What conditions do Osteopaths deal with?

Osteopathy treat of a wide variety of musculo-skeletal problems, but it also has a role to play in the management of a number of other conditions. The most common complaints for which patients consult Osteopaths include: 

• back and neck pain,
• sciatica,
• headaches,
• pains in peripheral joints such as shoulders, knees and ankles, tendinitis and muscle strains,
• work-related and repetitive strain injuries, and
• sports-related injuries.

However, Osteopathy can also play a significant role in pain management or when used in conjunction with medical treatment. 

Many mothers-to-be find Osteopathic treatment very beneficial both to reduce back pain during pregnancy and also to help prepare the body for birth. In addition, there is a wide variety of gentle non-manipulative techniques for use on infants and small children.

Common questions

Does Osteopathy Hurt?

Techniques used by Osteopaths should not hurt you at all. If techniques do hurt, tell your Osteopath, so they may adjust their technique. Sometimes, if your tissues are very inflamed due to injury, treatment may seem a little sore because your tissues are so inflamed and tender.

Can Osteopathy damage my back?

Applied correctly, Osteopathic techniques cannot harm you. Ensure that your Osteopath is registered with the General Osteopathic Council, and you will know you are in safe hands.

Will I feel better straight away?

The answer to this question depends on the condition the patient presents with. It is possible to leave an Osteopathic treatment pain free, but this is very rare as the majority of patients present to an Osteopath as a last resort, after having been in pain for a long time. The earlier you visit your Osteopath, the quicker they can get you better.

Osteopathic and Chiropractic. What is a difference?

The fundamental philosophy behind Chiropractic is that all disease within the body has its origin within restrictions of the spine, preventing correct neurological and circulatory supply to the organs and muscles of the body. Chiropractors therefore work to release restrictions found within the joints of the body.

Osteopaths work to release the restrictions within the joints of the body as Chiropractors do, with the same philosophies as Chiropractors do, but also work very much with muscles, addressing the influence that muscular dysfunction / tightness / imbalance can have on the functioning of joints. They work closely with exercise prescription with the aim of ensuring permanent relief from pain wherever possible.

Osteopaths believe that treatment alone is not enough to correct a problem within the body; the patient must maintain the effects of treatment through self management techniques.

Osteopathic medicine

Osteopathic medicine is similar to traditional, or allopathic, medicine but it places a much greater emphasis on the role of normal body mechanics and the musculoskeletal system. One of the principles of osteopathic medicine is that the patient's illness and traumas are stored within the structure of their bodies

The osteopath, like a chiropractor, is trained to palpate (touch) the body to detect tissue texture, flow of fluids, and motion of joints, and to seek out impairments caused by traumatic injuries and chronic or acute illnesses. The objective of the osteopathic physician is to restore the body to its normal or full function by applying a precise amount of force to promote movement of fluids, (a rhythmic flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain and spinal cord), decompress joints and bones , and increase tissue function.

Like chiropractors in their philosophy and approach, osteopaths use only their hands to diagnosis and treat, sees the body as a single functional unit, and values the wisdom of the body's ability to heal itself.

The body is a unit where dysfunction in one areas can affect another area. For example, a disc problem in the neck can pull the legs and affect the way we walk. Treatment for the legs can significantly reduce the neck pain.

Why See an Osteopath?

The most common complaints for which patients consult Osteopaths include back and neck pain, sciatica, headaches, pains in peripheral joints such as shoulders, knees and ankles, tendinitis and muscle strains, work-related and repetitive strain injuries, and sports-related injuries. Other conditions for which Osteopathy can play a significant role in reducing the severity of symptoms include asthma, gynaecological dysfunction, arthritic conditions and chronic fatigue.

When visiting an osteopath for the first time, a full case history will be taken as well as an examination. This generally requires the removing of some clothing and the performance of a simple series of movements.

The Osteopath will use a highly developed sense of touch, called palpation, to identify any points of weakness or excessive strain throughout the body. Osteopathic treatments are tailored to the requirements of the individual patient, and techniques are selected which are appropriate to the patient's needs. For some acute pain, one to two treatments may be all that is necessary. Chronic conditions may need ongoing maintenance averaging six to eight sessions.

Neck Pain

 

 

 

 

A popular response to neck pain is taking drugs to cover up the problem (aspirin, analgesics, pain pills) or treating its symptoms (muscle relaxers, massage,hot packs). But neck pain isn’t caused by a lack of aspirin or drugs!

The osteopath approach to neck pain is to locate its underlying cause. This begins with a complete case history and thorough examination. Special attention is given to the structure and function of the spine, and its affect on the nervous system.

• Is the proper spinal curve present?
• Are the nerve openings between each pair of spinal bones free and clear?
• Is the head balanced?
• Are the shoulders level?

These and other considerations are used to create a plan of specific chiropractic adjustments to help improve the motion and position of spinal vertebrae. 

With improved structure and function, neck pain often diminishes or totally disappears — without addictive drugs or harmful side effects!

A common health complaint.

• Is it hard to look over your shoulder?
• Is there a constant pulling or throbbing pain in your neck? 
• Do you notice a “grinding” sound as you turn your head? 

Osteopaths are experts in the care of the bones, nerves, muscles and connective tissues that make up about 60% of your body. All of the joints in your body are part of this musculo-skeletal system and its optimal function is necessary for overall good health. Ask your Osteopath for more information about a care program that may include specific spinal adjustments, exercise recommendations, nutritional advice or other conservative methods of care based on your health history, age, current condition and lifestyle.