Osteopath

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a way of detecting and treating damaged parts of the body - such as muscles, ligaments, nerves and joints. When the body is balanced and efficient it will function with the minimum of wear, stress and energy, therefore reducing pain and disability. It is our job as Osteopaths, to achieve this balance.

Training

Janet underwent a 4-year full-time course at The British School of Osteopathy in 1983. The training included human anatomy, physiology, pathology and a variety of clinical skills to analyse and diagnose your problem. This gave her a D.O., a diploma in Osteopathy. The course gained degree status in the 1990`s. Nick did a 5 year course at the Bristish School of Osteopathy in1999 which gave him a B.Ost.

Registration

In 1993 Osteopathy became the first major complementary healthcare profession to be accorded statutory recognition, under the 1993 Osteopaths Act. This registration, regulated by the General Osteopathic Council shows that all registered osteopaths are safe and competent practitioners.

What conditions do Osteopaths treat?

Osteopaths are no just ‘back specialists’ we are trained to treat a wide variety of problems including: -

*Headaches *Neck pain & stiffness *Whiplash *’Frozen’ or stiff shoulders *Arm pain *Wrist and hand pain *Low back pain *Sciatica *Hip, thigh and knee problems *Postural Problems * Sports injuries *Pain & stiffness associated with arthritis *Calf, shin, ankle and foot pain *Back pain during and after pregnancy *Treatment of children.

Making an Appointment

You may call the practice anytime. Clinic hours are listed above, otherwise please leave your message on the answer phone. It is not necessary to consult your G.P. prior to osteopathic treatment, but we do like to work with your G.P. and inform them of your condition, upon your consent, to give them added information about your health.

What happens on your first visit?

Your appointment will last approximately 30 minutes. We will ask about your current problem and any relevant past medical history. For your examination, this will usually require you to undress to your underwear, enabling us to assess individual joint mobility and locate the problem area. Having completed a full examination we can decide whether osteopathic treatment will help you. If so we can give you an indication of the amount of treatment needed. If we were unable to help, we may ask you to visit your G.P. or suggest other treatment, which may be helpful in solving your problem.

What type of treatment will you have?

Osteopaths work with their hands using a variety of techniques according to

the age and problem of each individual. These range from ‘soft tissue’ massage to muscles and ligaments, to passive stretching, articulation and traction to joints including manipulation. We also have the facility to use ultrasound if required. Nick has been trained to use cranial techniques, so he can also treat children in this way.

What is Osteopathic manipulation?

Osteopathic manipulation, sometimes called a ‘high velocity thrust’ is normally a precise movement applied to a spinal or peripheral joint. This often causes a click or popping sensation as the joint surfaces separate. The manipulation is designed to increase joint movement, reduce local muscle spasm and improve circulation & drainage. Osteopathic manipulation should always be gentle and is usually applied within the joints normal physiological range of movement.