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Wednesday, July 25, 2007
An Introduction to Osteopathy
Osteopathy focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and rehabilitation primarily of musculoskeletal disorders. We use many of the diagnostic tools of conventional medicine. We aim to restore the body to optimal structural and functional integrity by encouraging an individuals own intrinsic ability to heal.
Treatment only occurs after a detailed case history and examination. Treatment involves gentle manual techniques – easing pain, reducing swelling and improving mobility. These techniques include manipulation, articulation and massage as well as gentle functional and cranial methods.
Back and Neck Pain
Your back is one of the most injury-prone parts of your body, 4 out of 5 of us will suffer from back pain at some stage in our lives. Back problems account for over 50% of our patients. Most back pain results from mechanical disturbances of the spine and associated muscles through, for example, bad posture, wear and tear, trauma and stress. Disturbed spinal integrity can lead to dysfunction and pain. Back pain has been proven to respond well to the comprehensive approach of Osteopathic treatment.
Work and Driving Strains
Whether your work involves a computer terminal, driving, or heavy industry, repetitive movements can cause disorders of muscles, tendons and joints, particularly in the back, neck, hands and arms. We regularly treat work related conditions and can give remedial advice and preventative exercise.
Sports Injuries
Although exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, sports injuries can affect men and women of all ages and abilities. Pain is often the result of localised swelling of tissue which creates pressure on nerves. An osteopath can diagnose the cause of the pain and take action to facilitate a speedy recovery.
Headaches and Migraines
One of the most common causes of headache is tension, which affects the muscles of the neck, shoulders and scalp. This is often the result of poor posture. The use of osteopathic and cranial osteopathic techniques allows us to treat the cause, reducing physical stress.
Arthritis
Painkillers are not the only solution to the aches and pains associated with arthritis. For longer lasting relief it is necessary to treat the underlying causes of pain, a job for which the osteopath is specifically trained. We can also help reduce pain and stiffness in the less acute stages of arthritis.
After Care
You will be given advice regarding after care do’s and don’ts, exercises are often prescribed to facilitate a speedy and long lasting recovery.
Maintenance treatments are occasionally recommended, particularly if you are unable to make the lifestyle changes which resulted in the original problem, or to manage chronic and degenerative conditions.
This is by no means a definitive list, please feel free to call if you need any further information and advice.
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