Osteopathy is a holistic approach to treating the musculoskeletal system which not only looks at treating the symptoms but looks for the root causes of any medical problems.  It encourages complete body health by treating problems in muscles, tendons and joints as well as improving and balancing several of the body’s vital systems, such as lymphatic, nervous and circulatory.

 

Osteopathy works on the principle that a person’s well being is dependent on the body’s structure functioning well (i.e. skeleton/spine, muscles, ligaments and connective tissue).  It’s also a widely-held belief that the body has its own built-in self-regulatory and self-healing system and so can be encouraged to heal itself.

 

It is also believed that no part of the body works in isolation and that all systems are integrated so therefore healing has to look at the body as a whole.  If one body part is not fully functioning due to illness or injury then other parts of the body will adjust themselves to compensate for this.  This may result in pain, inflammation or stiffness, or more serious illnesses and long-term conditions.

 

An osteopath will work towards restoring balance within your body without using drugs or surgery, and he/she will use touch, stretching, massage, deep tactile pressure, stretching and manipulation to relieve muscle tension, to increase joint mobility, and to boost circulation and the body’s healing mechanisms – encouraging overall good health and wellbeing.

 

He/she may also offer advice on posture, breathing techniques and stress reduction, along with recommended dietary changes, and exercises or stretches for you to practice at home to help speed up the healing process and to prevent symptoms from returning.

 

Many conditions have been proven to benefit from osteopathy including Fibromyalgia, depression, sciatica, repetitive strain injury, headaches, arthritis, back or neck pain, whiplash, postural problems and menstrual pain.