About Osteopath
- An introduction to osteopathy
- Who can benefit from osteopathy
- What to expect when you visit an osteopath
- Osteopathy and Safe Practice
Osteopaths help reduce inflammation by a number of methods ranging from massage of soft tissues to manipulation and mobilisation of joints, this helps to reduce pain, muscle spasm and increase mobility helping to create a healthier anatomical environment in which damaged tissue can heal.
The skilled techniques of osteopathy can allow you to make a speedy recovery to normal activity.
Treatment is aimed to reduce pain discomfort and allow relief from your default. An osteopath will look at how your whole body functions and so be able to reduce strain on the painfully area caused by mechanical problems elsewhere.
There are times when it is wise for you to take medications as well as receiving osteopathic treatment because of this osteopaths frequently work in close co-operation with your doctor.
Remember...
- osteopaths are skilled health care professionals.
- osteopaths treat six million people every year suffering from pain
- osteopaths can help you both with treatment and advice on self help
- osteopaths treat acute and chronic pain osteopaths treat to prevent pain recurring
Who can benefit from osteopathy
Osteopathy can be used for a multitude of health problems from the trauma of birth, to arthritis in the elderly. Osteopathy is a safe and natural approach to healthcare with a recognised system of diagnosis and manual treatment that lays its main emphasis on the structural integrity of the body. Osteopathy can be used to treat many conditions; some of the most common are listed on the right:
Much long-term, recurrent pain is caused by degenerated changes in the bodies framework. Nobody can reverse the process of aging, however osteopaths treatments may of then ease pain, reduce swelling, and improve range of joint motion. Pain control is an important part of treatment and osteopaths give guidance on simple self-help methods to use at home.
- Spinal problems
- low back pain
- neck
- shoulder conditions
- headaches/migraines
- pregnancy
- anti-natal pain
- tendon
- ligament
- muscle strains
- arthritic pain
- joint stiffness
- Sports injuries
- Elbows
- knees and wrists
- Work related / overuse injuries
- Postural problems
What to expect when you visit an osteopath
When you visit an osteopath for first time a full case history will be taken and you will be given a initial examination.You will probably be asked to remove some of you clothing and to perform a simple series of movements so that your mobility can be evaluated. The osteopath will identify any points of weakness or excessive strain throughout the body.
Osteopathy and Safe Practice
Osteopathy is recognised by the British Medical Association as a discrete clinical discipline.
In 1993, osteopathy became the first major complementary healthcare profession to be accorded statutory recognition. This means only those practitioners satisfying the educational and ethical standards will be entitled to call themselves a registered osteopath with the General Osteopathic Council.