Osteopathy

Osteopathy is an established system of diagnosis and manual treatment.

Osteopathy uses many of the diagnostic procedures used in conventional medical assessment and diagnosis. Its main strength, however, lies in the unique way the patient is assessed from a mechanical, functional and postural standpoint and the manual methods of treatment applied to suit the needs of the individual patient.

Osteopathy received statutory recognition under the Osteopaths Act in 1993 which means that patients visiting an Osteopath have the same safeguards as when they consult a doctor or dentist.

Osteopaths use their hands both to investigate the underlying causes of pain and to carry out treatment using a variety of techniques. These may include, but is not restricted to:

• High Velocity Low Amplitude thrust Techniques
• Muscle Energy Techniques
• Functional Techniques
• Fasciae Techniques
• Strain - Counterstrain Techniques
• GOT Techniques
• Multiple Components Techniques
• Temporo-Mandibular Techniques

Gentle releasing techniques are often used, particularly when treating children or elderly patients. Patients may be given things to do at home and work, such as exercises, hydrotherapy or posture advice. These are important and will help to improve the rate of recovery.

Osteopathy can be used to treat a large number of disorders associated with the spine, muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints. These include:

• Neck & shoulder pain
• Painful joints
• Postural strain
• Occupational strain
• Back pain
• Trapped nerves
• Sports injuries
• Repetitive strain injury