Home
Next
Previous
|
Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis which works with the structure and function of the body. Maintainance of good mechanical function is essential to good health. The framework of the body supports the internal organs; when this support system is not working well, it results in pain and loss of movement in the musculo-skeletal system. This, in turn, has a knock-on effect on the internal organs, leading to ill health.
Osteopathy is effective in treating musculo-skeletal conditions such as,
- - lower back pain
- - sciatica
- - a painful or stiff neck
- - shoulder tension
- - brachial neuritis
- - chest and rib pain
- - joint strains
- - tempero-mandibular joint, and bite problems
- - athletic and sports injuries
- - repetitive strain injury (RSI)
- - postural problems
- - whiplash injuries
- - spondylosis
- - ankylosing spondylitis
- - pelvic-floor weakness
- - arthritis in spine and limb joints
- - polymyalgia rheumatica
- - headaches
Osteopathy can be a useful adjunct in the treatment of conditions where there is a musculo-skeletal or mechanical component. These include,
- digestive disorders
hyperacidity
hiatus hernia
gall stones
constipation
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- respiratory problems
asthma
sinusitis
persistant coughs
chronic rhinitis
hyperventilation
- menstrual problems
painful periods
irregular periods
pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)
- urinary-tract disorders
chronic cystitis
stress incontinence
- infertility (often treated in conjunction with acupuncture or homeopathy)
- problems during pregnancy
sickness
postural problems and pain
pelvic pain
constipation
- problems arising from chronic stress
Osteopathic care during pregnancy can form part of a woman's preparation for childbirth. Mother and baby can be checked after delivery and treated when appropriate.
Osteopaths treat patients with their hands. They often give advice on posture, exercise, lifestyle and diet. In this Practice, osteopaths work closely with the acupuncturists and homeopaths. When appropriate, they refer patients for Alexander Technique lessons with Alexander Technique in the City; also at the Gestalt Centre.
Osteopathy was first introduced as a discipline by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still in the U.S.A. in 1874. He used manual treatment on his patients to relieve the symptoms of serious infectious illnesses, at a time when effective drug treatments were not available.
With improvements in public health, immunisation and the development of the pharmaceutical industry, osteopathy came to be associated more with the treatment of musculo-skeletal problems.
Nowadays, osteopathy is used as a primary treatment or as an adjunct to other disciplines including orthodox medicine.
Cranial osteopathy is a gentle form of treatment, particularly suitable for babies and children, as well as adults.
|
