Osteopathy is a way of detecting, treating and preventing health problems by moving, stretching and massaging a person's muscles and joints. Osteopathy is based on the principle that the wellbeing of an individual depends on their bones, muscles, ligaments and connective tissue functioning smoothly together. Osteopaths use physical manipulation, stretching and massage with the aim of: increasing the mobility of joints, relieving muscle tension, reducing pain, enhancing the blood supply to tissues and helping the body to heal.
This is just a short list of the problems we regularly treat amongst other injuries. If you are unsure if we can help, would like more information or further advice, please call us on 01622 880995.
Back Pain and restricted movement
Frozen or painful shoulder
Sciatica
Trapped nerves
Neuralgia
Groin pain / strain
Knee injuries
Muscle strains
Headaches
Neck Pain and restricted movement
Prolapsed / herniated or slipped disc
Hyper mobility
Sports injuries
Arthritic pain
Digestion problems
Repetitive strain injury
Strain caused by poor posture
For pregancy, mothers, babies and children, we can help with:
Problems during pregnancy
Feeding issues
In babies: colicky symptoms,
general irritability, sleeplessness
Treatments explained
Manipulation / 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.
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.
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.
On you first visit there will be a detailed case history taken to include all medications so if you could have the names and amounts of each medications you are on (if any) this is very helpful, along with any X-rays or MRI scans and any relevant medical investigation results.
Following this you will probably be asked to undress to your underwear (a gown can be provided on request) so that we can look at the spine and limbs and diagnose areas that are problematic. Some people wear gym shorts and loose jogging bottoms which are very helpful, its just very difficult to work through jeans!
Our Osteopath Charter
Your Osteopath will tell you...
Why you are in pain
How long your recovery should take
How many treatments you should need
The treatment options and ask you to agree before treatment begins
No treatment is given prior to consent so be reassured if you are worried about any particular aspect of the treatment, we cannot do it without your say so. There are always different ways to relieve pain and dysfunction and your Osteopath will be able to suggest an alternative approach.
FAQ's
Osteopaths treat a wide range of conditions that include: back and neck pain, headaches, hip, pelvis, knee and ankle pain, trapped nerves, repetitive strain, shoulder, elbow pain & tennis elbow, sporting injuries, arthritic pain, not to mention children and babies and many other conditions. Please contact us if you are uncertain if osteopathy is appropriate for your condition.
Some of the techniques employed by osteopaths may occasionally cause discomfort during their application, but communication between the patient and osteopath means that patients should verbally consent before treatment is given. Occasionally after visits patients may experience a treatment reaction (soreness) for a brief period, normally no longer than 24 hours. This is most often not the case. Patients are encouraged to contact their osteopath if this causes concern.
The purpose of the consultation is to gather the information required to establish a working diagnosis. This is the first definition of the problem, and it allows the formulation of a plan for treatment and advice both in the short and long term. This is also an opportunity to clarify that the patient is indeed suitable for osteopathic treatment by ruling out any medical cause for their condition. A comprehensive case history is taken that not only covers the presenting condition, but the previous medical history in some considerable detail. A thorough physical examination is then conducted for which you may be asked to undress to your underwear to allow a clear view of your posture, to examine mobility, and conduct a range of tests, all of which help to clarify the condition and its underlying causes. You are never required to undress beyond the underwear, and you are asked to to make it clear if undressing makes you uncomfortable for any reason. Being able to view the area concerned does help greatly, but the wish is to never make you feel anxious in any way. You may feel more comfortable bringing shorts to wear during your visits. Once a diagnosis is established then this is clearly explained, together with detail of the treatment plan, the techniques that may be employed, and an initial estimate of how many treatments may be required. You will receive treatment and advice during this visit with the aim of bringing you as much relief as possible.
Following some questioning about the changes to your condition a brief re-examination is made. The allows the progression of treatment to be assessed objectively and ensures that it is adapted accordingly. During these visits both hands-on treatment is provided as well as advice regarding exercises or lifestyle modifications that will assist in your recovery. Any questions you may have can be addressed along the way.
Generally not. Most patients self refer without first consulting their GP. If you have severe health problems and a complex medical history then you may wish to consult your GP to ensure that osteopathic treatment is appropriate.
In order to conduct a thorough examination and effective treatment it can be helpful to view the patient in their underwear and/or a pair of shorts or leggings. Whilst laying down you can be covered with a towel or blanket so that you do not feel exposed. Please be assured that we will always endeavour to respect your modesty and adapt to your concerns and needs.
You should always check with your insurance provider if you are covered for treatment. We currently provide care for most insurers with the exception of BUPA due to the price cap they enforce on their policy. However, we are on the list for AXA, WPA, Vitality to name but a few. Once again please check and obtain a reference number for your treatment.
There is a policy that half the fee is charged if the patient fails to attend or give less than 24 hours notice of cancellation. We have booking confirmation and email reminders in place for your appointment to help avoid missed appointment costs.
