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Osteopathy
Life doesn’t have to be a descent into creaky senility. With correct,
expert and sympathetic treatment and care, coupled with exercise and diet,
pain and discomfort can be alleviated and managed.
In fact this is what osteopaths do. They recognise the importance of the
link between the structure of the human body and the way it functions.
They focus on the skeleton and joint function along with the underlying
muscles, soft issue and internal organs.
For osteopaths each person is an individual and by using a highly developed
sense of touch they can identify problem areas. Then by using gentle stretching
and mobilising techniques and manipulating joints, the practitioner works
with the body to create the optimum conditions to facilitate the healing
process.
All treatments are specifically tailored to the individual but broadly
will consist of a combination of soft tissue releasing techniques with
some specific adjustments affecting joints and soft tissues (muscles,
tendons and ligaments).
On the first visit a full medical history will be taken then the patient
may be asked to perform a few simple movements so the practitioner can
assess the problem. To do this the osteopath will use a highly developed
sense of touch called palpation to assess areas of weakness, tenderness,
restriction or strain.
Once a diagnosis is made it will be discussed with you and if osteopathy
is appropriate, treatment will be offered aimed at restoring normal joint
stability and function.
Osteopaths usually start each treatment by releasing and relaxing muscles
and stretching still joints using gentle massage techniques, rhythmic
joint movements and muscle release and may also carry out manipulation
using short quick movements to spinal joints. Other techniques maybe used
depending on the patient’s problem.
Treatments usually last up to half an hour and normally between two and
six treatments are required. However many patients opt for a periodic
preventative treatment to avoid recurring problems.
For further information on osteopathy, you can look at the web sites of the British Osteopathic Association and the General Osteopathic Council.
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