Osteopathy
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy treatment involves facilitation of the body’s own healing abilities so that the structure and functions of the body are working at their optimum.
Through a variety of techniques, joints are mobilised, muscle tension relieved, blood and nerve supply to tissues enhanced, so that the body’s own healing mechanisms are facilitated. Advice on posture, exercise and nutrition may be provided to aid recovery, promote health and prevent recurrence of symptoms.
What do Osteopaths treat?
Osteopaths are capable of treating a wide range of disorders (not just back pain!). However, osteopaths are usually recognised to help with muscle or joint related problems. Some common problems may include:
- low back pain which may or may not include sciatica
- neck and upper back pain which may or may not include pain in shoulder,
- peripheral joint pain (shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, foot)
- headaches
- workplace strains
- sports injuries
- backache
- symptoms of chronic conditions, e.g., asthma, arthritis
- stiffness associated with wear and tear
- effects of trauma, e.g. falls, sprains and impact injuries
- circulatory problems
- digestion problems, e.g. irritable bowel syndrome, constipation
- postural problems & many others
Osteopathy may not be the obvious choice for irritable bowel syndrome however the bowel is made up of muscle which can become tense and tight when a patient becomes stressed. Indeed, it becomes difficult to think of any condition that osteopathy is contraindicated for. It must be stressed that osteopathy cannot cure a chronic condition such as arthritis but it may help to alleviate many of its painful features.
If you have questions about how osteopathy can help you, please click here to book a free 15 minute telephone consultation.