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Osteopathy - not just for back painWhat
is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy
is the leading complementary health-care profession, treating
conditions that manifest themselves in the musculo-skeletal system.
It is a natural therapy that combines the two oldest forms of treatment
known to man - massage and manipulation. Osteopathy is a system of
diagnosis and treatment that lays particular emphasis on structural
and mechanical problems of the body and seeks to overcome a wide range
of diseases, disabilities and pains resulting from disturbances of
the body's framework and moving parts.
More particularly, osteopaths like to treat patients as a whole and
as individuals, rather than labelling them as having a particular
ailment.
What does an
osteopath do?
The osteopath’s
task is to diagnose and treat faults that occur in the mechanical
system due to injury, stress or any other cause, and to ensure that
the body is functioning as efficiently as possible. When a person’s
structure is in harmony, just like a well-tuned engine, it will function
with the minimum of stress and use of energy, leaving more energy
available for living.
Osteopaths work with their hands, using a combination of soft-tissue
massage, gentle circulation and passive mobilisation techniques applied
to specific joints.
Initially, a case history is taken to find out about the patient and
their presenting complaint. The patient will normally be asked to
undress to their underwear before an examination is undertaken. This
may involve osteopathic, neurological or circulatory tests, as well
as an assessment of posture and structural state, ultimately leading
to diagnosis and treatment.
Registered osteopaths are trained to recognise conditions that cannot
be helped by osteopathic treatment and will therefore advise patients
and refer them as appropriate.
Cranial osteopathy and children
Cranial Osteopathy is a useful adjunct to the structural approach
in certain cases, especially when dealing with infants and young children.
Babies who suffer with sleeping difficulties, feeding problems and
behavioral trouble often respond well when treated using gentle craniosacral
techniques. These work with the body’s involuntary mechanisms,
helping to restore a calming balance to natural biorhythms by means
of gentle massage of the child's skull.
What do osteopaths treat?
- Sports injuries
- Pregnant women
- Back pain
- Back ache
- Sciatica
- Lumbago
- Joint pain
- Neck ache and neck pain
- Whiplash
- Muscle spasm
- Rheumatic pain
- Arthritic pain
- Cramp
- Fibromyalgia
- Inability to relax / problems relaxing
- Circulatory problems
- Digestive Problems
After treatment it is not advisable to indulge in strenuous exercise
for 24 hours to give tissues a time to settle down. It must be appreciated
that while some conditions can be helped permanently, others may be
only partially relieved or simply maintained in balance. Each case
will receive individual attention in an effort to achieve the fastest
and longest-lasting results possible.
What about my doctor?
Since regulation by Parliament, osteopathic treatment has been recognised
by the medical profession. In many cases, you may be referred to
an osteopath by your GP. Osteopathic treatment, like dentistry,
can be given independently or in conjunction with your doctor. It
is not necessary to see you doctor before consulting an osteopath,
although if you are unsure, talk to your doctor first.
Private medical insurance
Osteopathy is recognized by most health insurance companies, who
will pay for your treatment (PPP, BUPA, HSA, etc)
Home visits
If you are in too much pain to come to the clinic, please make an
appointment for a home visit.
Off-work certificate
Osteopaths can issue incapacity certificates, which are recognized
in the same way as a GP's certificate by the Department of Health
& Social Security.
Check ups and advice
From time to time it is advisable to attend "maintenance"
visits to enable the osteopath to check that a pervious problem
is being contained.
Patients will be given advice – and often exercise programmes
relevant to these complaints – in the hope of eliminating
or at least helping significantly to reduce the likelihood of the
conditions recurring.
To
make an appointment or for more information please call us on 020
8545 0965. Make an appointment
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