Osteopathy
Osteopathy is an established system of diagnosis and treatment with an emphasis on the body’s structure. The patient is assessed from a mechanical, functional and postural point of view and manual methods of treatment are applied to suit the needs of the individual patient.
Problems in the structural framework of the body can disturb the circulatory system or the nerves to any part of the body and, therefore, affect any aspect of health. Consequently, mechanical problems can lead not only to aches and pains in joints and muscles etc, but also to disturbances in the internal organs and the way they work.
Osteopaths address the underlying cause of the patient’s presenting condition and not just the symptoms. The key to preventing problems from recurring, and to developing long-term solutions, is to increase patients’ awareness of the causes of their problem and helping them to understand, and take responsibility for, their own health. This can be done in the following ways:
- by helping patients become more aware of postural problems and how to correct them e.g. through exercise.
- by identifying causative factors of a patient’s problem such as driving position or workstation set-up and trying to reduce/eliminate them.
- by providing individually tailored exercise programmes to aid rehabilitation and prevention of further injury.
- by addressing any areas of the body which are compensating for the original injury.
- by teaching stress management techniques.
- by working with other practitioners such as Pilates teachers, dieticians, acupuncturists etc, where appropriate.
Cranial Osteopathy
Cranial osteopathy is a very gentle and subtle type of osteopathic treatment.
The osteopath uses refined touch and gentle pressure to encourage the release of tension and the correction of mechanical disturbances throughout the body, including the head.
Cranial osteopathy is effective for a wide range of patients of all ages suffering from a variety of complaints. During treatment, some patients may experience sensations of warmth or fluid movement, whereas others may simply experience deep relaxation.
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