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Osteopathy

‘The key principles of osteopathy are based on all parts of the body functioning together in an integrated manner. If one part of the body is restricted, then the rest of the body must adapt and compensate for this, eventually leading to disorder and as a result producing pain and inflammation, then stiffness and other health conditions.

Osteopathy is a holistic approach to health care it does not focus on the result but on the cause.
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What is Osteopathy?

Osteopaths are primary health care practitioners, complementary to other medical practices. They have the ability to diagnose and treat a musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Osteopaths work primarily on the neuro-muscular-skeletal system and they also pay attention to relevant psychological and social factors in order to form a diagnosis.

Osteopathy is a system of healthcare and not just a series of techniques applied to the body. It is based on the philosophy that the body should be able to auto-regulate itself in order to maintain a state of health and balance.

The body should be able to adapt to, and recover from traumatic events. Sometimes this ability to adapt and compensate can get overwhelmed and may need some assistance. This is where osteopathy helps.

Osteopathic treatments

 

History of Osteopathy

Andrew Taylor Still developed osteopathic medicine in the United States in 1874. Still was a Doctor but the death of his wife and children from infectious diseases left him disillusioned with orthodox medicine of the time.

Using an alternative philosophical approach, Dr Still saw the human-body, as having self – healing mechanisms and the duty of the osteopathic physician was to remove any impediments to healthy functioning.

He promoted healthy living, good nutrition and the application of osteopathic techniques to improve physiological function. His philosophy was based on the understanding of the integration between body, mind and spirit and the relationship between structure and function.

When there is interruption to structure; such as disruption to blood flow or nervous impulses, there is a subsequent interference with the functioning of the tissues supplied by those structures, which ultimately leads to dysfunction and pain.

 

What conditions are treated?

Osteopathy is well known for its ability to help with musculoskeletal aches and pains but it is also able to help with a vast majority of different symptoms and conditions in people of all ages; from babies to the elderly! Osteopaths can provide one-off relief from pain and dysfunction or help you to manage any long-term (chronic) complaints.

Common conditions seen by osteopaths include:

 

What to expect from treatment

Osteopathy is a ‘hands on’ form of treatment that involves techniques from massage of muscle to the manipulation of joints.

A consultation will last up to 1 hour and involves a detailed case history to make sure that you are safe to treat and that osteopathy would be of benefit to you. Next is a physical examination and then treatment.

Many osteopathic techniques can be performed safely without the removal of clothing. Osteopathic treatment is not painful and can often be very relaxing.

Following an osteopathic treatment, it is not uncommon to have some transient discomfort (lasting 24-48hours), this is just your body adapting to the changes the osteopath has made and thereby re-balancing the system.

Patients often report an improvement in other areas of health following osteopathic treatment, not just relief from the original problem that brought them to the osteopath in the first place.

Contact Barry White to book an appointment.