Osteopaths are probably best known for treating back pain, but a surprisingly wide range of conditions respond very well to Osteopathic treatment, even IBS, Asthma, and circulatory problems.
We use our hands and eyes to find out how your joints, muscles, and ligaments are working around your bones, and then gently move your body around, to coax out ‘lesions’ (or bits that aren’t moving properly), and restore your body to a position where it can work better. This helps nerves, organs and blood flow to work more efficiently, your own healing ability to kick in, and can feel very relaxing.
Accidents, work stresses, fatigue, old injuries, worry and illness can all create restriction in parts of the body, causing pain and dysfunction.
We use our knowledge of medical diagnosis and expertise in anatomy and body function, to diagnose and treat safely so that even babies may be helped.
The word Osteopathy comes from “Empathy with Bones” – these being about the last part of the body to decompose, and therefore considered by our founder A.T.Still, to be that within us that is closest to nature in their existing form, and therefore least in need of change.
Osteopaths use a range of techniques, but as they run fluidly into each other, you may not be aware of the distinction between them. These include;
ARTICULATION; is rhythmically rocking a joint or muscle to stretch and ease it into a greater range of
movement.
STRETCHING; Using positions and articulation to increase the range of movement in restricted tissues.
Exercises may be recommended to continue the process between treatments.
CLT; Using Combined Leverage and Thrust Technique, the stuck joint is put into a position that sets it up for release, then a very controlled, short, sharp, movement is expertly introduced to surprise it out of the restriction. A “pop” may be heard.
SOFT TISSUE MASSAGE; Involves a variety of techniques and is applied to soft tissues (i.e not bones). These aim to reduce and release areas of fibrosis, tension, swelling, congestion, spasm or contracture, arising from injury or tension, scarring or chemical change.
Methods used include effleurage, deep friction, petrissage, pressure, stroking at various speeds and depths.
Carol often uses Shiatsu type massage, involving pressure on acupuncture points along meridians to release blockages.
MUSCLE ENERGY; A muscle can be persuaded to lengthen and release by a few moments of resisted, static contraction, then stretching it whilst still fatigued and less resistant. The process is usually repeated 3 times in a row, increasing the amount of stretch each time.
CRANIAL or CRANIO-SACRAL; This is an extremely gentle technique that uses one of the involuntary movements of the body to make changes in body function.
The principle behind it is that structure normalises, once correct function is restored.
It involves the practitioner feeling the head very lightly with their hands, although other areas may also be treated like this. We work out which directions the body has difficulty moving in, and coax it back to normality.
FASCIAL UNWINDING; Is a branch of cranial, but the involuntary movements become large enough for the patient to feel.
The practitioner follows and supports for example, an arm, as it moves into positions that allow release of tensions, restriction or tissue memory that have been hindering its normal functioning.
FUNCTIONAL TECHNIQUE; Finds the position in which the painful area is most comfortable, and holding it there until the tissue releases.
STILL TECHNIQUE; Like functional this technique involves the osteopath finding the position in which the lesioned tissue is most comfortable, holding it there, and then moving it into the opposite position whilst tractioned or compressed to avoid pain.
Age related problems - bunions, fallen arches, joint pain, stiffness, digestive disorders. Read more... (opens new browser window).
Babies - Sleeping or feeding difficulties, head shaking, restlessness, growing pains and shin splints. Read more... (opens new browser window).
Children - hyperactivity, growing pains, bone growth problems e.g scoliosis, osteochondritis.
Injuries - sprains, strains, whiplash.
Neuralgia - pressure on nerves e.g Sciatica.
Pain - from arthritis, rheumatism, injury, overwork.
Pregnancy - easing physical discomfort, preparing for labour, aiding post-natal recovery. Read more... (opens new browser window).
Shortening or hardening of muscles, tendons or other tissue caused by stroke, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy.
Sports injuries - slipped discs, tennis/golfers elbow.
Stress - grief, trauma, overwork, or worry.
Stiffness - from exercise, aging, accident, illness or childbirth.
Tension, anxiety and panic attacks, headaches and shoulder pain, digestive difficulties.
Work injuries - Frozen shoulder, RSI, Carpal tunnel, bursitis.