ABOUT OSTEOPATHY

Osteopathy was first developed in the 1870’s by American physician and surgeon Dr Andrew Taylor Still, who developed a treatment modality using biomechanical principles, to restore the body’s natural capacity for self-healing. It is now widely recognized throughout the world as a scientifically validated and effective form of therapy.

Osteopaths use a broad range of manual therapy approaches, including passive stretching, mobilizing and manipulation of joints, and various slow release techniques such as muscle energy, myofascial release and osteopathy in the cranial field. They will also advise on lifestyle changes including dietary modification, stress reduction and safe lifting techniques, to reduce the risk of further illness and injury.
Osteopathy is suitable for all ages, including babies, children and the elderly, and can alleviate a wide range of conditions.

REASONS TO SEE AN OSTEOPATH

STRESS - prolonged stress can leave permanent tension in your neck, shoulders, diaphragm and lower back. This may lead to headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, digestive disorders, disturbed sleep, and poor immune function as well as affecting your ability to relax and enjoy life. Osteopathy can relieve the musculoskeletal effects of stress, helping with posture, chest and joint mobility and leaving you feeling relaxed and balanced.

PREGNANCY – when you are pregnant, your back and weight-bearing joints have to accommodate the effects of both the increase in load, and the resulting forward pull of the enlarging uterus. Osteopathy can help make your pregnancy more comfortable by treating the effects of old and current strains on the pelvis and spine, and can address the effects of awkward feeding positions, and carrying heavy baby equipment after the birth.

BABIES AND CHILDREN – obviously birth is a very stressful event for the baby as well as the mother, and the effects of a long labour and/or assisted delivery on the infant may be more than the child can resolve naturally, resulting in a sleepless, irritable, uncomfortable, crying baby and an exhausted mother. Osteopathy can help release the areas of strain in the baby, using very gentle slow release techniques and osteopathy in the cranial field. Children of all ages can accumulate strains in the body from falls, illnesses, bangs on the head, and emotional trauma and these can usually be addressed by gentle osteopathic intervention.

GARDENING – this can cause considerable muscle soreness and strain, particularly if you are not taking regular exercise and keeping your muscles and joints in a healthy state. Bucket watering can be a major issue for your lower back unless you are using your abdominals for added support and maintaining a balanced stance, and it can aggravate old shoulder problems, or cause new ones if your upper body strength has diminished.

HEADACHES – there are obviously many factors causing headaches, but common musculoskeletal ones include muscle tension and postural strain through the neck and shoulders associated with stress and prolonged computer work, whiplash following car accidents, and the effects of head impacts eg standing up under open cupboard doors or low beams, black eyes and facial injuries. Osteopathy can address all of these and help to alleviate or eliminate the pain.

Osteopathy aims to improve circulation, reduce muscle spasm, improve and maintain flexibility, maintain nerve supply, and restore muscle and joint function and equilibrium. Osteopaths work to restore the structure and function of the body to a state of balance and harmony, so helping the whole person.
Osteopaths are state regulated and have to undertake a rigorous training course to qualify. They use scientific knowledge of anatomy and physiology and can recognize conditions that should be referred to a qualified specialist.
Osteopathy provides a gentle, safe and effective natural treatment for many health conditions. It puts your body back into balance, relieving strain and promoting optimal function.

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