WHAT IS OSTEOPATHY?

What is osteopathy? Osteopathy is a holistic approach to treating a  wide range of aches, pains and stiffness anywhere in the body.

Osteopathy assesses the patient from a mechanical, functional and postural standpoint. The practitioner uses a highly evolved sense of touch to investigate the underlying causes of pain. He also needs it to determine tension and restrictions in the body. These, along with a detailed history of the patient, can help to establish a diagnosis. Osteopathic treatment aims to reduce tension and restrictions, thereby restoring balance and reducing symptoms of pain or stiffness.

A non-invasive, hands-on approach using muscle and soft tissue stretching, rhythmic joint movement or manipulation techniques help to achieve this. Those help to improve the range of motion of a joint or reduce tension in a muscle. These manual techniques are adjustable to suit the needs of the individual.

Symptoms can result from a previous injury, a childhood condition, poor posture, injury, ageing, poor health, stress and tension. The osteopath will observe asymmetry, misalignment and tension in the patient. Further, he will use this information to help restore proper function during treatment. Osteopathy concerns itself with treating the underlying or predisposing factors that have attributed to the patient’s symptoms. So, some of the procedure is performed away from the site of pain.

Principles of osteopathy

A basic osteopathic principle is that the body can heal itself.  Therefore, the osteopath aims to help restore proper structure through soft tissue massage. Moreover, he uses mobilisations, manipulation of joints and other techniques. Restoring adequate structure helps return the body to normal function, leading to reduced symptoms.

Our osteopath treats each patient as an individual and gives the best possible attention. Moreover, he will create a personalised treatment plan for you. That plan will contain short, medium and long-term management strategies, such as exercises and general lifestyle advice.

On average, you’ll need two or three treatments. However, for some patients, just one treatment can give complete relief. The number of treatments depends on the individual, the type of problem, and how long they have had it. We can discuss it once the diagnosis has been made.

The General Osteopathic Council regulates osteopaths. Besides, they undergo rigorous training and Continued Professional Development.