Osteopathy
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy recognises that much of the pain and disability we suffer stems from abnormalities in our body's structure and function. An osteopath defines a healthy body as a body which moves fully through the normal range of motion smoothly, without pain and in balance. Total movement is made up of many joints moving efficiently together to create a whole movement.
Diagnosis (Finding Out What's Wrong!)
Osteopaths diagnose using a range mobility testing (passive and active).
Palpatation is used to assess individual joint motion, joint inflammation levels, ligament laxity and muscle contracture and spasm. The pattern of pain on palpation is also assessed.
Neurological testing is used to assess nerve function.
The information that can be gathered is amazing; at this point we can offer a diagnosis. If a diagnosis can not be made at this stage, then further tests maybe required or a referral to another health care professional.
Investigation into the cause of the problem is a very important aspect of osteopathy. Is the cause work related, postural in origin, due to a long forgotten (or not so forgotten) injury, stress or visceral in origin and therefore not an osteopathic problem? These elements have to be explored to achieve a more long lasting permanent effect.
Treatment (Reversing what is Wrong)
The aim of treatment is to reverse what was found in the diagnosis. Therefore balanced movement needs to be restored, inflammation needs to be reduced, muscle spasm eliminated, nerve compression reversed.
Treament involves, manual techniques - Joint traction, articulation, mobilization and manipulation in a very specific pattern purely based on the individual diagnosis made on the patient. Massage techniques, Muscle energy techniques, Trigger point work (acupressure) are all used to maximize body function.
The crucial point is every patient is completely unique, having a unique genetic make up, medical history and experience of life up to that point. Therefore treatment and advice is always tailored to the individual.
Aim of treatment should result in the easing of the pain, reducing the swelling and improving mobility. The diagnosis and treatment is a hand on therapy which aims to maximize the body's ability to heal itself.
Education either verbally or via treatment effects or exercise regimes creates long term effects which can be sustained.
Osteopathy does not involve the use of drugs or surgery.
We don't use machines, we believe our skill which is a classic art as well as a science, becomes lost if machines are used continually for diagnosis and treatment (often only used to improve through put of patient).
Osteopaths diagnose and treat problems with muscles, ligaments, nerves and joints to help the body's natural healing ability.
Treatment involves gentle, manual techniques - easing pain, reducing swelling and improving mobility. Often, this involves manipulation which can result in an audible 'crack' which is simply the sound of gas bubbles popping in the fluid of the joints.
Osteopathy does not involve the use of drugs or surgery.
Visiting an Osteopath at the Park Clinic
On your first visit, and before examination begins, the osteopath will discuss and record your medical history in detail. You will then normally be asked to remove some of your clothing so that a series of observations and biomechanical assessments can be made
The osteopath will then apply a highly developed sense of touch to identify points of weakness or excessive strain throughout the body. Further investigations may include an x-ray or blood test. This will allow a full diagnosis of the problem and will enable the osteopath to tailor a treatment plan to your needs. Our osteopaths will make you feel at ease and tell you what is happening throughout your consultation. You should ask questions if you have any concerns. If further medical treatment is needed the osteopath may contact your doctor, with your permission.
What do Osteopaths Treat?
Osteopaths Treat a wide range of patients and conditions: If you complain of any one of the following consider consulting an osteopath or at least ring to have a chat with one of our osteopaths.
* Low Back Pain: with or without associated leg pain and numbness
* Neck Pain: with or without associated arm pain and numbness
* Joint Pain and Stiffness (Osteopaths treat the whole body not just the spine)
* Headaches
* Jaw Pain - Temperomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ)
* Sciatica
* Sporting Injuries
* Repetitive Strain Injuries (Work related or otherwise)
* Postural Problems
* Sleep Problems
* Fatigue Problems (Dysfucntion of the musculoskeletal system can cause chronic fatigue)
* Whiplash Injuries
* Artritis
What are the main types of problems seen my Osteopaths?
Half Suffer Low Back Trouble
Most back pains result from mechanical disturbances of the spine - postural strains, joint derangements and spinal disc injuries. Osteopathy, with its comprehensive approach to healthcare, is a particularly successful approach to treatment.
Over Half are Women
Many women are working mothers and combining both aspects of their lives can give rise to problems from the perennial headache to debilitating musculo-skeletal disorders. Many headaches originate from stiffness and tension in the neck and osteopathic treatment can often bring relief. Pregnancy can put a strain on the whole spine and osteopathic treatment can help the body adapt to the many changes it experiences.
A Quarter are in the Forties
Many patients are losing fitness at this stage in their lives and are more prone to injury. Osteopaths consider the whole person, examining posture and the strength and flexibility of muscles, ligaments and tendons. Treatment is designed to alleviate current problems and to help prevent recurrences.
Many are Elderly
Pain-killers are not the only solution for the aches and pains associated with ageing. For more permanent relief it is necessary to eliminate the underlying causes of pain, a job for which the osteopath is specifically trained. Osteopathy can also help to reduce pain and stiffness in the less acute stages of Arthritis.
Many Problems Relate To Work
Work, whether at a computer terminal or in heavy industry, can give rise to disorders of muscles, tendons and joints, particularly in the back, hands and arms. Osteopaths treat many conditions related to the workplace and can give remedial advice and preventative exercise. To find out more, visit our special page on Work Strain.
