What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy primarily treats physical aches and pains. Osteopaths find areas of tension and asymmetry in the body and treat these areas using techniques such as deep tissue massage, stretching, mobilisation (helping the joint to go through the normal range of motion) and manipulation (sometimes people  refer to this as ‘clicking’ a joint, really it is a painless way of freeing up a tight joint). Osteopaths are trained to work out the causes of underlying problems which may be to do with how someone sits at work, foot problems, stress, sport or a host of other causes.  

What can it treat?

Osteopathy can treat aches and pains anywhere in the body: headache, neck or shoulder pain, back pain and sciatica. Also problems in the elbows, wrists such as RSI and tennis elbow, knee problems, ankle and foot pain. Osteopaths treat sports injuries, effects of car accidents, the after-effects of childbirth or pain during pregnancy. They also help with other conditions such as asthma, constipation or digestive disorders and gynaecological complaints. It can be adapted to treat a new born baby or a muscular rugby player. Babies and children can be helped with colic, sleep problems, irritability, glue ear, recurrent infections as well as some behavioural issues. 

How Does it work?

Osteopathy works by freeing up tension and improving symmetry throughout the whole body. It works on muscles and joints, ligaments and tendons. It alleviates tightness and in doing so frees trapped nerves and muscular spasm, as well as improving blood and lymphatic flow. It helps to restore balance to the spine and whole nervous system, people often notice improvements in sleep and general well-being over the course of treatment. 

What will a session involve?

You will be asked about the problem and how it came about as well as a detailed medical history. You will be asked to remove outer layers of clothing so that the area can be seen. The osteopath will conduct a standing examination and then you will be asked to lie or sit on the couch. Treatment will then be given according to your needs.