Osteopathy is a manual therapy that treats the musculoskeletal system. It is based on the concept that good health depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissue functioning smoothly together.
If we get sick, have an accident, overuse or misuse our bodies or are under stress, the normally smooth movement of these tissues is affected and pain and reduced movement results.
An osteopath will look for signs of restricted or abnormal function to diagnose a patient’s problem. They can then use a range of techniques to free up any restrictions and encourage your body’s natural healing mechanisms.
Local Osteopaths use touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension, to enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues, and to help your body’s own healing mechanisms. They may also provide advice on posture and exercise to aid recovery, promote health and prevent symptoms recurring.
Osteopathy is a diagnostic and treatment system that acknowledges the importance of the body structure in relation to health and illness. It was developed in America in the 19th century and came to Britain at the turn of the 20th century. Osteopaths are trained to examine, diagnose and treat patients by using physical techniques.
Osteopaths take a detailed medical case history and then make a diagnosis based on the patient’s symptoms, which they confirm through examination, including careful palpation (feeling) of the spine, joints, muscles and ligaments. They use their hands to make precise movements of individual joints and manipulate whole areas of the body, such as the spine or pelvis. Treatment is aimed at improving mobility and relieving pain by encouraging blood supply to tissues.
Osteopathy is a very comprehensive but gentle treatment. It’s suitable for all ages and can benefit many conditions, including:
- Back pain, neck pain, sciatica and trapped nerves
- Arthritic aches and pains
- Shoulder injuries and sporting injuries
- Joint problems such as knee pain or ankle sprains
- Poor posture resulting in muscular aches or headaches
People who have any of the following problems should consider visiting an osteopath:
* Back pain
* Neck pain
* Shoulder pain
* Hip pain
* Knee pain
* Arthritis/joint problems
* Sports injuries/trauma
* Muscle, ligament or tendon sprains/strains
* Headache/migraine
* Stress/tension related symptoms.
Osteopaths, also known as osteopathic physicians, are doctors who focus on treating the body as a whole. If you’re experiencing a chronic condition like lower back pain, arthritis or fibromyalgia, a treatment program from an osteopath can help.
Osteopathy is different from traditional medicine in that it emphasizes the body’s ability to heal itself. Osteopaths treat a variety of conditions and provide support for people at all stages of life.
Osteopaths typically do the following:
- Take medical histories and conduct physical examinations
- Diagnose illnesses and prescribe treatments
- Order tests such as x-rays, blood work and diagnostic imaging
- Perform minor surgeries such as setting broken bones and treating hernias
- Perform annual exams and screenings for high blood pressure, diabetes or other illnesses
