What is Osteopathy - who we help & what we treat
Osteopathy is a method of diagnosing and treating a wide range of muscle, joint, nerve and ligament problems throughout the body. One of the key principles underlying osteopathy is that healthy functioning of the human body relies upon the body’s structure working effectively. Problems with the body’s structure can arise from a build up of day to day stresses and strains, or they can be triggered by a specific activity, accident or trauma.
Osteopaths treat the whole person, seeking to understand how problems arise and not just treating the problem in isolation. They utilise highly developed palpation skills to examine and identify problems in the body’s structure. Treatment techniques include gentle stretching, massage and mobilising to release joints and soft tissues including muscles, tendons, fascia and ligaments. Where appropriate, osteopaths may also use specific joint manipulations which sometimes result in an audible “click” which many people associate with osteopathy. All techniques are chosen carefully with regard to their suitability for individual patients, and are discussed with patients before treatment commences to give you the opportunity to ask questions.
All treatments are followed up with self-help advice to help you progress as quickly as possible between sessions, and to help prevent recurrence of problems in the future.
Who do Osteopaths treat?
Everyone – at all ages. Treatment is always carefully tailored to a patient’s individual needs. Osteopathy can help you whether you are:
- Working and suffering from repetitive strain, overuse injury or postural problems
- Elderly with arthritic stiffness & pain
- Pregnant or a new mum with aches & pains
- Experiencing stiffness and tension from chronic stress
- A teenager with pain from growth spurts, poor posture, or sports
- A keen “DIY”er or have an injury caused by a hobby or sport
What do Osteopaths treat?
A common misconception is that osteopaths just treat “backs” or “bones”. We are trained to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal disorders throughout the body. The following are examples of conditions we may be able to help with:
- Muscle & tendon strains
- Ligament sprains
- Trapped nerves
- Joint pain & stiffness including arthritis
- Back & neck pain
- Disc pain & sciatica
- Headaches of musculoskeletal origin
- Frozen Shoulder
- Tennis & golfers elbow
- Shoulder Injuries
- Ankle, knee & hip pain
- Work related discomfort/RSI
- Postural disorders
- Sports injuries
What training do Osteopaths undertake & who regulates Osteopaths in the UK?
Osteopathic training in the UK follows a 4 year full time or 5 year part time degree course. There is a legal requirement in the UK for osteopaths to be registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) in order to practice. The role of the GOsC is to regulate the profession and ensure all osteopaths adhere to professional standards designed to protect the public. All osteopaths must complete continuing professional development (CPD) training each year in order to maintain their professional status and renew their licence to practice. Further information can be found at www.osteopathy.org.uk
If you would like further information about what to expect when you see an osteopath please follow this link, what to expect.
If you would like more information about how osteopathy can help you in general, or to discuss if it is suitable for your particular problem, please contact Amanda directly on 01245 260320 or [email protected]
Testimonial
“I had already had treatment from a physio and chiropractor and I was not convinced this would work, but I was put at ease immediately and had good results from the first session. This treatment came after 18 months of alternative treatment and has been the most successful. It was adapted as I made progress and allowed me to finish treatment pain free.
I was given very clear advice about exercises for home, which were not too demanding and were changed as required. I think Amanda was able to assess my condition very quickly and treat accordingly.
I was really impressed with the treatment I received, the professionalism of the clinic and the advice given and most importantly, how at ease I was made to feel. I have already recommended your service to other people!”
C.Bourke, 42, Braintree
