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 patient history, can help 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 helps 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 each individual’s needs.

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 focuses on treating the underlying or predisposing factors that contribute to the patient’s symptoms. Some of the procedure is performed away from the site of the 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, joint manipulation, and other techniques. Restoring adequate structure helps return the body to normal function, leading to reduced symptoms.

Our osteopath treats each patient individually and gives them 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 the person has 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.