Osteopathy

Helping your wellbeing

A baby has to cope with the stresses of birth and a toddler may have frequent earache or chest infections. The school child carries heavy bags and the older student spends hours hunched over the laptop. Driving to work and long hours at a desk increase the pains begun as a student. Sports people push their bodies to the limit and over stretch ligaments and tendons. Older people find their joints stiffen and circulation slows. These are the kind of activities and lifestyles that can lead to long or short term discomfort and pain which an osteopath can treat and alleviate.

What is osteopathy?

Osteopathy recognises the importance of the link between the structure of the human body and the way it functions. Osteopaths focus on the body’s skeleton and joint function along with the underlying muscles, soft tissue and internal organs.

Osteopaths are primary healthcare professionals that focus on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical and structural problems of the body. Their proficient and competent techniques can assist in a speedy return to normal activity.

Treatment usually consists of a combination of soft-tissue releasing techniques, stretching and some specific adjustments affecting joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Advice may also be given on diet, exercise and self-help treatments.

What happens

On your first visit, a full medical history will be taken and an examination carried out. (You may be asked to remove some clothing for this.) The osteopath will then assess the problem and make a diagnosis and discuss it with you.

Treatments usually last 45 minutes for the first appointment and up to half an hour for subsequent appointments. Depending on the presenting problem, approximately 2-6 sessions are usually required. Many patients decide that they would like to have periodic preventative treatments to avoid recurring problems.