|
Osteopathy is an established, recognised system of diagnosis and treatment that lays its main emphasis on the structural integrity of the body.
It is distinctive in that it recognises that much of the pain and disability we suffer, stems from abnormalities in the function of the body structure as well as damage caused to it by disease.
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.
Osteopaths use their hands both to investigate the underlying causes of pain and to carry out treatment using a variety of manipulative techniques.
These may include muscle and connective tissue stretching, rhythmic joint movements or high velocity thrust techniques to improve the range of movement of a joint.
Gentle releasing techniques are often used, particularly when treating children or elderly patients.
The cranial approach also uses very gentle techniques in which the osteopath's highly trained sense of touch is used to identify and correct mechanical disturbances and limitations, both in and around the joints for the skull, and throughout the body.
It can help a wide range of patients with conditions including glue ear, migraine, and dizziness and, for babies, the after effects of difficult deliveries.
By gently releasing tension in the baby's body, the osteopath can often relieve discomfort which might otherwise be attributed to colic or fretfulness.
What osteopaths treat
A recent survey of osteopathic practices underlined the wide range of patients treated.
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 their 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.
|
