders. However, as osteopathy is a holistic form of healthcare which helps individuals improve or restore health and well being, there are many other reasons someone may visit an osteopath.
Some may come for rehabilitation, or injury management, assistance with general health problems or medical conditions, or wellness more generally.
Some of the conditions osteopaths assist their patients with include:
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Back pain, pelvic pain, or sciatica
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Neck pain, headaches or migraines
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Hip, knee or ankle pain
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Neuralgias
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Bulged, herniated and compressed disc
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Shoulder, elbow or wrist pain
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Sports injuries
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Pregnancy and post-pregnancy related pain
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Sleeping, feeding or digestive problems in babies
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Asthma or other breathing related disorders
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Recurrent ear infections in children
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Digestive and gynecological complaints
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Stress and adrenal fatigue
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Inflammatory diseases
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TMJ disorders
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Body Posture (caused by driving, traumas, scarred tissue and adhesion from surgery and/or infections and changes due to pregnancy)
Osteopathy emphasizes self-healing. So; You will also receive specific advices and guidance to help manage your injury at home.
Prevention advice can involve:
* Stretching exercises/home exercise
* Posture
* Breathing
* Stress reduction
* Lifestyle adjustments
* Dietary changes
Osteopathic Treatment and it's benefits
Treatment is designed to release pain, restrictions and to improve function; impacting positively the nervous, neuroendocrine, circulatory, digestive, lymphatic, fascia and muscle-skeletal systems; improving body function and overall health.
On each session I work to restore your body to a state of balance, where possible without the use of drugs or surgery. I use sensitive touch, physical manipulation, mobilization, stimulation, stretching and massage to enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues, and to help your body’s own healing mechanisms.
Osteopaths use a variety of techniques, and; these are applied according to what the patient needs:
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Spine and Joint manipulation
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Visceral mobilization
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Cranial-sacral therapy
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Fascia release
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Neurodynamics/neuromobilization
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Neuromuscular and muscle energy
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Stretching
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Functional therapy and Psychosomatic release
Ongoing care
The manipulation and hands-on work are gentle, but due to the physical nature of the treatment, it is not unusual to sometimes feel tired, or stiff or sore, or find an increase in your symptoms in the first 24-48 hours after treatment. This is not uncommon and perfectly normal. You will be explained any likely reactions that you could expect.
Feel free to ring and talk should you have any concerns.
Generally you would expect to see some changes in your symptoms after one or two visits; however, some long-term or chronic conditions may require a longer course or more frequent treatment. If you have any concerns, I will be happy to discuss these with you.
Follow up appointments involve a short discussion and follow up assessment.
UNREGISTERED OSTEOPATHIC PRACTICE IS ILLEGAL
The title 'Osteopath' is protected by law. It is against the law for anyone to call themselves an osteopath unless they obtained the actual degree (Master, C.O. or D.O.) by the proper School and are registered by their respective federal Osteopathic Council.