Osteopathy

Osteopathy

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. It works with the structure and function of the body and is based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues functioning smoothly together.

To an osteopath, for your body to work well, its structure must also work well. So osteopaths work to restore your body to a state of balance, where possible without the use of drugs or surgery. Osteopaths use touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension, to enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues, and to help your body’s own healing mechanisms. They may also provide advice on posture and exercise to aid recovery, promote health and prevent symptoms recurring.

What happens during Osteopathy?

Many people visiting our clinic describe feeling some sort of spinal stiffness, aching or pain. This may be their neck, mid-back, low back or pelvic/hip areas. Sometimes there can be a nerve being irritated or trapped. This often causes arm or leg pain (sciatica), sometimes with tingling or numbness over an area of skin. Careful case history taking and examination is needed to diagnose the precise cause.

Treatment may include gentle rhythmical movements of the affected area which feels quite relaxing. Gentle stretching techniques are used to release joints and intervertebral discs. This relaxes muscles, decreases inflammation and helps release the joints and trapped nerve. This in combination with advice and a programme of home-based exercises will relieve the stiffness and pain.

Who and what do osteopaths treat?

Osteopaths’ patients include the young, older people, manual workers, office professionals, pregnant women, children and sports people. Patients seek treatment for a wide variety of conditions, including back pain, changes to posture in pregnancy, postural problems caused by driving or work strain, the pain of arthritis and minor sports injuries.

There are many other conditions which can be treated effectively by osteopathy; the list below shows some of the more common ones.

Headaches
Whiplash injuries
Trapped Nerves
Shoulder & arm pain
Wrist & hand pain
Hip & knee problems
Sciatica
Posture problems
Calf, ankle, foot & heel pain
Stiff & painful necks
Frozen or stiff shoulder
Tennis & golfers elbow
Low back pain
“Slipped disc”
Arthritic pain & stiffness
Upper back & chest pain

Medical Insurance

Most private medical insurance schemes including BUPA and PPP will pay for osteopathic treatment.

Cost: £45 per session

http://www.robmcgregor-osteopath.co.uk/