What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a safe and effective system of manual therapy, based on the body’s natural capacity for healing. Osteopaths believe physical imbalances and strains can reduce the body’s ability to maintain itself in a state of health. Through systematic diagnosis and treatment, osteopathy can help relieve structural and mechanical problems in the body, and assist the recovery of health and wellbeing.
How Does Osteopathy Work?
Osteopathy is rooted in the sciences of anatomy, physiology, neurology and pathology. It works on the principle that a healthy body requires free movement of all tissues; muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints, along with a balanced blood and nerve supply. The wellbeing of an individual depends on all parts of the body working well together.
If one part of the body is restricted, this will have a knock-on effect on other areas, as the body tries to adapt and compensate for the stresses and strains which develop. This can be caused by accidents, infections or emotional stress, which can accumulate, and affect the body’s capacity to respond and restore itself to optimum health.
Osteopaths have a highly developed sense of touch, and use a wide range of non-invasive manual treatments, many of which are gentle and subtle, to relieve tension and restricted mobility, thereby helping to improve local circulation. This can enable the body return to a better state of balance and health.
How Do Osteopaths Treat?
Osteopaths treat the whole person, and not just the areas of the body causing symptoms. Treatments are tailored to the individual. This means our osteopaths are better able to meet your specific needs, and help prevent your symptoms recurring. We are also able to help speed your recovery by offering advice on how to improve your posture, and recommending appropriate exercises.
What Conditions Can Osteopaths Treat?
Although osteopaths are best known for treating back pain, they are also able to help you and your family with a wide range of other common problems some of which are listed here:
- Pain in the back, neck, jaw, shoulder, hip, knee, foot, and ankle
- Joint pain (including arthritic pain)
- Headaches (especially caused by neck tension)
- Prevention of migraine
- Sciatica
- Stress or inability to relax
- Digestive problems
- Circulatory problems
- Neuralgia
- Minor sports injuries
- Fibromyalgia
- Rheumatic pain
- Cramps
- Generalised aches and pains
If you are unsure of whether osteopathy can help you, please feel free to call us and speak to one of our osteopaths about your problem.