What is Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a manual therapy which aims to view the body as a whole by looking at the causes of musculo-skeletal pain, and then treat using soft tissue manipulation (massage & stretching), joint articulation and mobilisation. Osteopathy may be able to help with :
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neck, back and spinal pain, trapped nerves, sciatica, slipped discs, muscular limb pain
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joint pain such as in the ankle, knee, hip, wrist, elbow and shoulder, and arthritis
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sports injuries, tendon & ligament injuries
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bursitis, tennis & golfers elbow, frozen shoulder,
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rotator cuff/impingement syndrome, foot pain, plantar fasciitis
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headaches & migraines, postural problems, muscular imbalances, &
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pregnancy pain.
Rehabilitative exercise when used in conjunction with osteopathy and/or sports massage can help to deal with muscular imbalances and postural problems by building up strength, improving flexibility and coordination in weak areas, and can prevent the reoccurrence of injury.
What to expect when visiting an osteopath
On your first visit, and before examination begins, the osteopath will discuss and record your medical history in detail. You will normally be asked to remove some of your clothing and to perform a simple series of movements. The osteopath will then apply a highly developed sense of touch to identify points of weakness or excessive strain throughout the body. This will allow a full diagnosis of the problem and because osteopathy is patient centred, this means the treatment is geared to you as an individual. On occasion further investigations may be appropriate.
The osteopath should make you feel at ease, tell you what is happening and explain it in language you will understand. Feel free
to ask questions if you have any concerns. After treatment, you may be given some advice including home exercises, cold/warm therapy and how to modify your posture and environment, so as to gain the maximum benefit from your visit.
Most musculo-skeletal problems seen respond well to treatment but if the osteopath does not think that osteopathy
is suitable for you, they will refer you to whichever healthcare practitioner will be best able to help you. This may be done through
your doctor and always with your prior permission.