|
|
|
Treatable conditions & treatments page |
Backache
| |
Affecting four out of five people at some time in their lives, backache (often referred to as Lumbago) is the most common complaint treated by osteopaths. In most cases, backache is caused by over-straining the structural components in the back. Most cases, whilst painful, are not serious if seen to promptly and usually respond very well to osteopathic treatment. |
 
Top of page
Headache
| |
Headaches, neck and shoulder tension can be caused by stress or by activities such as sitting at a VDU all day, they normally respond well to osteopathic treatment. |
Top of page
Joint/muscle pain
| |
Osteopaths are often associated with treating back pain. However osteopaths can treat joint and muscle strains in any part of the body including the hips, legs, knees, ankles, feet, wrist, elbows, shoulders, arms and ribs, for example tennis elbow and frozen shoulder. |
Top of page
Sports injuries
| |
Osteopathic treatment can benefit sports men and women at all levels. If you are eager to get back to your sport quickly after injury, or have a problem which is preventing you from performing at your best, osteopathic treatment can help you reach your peak level of fitness. |
Top of page
Pregnancy
| |
Responsible for a great change in posture, pregnancy can cause back pain and discomfort. Many women find gentle osteopathic treatment can bring great relief. We are experienced at treating mothers and babies for a whole range of symptoms from low backache to heartburn during pregnancy and problems of colic and poor feeding or sleeping in the infant. We use gentle and specific structural (massage, mobilising and manipulation) and cranial techniques and offer advice on exercise and health. If you prefer to discuss this further or if we can be of help then do please call. |
Top of page
Post surgery
| |
Osteopaths can help patients, particularly those whose movement has been affected by surgery in order to regain their pre surgery mobility and life style. |
Top of page
Sciatica
| |
This refers to irritation of the sciatic nerve that supplies the leg. However it is often used to describe any pain in the leg, whatever the cause, whether it is related to circulation, pain referred from a back injury, trauma or nerve irritation. The most common causes of sciatica can usually be successfully treated by an osteopath. |
Top of page
Arthritis
| |
Normal wear and tear of the joint surface can result in arthritis or osteoarthritis. This kind of damage is not to be confused with some cases of arthritis that are caused by a disease affecting the joint surface. Osteoarthritis is a normal process associated with ageing. Usually the symptoms do not start until much later in life, if at all, and normally lead to some restriction in movement of the joints, plus some muscular aches and pains often referred to as rheumatism. Osteopathic treatment cannot reverse the wear and tear of the joint surface, but in most cases, osteopaths can offer treatment to improve function of other areas and structures, give advice on other factors, such as diet, exercises and lifestyle, which may help with long term relief from the symptoms associated with arthritis. |
Top of page
Repetitive Strain Injury
| |
Also known as RSI, this condition is commonly associated with people who work with computer keyboards and mice and manual workers for prolonged periods of time, but also includes injuries such as 'tennis elbow' and 'shin splints'. Osteopathic treatment can benefit these conditions, particularly when treated early. |
Top of page
Treatment
| |
Treatment is non-invasive and aimed at improving mobility and/or reducing inflammation by using gentle osteopathic techniques on joints, muscles and ligaments. We use our hands to palpate the soft tissues and joint mobility, and also for treatment. This may involve stretching tissues and tendons or using articulatory movements and sometimes manipulation to the joints. We do not use machines for treatment. A cranial osteopathic approach may be incorporated or used solely when appropriate and is generally the main treatment used for babies and children and a variety of other complaints in the adult. A visceral osteopathic approach will often be incorporated or can be used solely when appropriate and is often associated with the underlying cause for many problems presenting with musculoskeletal pain, but originating from elsewhere in the body. We like to explain what we are trying to achieve and the approach we intend best suited to you. There is no standard treatment plan or blocks of sessions. Some patients require one or two sessions with an exercise program, while others may need two to six treatments within a three month period. Follow ups are sometimes recommended monthly, three monthly or on an annual basis if a causal factor is unavoidable. e.g. workplace environment or lifestyle. |
Top of page
Referrals
| |
Complimentary therapy does not mean replacing more orthodox treatments. We believe in working with conventional medicine to achieve the best results for our patients. If necessary you may be referred to a specialist or your GP for a second opinion. Other tests may also be necessary such as X-Rays, Scans and Blood Tests. It is also more common for GP's and some specialists to refer to the osteopath. A letter will always be sent back giving an explanation of what we have found, what we think is the problem, what we intend to treat and how long we anticipate the treatment may last. |
Top of page
|
|
|
Page last updated:
| |
