Osteopathy is a safe and natural approach to health care, treating individuals for health problems from the trauma of birth to the arthritis of the ‘third age’. From the cradle to the rocking chair, as it were.

Osteopaths consider the body as the physical aspect of the whole person, rather than merely a structure to protect and support the vital organs. It is a ‘hands on’ approach using a highly trained sense of touch to examine and identify dysfunction within the body. Treatment is focused on the cause (where possible), rather than just treating the symptoms. Just rubbing the sore bit rarely works! Improving the function of the dysfunctional areas, optimises the body’s ability to heal itself and relief from the symptoms usually follows.

A wide range of approaches may be used including:- 

• soft tissue - massage/manipulation/stretch, etc.

• passive joint movement (articulation)

• manipulative techniques. these are wide & varied, but  include the famous click as a joint releases.

• cranial osteopathy.

Osteopathy is not a ‘quick fix’, despite often giving some immediate relief of acute painful symptoms. If advised, it is wise to have some further treatment to address the underlying problem, to reduce the risk of the problem returning.

Intro

Osteopathy being a Holistic approach to health, means that the focus is on the individual & their circumstance, rather than a particular ‘named condition’. However to answer this question, without individual assessment, it is easier to talk in these general terms.

Back & Neck Pain

Osteopathy is a particularly successful approach to treatment of spinal pain. Most commonly in the low back and neck, but often these can refer pain to the lower and upper limbs respectively. Similarly, stiffness/pain originating in the limbs, such as arthritic, injury (i.e. 'whiplash') or repetitive strain (RSI) conditions may also be helped.

Headaches

Many headaches, sometimes inappropriately diagnosed as migraines, originate from stiffness/tension in the joints of the upper neck and treatment often brings relief.

It is about trying to get to & treat the underlying cause, rather than the symptom! In this case pain that the brain perceives to being in the head.

Pregnancy

Osteopathic treatment can help to reduce the additional stresses and strains associated with pregnancy by helping the body adapt to the changes involved. 

The extra weight at the front tends to pull the lumbar spine forward, which can irritate the small facet joints at the back of the spine. Once aggravated they tend to lock together, causing further pain, muscle spasm & sometimes radiating pain around the waist, into pelvis, buttock or leg.

Cranial Osteopathy for Babies & Children

Cranio-Sacral osteopathy is especially suitable for children and the new born with conditions such as glue ear, colic and the detrimental effects of a difficult delivery. These may also manifest as restlessness, behavioural problems or learning difficulties.

This approach tunes into the subtle, rhythmic Involuntary Movement System that occurs throughout the whole body. The effects of previous or recent trauma can compromise the function of this system and may lead to a reduced ability to compensate for the stresses and strains of daily life.

I should say that this approach is not just for children, but can be used on anyone.

Research

These are given as a few examples, as each person is assessed on their own merits and possible outcomes discussed. 

Ultimately, health is the responsibility of the individual and with the right treatment & advice, all but the most severe conditions may be alleviated. As a very general rule, the more severe or longer you've had the problem - the longer it will take to recover. Having said that, it is not that unusual for, say a 10 year old problem to resolve with a few treatments.

Normally treatment is included in the first consultation, unless the case is particularly complex or further investigations are required. The fee is for the consultation, advice and/or treatment, not for the time period involved. It is possible to over treat people and quite often - less is more - in osteopathy, as the body needs time to adjust to changes.

There are many different ways to treat a problem and it is important that you let your osteopath know if you have any diagnosed conditions or if you have concerns, especially regarding manipulation.

Occasionally people experience ‘flare ups’, this is most likely to happen the following day. If this does happen, and we have not advised otherwise, then it is important to do your best to keep moving generally, without over-doing it. This will reduce the build up of inflammation and little & often is the key. Hot & cold compresses (5 mins each) will also help. Other self help advice is often given that may include stretching, strengthening, relaxation exercises, posture, etc., as appropriate. This is to aid recovery and avoid re-occurrence. Follow-up treatments are shorter and charged accordingly.

Generally speaking, the older the problem - the longer it will take to resolve. It is important to be realistic about the outcome and that you need to do your bit - we can not do this alone.

Once the problem has settled it may be recommended that an occasional maintenance or preventative treatment is given to help avoid a further crisis. This also keeps your record open and avoids having to do a re-assessment, with a new case history. Otherwise, we can only keep your record open for 18 months - this is for reasons of legality & safety. If we don’t see you in the meantime then we need to start from scratch and charge accordingly.

In America osteopathy was recognised and incorporated into mainstream medicine in the 1960s. As a result they have specialised medical colleges that osteopathy is taught alongside orthodox medicine. However,  by their own admission, this has meant that some of the focus may have moved away from the original principles of osteopathy.

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There are many modern variations on these, but we feel Dr Still’s original principles of osteopathy, despite the old English, are just as valid today, as they were then.

• The Interrelation of Structure and Function

If the structure of the body is compromised, (i.e. injury, strain, overuse, etc.), then it is likely to have a detrimental effect on the function (i.e. stiffness, pain or instability). This also works in reverse, in that a lack of stretching before & after exercise or lack of exercise in general (functional) - will cause a shortening of the muscles (structural) leading to stiffness.

The cartilage that covers most of our joint surfaces has a limited blood supply, so relies heavily on the fluid within the joint for its nutrition. Regular movement of the joint through a good range of movement stimulates the production of the ‘synovial’ fluid and distributes it around the joint surfaces.

•  The Body as a Unit (or whole)

Dr Still used this expression over 50 years before the actual naming of Holism by Jan Smutts (1926). In short it means that each part effects each & every other part and that the ‘whole’ is greater than merely the sum of these parts. An example might be:- short hamstring muscles at the back of the thighs may lead to a backwards tilt of the pelvis. This in turn flattens the curve of the low back (making disc injuries more likely) and the rest of the spine above has to adapt to stop us tipping over. As the body strives to keep eyes & ears level the upper neck is usually the final point of compensation, which may result in head & neck pain.

• The Medicine Chest Within

Again, A.T.Still was ahead of his time. Bearing in mind that very little was known then of the immune, healing, chemical & hormonal systems of the body. In short, he was suggesting that we should stimulate and support the persons own healing systems. In doing so, the body is able to resolve all but the most severe of conditions.

• The Rule of the Artery Reigns Supreme

For healing to occur there needs to be a good blood supply to be able to provide the nutrients and immune cells to the area. Equally, there needs to be effective drainage via the veins and lymph vessels from the area. This is to remove the waste materials and by-products of the healing process, such as inflammatory fluids. Inflammation is the source of the pain in most painful conditions.

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Osteopaths are primary health care practitioners & are now statutorily regulated, like doctors and dentists.  

This means that;

• Osteopathy is recognised as a discrete discipline by the British Medical Association.

• We asses & diagnose according to osteopathic principles, although any tests you may have had or medication you are taking will be important information for your care.

• You don't need to be referred by your doctor.

• If you would be better helped by orthodox medicine we will advise on this.

• Your doctor shouldn't 'officially' disapprove of osteopathic treatment. There seems to be the general belief that we only treat back & neck problems, and if you have a condition, such as, osteoporosis, then you shouldn't have osteopathic treatment. This is not true - but you do need to tell us if you have any condition, even if you think it is not relevant.

• In some areas you can be referred for osteopathic treatment on the NHS, check with your GP.

• All osteopaths should now be registered with the General Osteopathic Council, as a legal requirement to practice.

• It is currently being debated whether we should be called doctor & whether we should be given drug prescribing rights.