Believing that the musculoskeletal system is a mirror of health and disease, osteopathy uses this system as a framework for evaluation and diagnosis. Osteopathic treatment can therefore support and aid the body’s own ability to regulate and heal itself, the goal being to reduce pain and improve function.
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How do we treat?
Osteopathy involves gentle and controlled manual techniques using the hands, including mobilisation, manipulation, stretching and soft tissue massage. Some techniques may require the patient to interact with breathing exercises or muscle contraction. Exercise and health advice, to improve quality of life, may also be given. Osteopaths are also trained to assess when osteopathic treatment is not appropriate and can refer for further investigations.
What do we treat?
Osteopathy can treat a wide range of problems including neck or back pain, including sciatica, arthritic and rheumatic pain, muscular spasms and joint pain. Patients having difficulty relaxing or who have respiratory, circulatory or digestive problems can also benefit from osteopathic treatment.
What will happen?
Your first appointment will begin with the osteopath taking details of the problem, followed by a full medical history. You are generally asked to dress down to your underwear for the observation, evaluation and treatment, a towel is provided if and when required. Before commencing treatment the osteopath will explain her evaluation and diagnosis and agree upon a treatment plan. Treatment usually starts at the first appointment if appropriate. However, if the problem is complex the case history may take up much of the time, in which case treatment will commence at the follow-up appointment.
