About Osteopathy

What Is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is an established, recognised system of diagnosis and treatment that lays its main
emphasis on the structural integrity of the body. The pain and disability we suffer often stems
from abnormalities in the function of the body structure, as well as damage caused to it by disease.

Osteopathy uses many of the diagnostic procedures used in conventional medical assessment
and diagnosis. Its main strength, however, lies in the unique way the patient is assessed from a
mechanical, functional and postural standpoint and the manual methods of treatment applied to suit
the needs of the individual patient.

Since 9th May 2000 Osteopaths, like doctors and dentists, now have protection of title. This means that the title “Osteopath” may only be used by an individual who is registered with the regulatory body:-
- The General Osteopathic Council.

Visiting An Osteopath

When you visit an osteopath for the first time a full case history will be taken and you will be given an examination.

You will normally be asked to remove some of your clothing and to perform a simple series of movements. The osteopath will then use his or her highly developed sense of touch, called palpation, to identify any points of weakness or excessive strain throughout the body.

The osteopath may need additional investigations such as x-rays or blood tests. This will allow a full diagnosis and suitable treatment plan to be developed with you.

Osteopathy is patient centred, which means the treatment is geared to you as an individual.

Doctor’s referral is not essential but private health companies may require it before treatment can commence.

How Does Osteopathy Work?

Osteopathy is a system of physical treatment. Manipulation and stretching are used to improve joint mobility, and massage is used to treat tight, knotted muscles. Exercises are also given to maintain improved movement. In essence osteopaths are the ‘mechanics’ of the body, trying to tackle the root cause of the problem not just the symptoms.

How Can Osteopathy Help You?

There is no fixed limit to which osteopathic treatment can be applied. Here is an outline of the most common ways osteopathy can help.

• Back and neck pain:
  These are by far the most common problems we treat. There are numerous joints, nerves, ligaments, tendons and muscle in and around the spine, any of which can be a source of pain. With its comprehensive approach osteopathy is particularly successful.
  
  
• Joint problems and osteoarthritis:
  Apart from advanced arthritis, more discomfort often comes from the associated tightening of muscle rather than from the joint itself. Manual techniques to relax muscles and decompress joint surfaces can often provide a more satisfactory and longer lasting effect than just using painkillers.
  
  
• Acute injuries including whiplash and sports injuries:
  With acute injuries there can be massive tissue trauma, inflammation and swelling. Using gentle osteopathic techniques the inflammation and swelling can be controlled. Traditional osteopathic techniques can then be used to encourage proper and speedier recovery with fewer areas of vulnerability.
  
  
• Cranial osteopathy:
  This is a very gentle non-invasive treatment approach whereby small adjustments to the plate's of the skull, spine and sacrum are made to ease symptoms of headaches, jaw problems and sinus pain. When osteopaths examine babies and children, areas of tension are often found in the spine or head. Babies and children cannot complain of back pain or headaches and will typically express this by crying and being unsettled or irritable. Research by Clive Hayden has shown that following cranial osteopathic treatment, some parents perceived changes in their child's behaviour, including reduced colicky crying, improved sleep, less unsettled irritable behaviour and increased quiet happy spells.