Osteopathy Treatments
Osteopathy
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a system of health care that works with the structure and function of the body.
Osteopaths focus on improving posture, mobility and flexibility using hands on treatment to treat muscles and joints, which in turn helps to reduce tension in the body caused by stress and injury.
Treatments are patient centred and tailored to each individual. Osteopaths use in depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology to assess and diagnose problems within the body. As well as physical symptoms, an osteopath will take into consideration other aspects of a patient’s lifestyle such as occupation, exercise and nutrition.
All treatments are aimed to relieve pain, aches and reduce muscle tension. Therefore leaving you feeling relaxed, better aligned and more flexible. There are many techniques that an Osteopath may use, and so treatment is always applied to best suit you and your body at that time.
Treatment involves a blend of deep tissue massage to stretch and reduce muscle tension, with joint articulation and manipulation to improve the range of movement and mobility of joints.
Treatments include soft tissue massage, joint articulation and stretching
Osteopathy during Pregnancy
During pregnancy the body has to adapt to a number of physical and hormonal changes. These adaptations can lead to stress and strain on joints, ligaments and muscles within the body.
For some women the physical demands of pregnancy can be challenging, and may exacerbate pre existing problems from poor posture or injury.
Osteopathy may be beneficial during pregnancy by identifying and releasing physical strains or discomfort including joint and back pain, in preparation for the latter stages of pregnancy and labour.
Osteopathic treatment involves gentle manipulation of the joints, stretching of the muscles and soft tissues, and releasing areas of tightness that may cause imbalances within the pelvis.
Treatment is safe throughout pregnancy, and each treatment is focused around your current stage of pregnancy.
Osteopathy after Pregnancy
Caring for a newborn baby 24/7 can be incredibly demanding with no consideration for how you feel physically or emotionally. The first 6 weeks following birth mark the beginning of your recovery following your pregnancy and labour.
During this post natal period, your body has to go through some major changes. Osteopathy has an important role in helping new mums to recover physically and mentally from pregnancy and labour. Treatments focus on your short and long term physical recovery, as well as offering an open, friendly environment to talk about your birth.
New Mums commonly experience the following problems:
- Low back pain
- Muscle aches
- Pelvic or hip pain
- Pubic symphysis strain (pain at the front of the pelvis)
- Muscle aches
- Neck & shoulder pain from holding and feeding baby
Osteopaths sometimes work alongside local health visitors and midwives, and are trained to screen for medical conditions. During your consultation, if we feel you would benefit from seeing another health professional, eg. a doctor or midwife, we will refer you for further specialised help.
Post Natal Treatments
Treatments include an initial consultation to discuss details of your pregnancy, labour, recovery so far and any specific concerns you may have. Your osteopath will then assess your movements to identify areas of tightness or restriction that may be causing any symptoms.
Osteopathic treatment can help support the body in its recovery and rebalance the pelvis by relieving joint strains and muscle aches following labour, using a variety of techniques including soft tissue massage, joint articulation and manipulation, and muscle stretches.
