Osteopathy

Osteopathy treatment involves helping the body’s own healing abilities so that the structure and functions of the body are working at their optimum.

By improving the quality and range of movement of the skeleton, muscles, ligaments, tendons, this will in turn affect the functions of the blood and nerve supplies to body tissues, therefore helping to reduce pain and balance the overall health and well-being of the body.

What to expect at your first visit?

At your first treatment (around 45 minutes), a case history will be taken including a detailed life medical history plus information about your past and current lifestyle, work life and diet. Throughout the consultation, everything that is happening should be clearly explained to you and you should feel at ease so please feel free to ask any questions. You will be asked to sign a consent form to allow an examination and any appropriate treatment to take place.

Osteopathy treatment

What does treatment involve?

Osteopathy treatment involves assessing and examining not just the site of pain or area of discomfort but also the surrounding and related body areas, so you will therefore normally be asked to undress to your underwear and perform a series of simple movements.

Palpation (touch) using my hands is used as the key tool to assess the texture of the skin, joint or painful area for any tenderness, swelling, weakness, change in muscle tone or joint restrictions. The results of these assessments will enable a safe working diagnosis to be created.

If osteopathic treatment is appropriate, this will be explained and offered to you. You may be given advice on whether you need to visit your GP; have further investigations undertaken (X-Rays and blood tests) or see an alternative therapist before osteopathic treatment can proceed.

Type of treatment techniques

Usually, treatment starts with the release and relaxation of muscles and stretching of stiff joints to help ease pain, reduce swelling, muscle tension and improve movement. This is done by using gentle massage and rhythmic joint movements. Depending on the diagnosis, a treatment may also involve manipulation which uses short and very quick movements to spinal joints. However, prior to this type of technique being used, it will be explained to you for your consent.

Each technique used will be tailored to your individual needs to ensure the treatment is safe and comfortable. You may be sore after your treatment but advice is given on how to manage this.