WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Osteopathy Treatment
Osteopaths apply a unique holistic (whole body) approach to health care. Osteopaths do not simply concentrate on treating the problem area, but use manual techniques to balance all the systems of the body, to provide overall good health and wellbeing.
Dr. Andrew Taylor Still established the practice of osteopathy in the late 1800s in the United States of America, with the aim of using manual ‘hands on’ techniques to improve circulation and correct altered biomechanics.
This philosophy and approach to treatment is what sets osteopathy apart.
A treatment using techniques such as stretching, massaging and mobilisation of specific joints and soft tissues, osteopathy is a form of manual medicine which recognises the important link between the structure of the body and the way it functions.
Osteopaths focus on how the skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulation, connective tissue and internal organs function as a holistic unit.
Using skilled evaluation, diagnosis and a wide range of hands-on techniques, osteopaths can identify important types of dysfunction in your body.
What does osteopathy treat?
Osteopathy treats more than you think. Many patients present with complaints of aches in the head, back, neck, and heel/ foot pain; sciatica; shin splints; tennis elbow and repetitive strain injury. Other patients suffer from asthma; arthritis; digestive problems; carpal tunnel syndrome; whiplash and postural problems.
Osteopathy and musculoskeletal pain
With our lives becoming increasingly busy, yet more sedentary, osteopaths can offer prevention advice such as stretching exercises, lifting techniques, posture, breathing and stress reduction which is a great way for individuals to maintain their own health.In addition, some lifestyle changes including diet or workplace ergonomics can dramatically improve one’s health and reduce ongoing health costs.
Early intervention by an osteopath means you can be aware of potential sources of referred pain, and how you can make changes to your lifestyle now so you won’t have to deal with the pain later on.
Preventing injuries means less time off work and therefore more time keeping active and enjoying the benefits of general good health. It is vitally important for all people to be aware of how injuries can occur and what we can all do to avoid them.
