A baby has to cope with the stresses of birth, and a toddler may have frequent ear and/or chest infections. The school child carries heavy school bags, whilst the student spends long hours hunched over the laptop peering at low level screens. Driving to work and long hours at a desk increase the pains begun as a student. Sports people push their bodies to the limit and over-stretch their ligaments and tendons. In old age our joints stiffen and our circulation slows.
All of these activities and life changes can lead to long or short term discomfort and pain. This pain can then be helped by osteopathic treatment.
Osteopathy recognises the importance of the link between the structure of the human body and the way it functions. Osteopaths focus on the body’s skeleton and joints along with the muscles, soft tissue and internal organs.
Osteopaths see each person as an individual. Using touch they can identify problem areas of the body. Then with gentle stretching and mobilising techniques to manipulate joints, an osteopath works with the body to create the perfect conditions to help the healing process.
Treatment usually consists of a combination of soft-tissue releasing techniques, and some specific adjustments affecting joints muscles, tendons and ligaments. Advice can also be given on self-help treatments.
On your first visit, a full medical case history will be taken. An examination will be carried out (you may be asked to remove some clothing) and you may then be asked to perform a few simple movements so that the osteopath can assess the problem.
The osteopath will then use touch to assess areas of weakness, tenderness, restriction or strain within your body. The osteopath will make a diagnosis and discuss it with you. If osteopathic treatment is suitable it will be offered to you. Treatment will be aimed at helping to restore normal joint stability and function.
Osteopaths usually start treatment by releasing and relaxing muscles and stretching stiff joints, using gentle massage techniques, rhythmic joint movements and muscle release techniques. The osteopath may also carry out manipulation using short, quick movements to spinal joints. Other techniques may also be used depending on your problem.
Treatments usually last up to half an hour, and between 2 and 4 sessions are normally required. Many patients decide that they would like to have periodic preventative treatments to avoid recurring problems, and these can be from every month to twice a year.