Osteopathy is an alternative therapy using a gentle holistic (treating the entire body) hands-on approach involving soft-tissue techniques (massage), mobilisations (moving joints) and manipulation (Cracking joints).
Osteopathy treats the body globally as well as locally to improve various musculoskeletal conditions including chronic lower back pain, neck pain and joint pain including shoulders, knees, hips, pelvis, feet/ankles, elbows and wrists/hands.
Osteopathy – History
Osteopathy was founded in 1874 by Andrew Taylor Still, M.D. (1828 – 1917). He believed that the human body should be diagnosed as a balanced whole of mind, body and spirit and devised the methods of manipulation and stimulation to promote the body’s own healing processes.
What does an osteopath do
Treatment by an osteopath involves skilled manipulation of muscles, ligaments and bones and the connecting tissue. This may involve diagnosis of underlying conditions, and discussion of any of your concerns. Treatments will be different for each patient as some respond more effectively to gentle treatment and others to deeper manipulation. A suitable course of treatment will be discussed and recommended usually after the first session.
Benefits of Osteopathy
The benefits of osteopathy are to improve the structure and function of the body to allow itself to heal fully, possible improvements in fluid dynamics and blood flow and focus on prevention to prevent reoccurrence of any musculoskeletal disorders using a combination of hands-on technique and exercise prescription without the use of any invasive medical procedures.
Chronic lower back pain
Chronic lower back pain is extremely common. Osteopathic treatment has been show to be highly effective in combating and treating this uncomfortable condition. The spine is one of the areas of the body that is susceptible to wear and tear over time.
Your spine is made up of 24 vertebra (bones) and with your spinal cord, tendons connecting muscles and cartilage between the bones absorb shock and protecting you from damage. Problems in this area whether due to posture or other factors can cause swelling, inflammation and stiffness.
You can read more about back pain treatments here.
Sports Injuries
Another common use for osteopathic treatment is for sports injuries. Popular sports such as squash, golf, tennis and jogging can lead to injury by accident or by strain on the muscles or tendons. Its important to diagnose and treat these conditions before they become worse and become long-term.
Training
Osteopaths must traing for a degree course which includes around 1,000 hours of clinical training and training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, nutrition and biomechanics.
Regulation
Osteopathy is one of only two complementary medicines regulated under UK law. Every Osteopath must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council.
Ready to Take the First Step Towards Better Health?
If pain, stiffness or restricted movement is affecting your daily life, osteopathy may be able to help. Dwaine will carry out a thorough assessment to understand the cause of your symptoms and create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Take a look at some of our patient success stories to see how we’ve helped people with various conditions.
Book your appointment today and take the first step towards moving more comfortably and living with less pain.
