Treatments explained
Mainpulation/Articulation/Mobilisation
Manipulation is where the osteopath moves the joint through a full range of movement to increase mobility, blood flow and jmprove quality of synovial fluid. It can be stimulatory or inhibitory to the nervous system depending on how it is done. HVT (High Velocity Thrust) The HVT is probably what osteopaths and chiropractors are most renowned for and yet it only accounts for a small part of the treatment. An HVT may be used to resolve joint dysfunction and is reported to work on a number of levels to improve range of movement, resolve altered nerve function, improve blood flow and reduce compression in a joint. The HVT is probably the most controversial of all treatments used, as the click can be alarming to some patients who are not expecting it. As with all treatment this should be done with full consent and contraindications given. It has been associated with CVA (Cerebro-vascular accident) when done to the upper neck and is tenuously linked with aggravating disc problems. As osteopaths we have undergone vigorous training to assess who is safe to treat and will advise treatment on patients who are not at risk. We still as a profession are one of the safest modes of treatment despite this fact. Soft Tissue Techniques Soft tissue techniques are pretty much the same as massage but administered very specifically to a problem and not as part of a routine. Cranial/Cranio-Sacral Therapy Cranial is a very gentle technique that works on the bones and articulations in the head along with the membranes such as the meninges. It is said to improve the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid from the head to the sacrum and release membranous restrictions that can alter the body’s function via the nervous system and fascia. There are some skeptics who do not believe that cranial works at all and relies entirely on placebo, but just because science has not yet got an answer as to how it works does not mean it doesn’t work. It is very effective on babies and animals where placebo is almost entirely eradicated! Functional Techniques (BLT BMT facial release and positional release) Functional techniques are also very gentle techniques and sometimes can be likened to an extension of cranial. It relies on the body’s inherent ability to heal itself and by putting a joint through certain gentle movements (or soft tissue) providing a gentle stretch or relaxation to the body will release off the problem, using the nerves to relax the tissues. Muscle energy technique This technique is used to relax and lengthen muscle and allow good blood flow through a muscle and tendon and ultimately into joints. |
Conditions we regularly treat
For mothers, babies and children, we can help with:
For more information phone for further advice. This is just a short list of the problems we regularly treat amongst other injuries if you are unsure if we can help please phone for further advice. Our osteopaths undergo 4 years medical training to learn to identify and treat these problems. All osteopaths must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council, thus ensuring that they are safe, competent and up-to-date with Continuing Professional Development. Not just humans:
We also have a practice that specialises in Equine Osteopathy and Care.
For more information, please click here ... |
