What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a safe and natural complementary therapy that focuses on the framework of the musculoskeletal system (eg. the bones, muscles, connective tissues etc.) and its state of health and function.

An Osteopath looks at underlying structure or individual parts making up the body (bones, muscles, ligaments, joints etc), and then assesses the quality and integration of function between these parts (eg. how they are working together). This information in conjunction with the patient’s case history or story is used to understand why the bodies’ ability to function well has been compromised.

Through this process the Osteopath gains an understanding of how, and why, the body has reached a point of dysfunction. Understanding the underlying aetiology, or cause of the dysfunction is the first step towards addressing and resolving the problem.

The solution to the problem can lie within the muscular and skeletal frame of the body and the integration of its parts or in some cases can be found external to the body. For example, poor posture due to the set up of a work station (VDU) can cause strains upon the musculo skeletal system, as can a mother carrying a child continually on one hip.

The health of musculo-skeletal system can have a direct impact on that of the rest of the body. It provides the Framework for blood vessels, lymphatic’s, nerves, veins to function within, and provides a protective casing for all the internal organs.

In this manner treating the musculo-skeletal system can influence many internal systems of the body, as well as effecting internal organs.

What does Osteopathy treat?

Osteopathy is most widely known for treatment of the Lower back and neck. However, it has the capacity to treat considerably more, and is a recognised and effective means of treating a wide range of painful disorders.

All ages can benefit from treatment; from the strains and trauma of birth in the new born, through to arthritis in the elderly.

Osteopaths understand that everyone is unique and have different requirements for health. For example, a pregnant woman’s requirement for healthy function is likely to be different to that of an athlete attempting to attain a personal best. This is why treatments are tailored accordingly to meet both the individuals’ expectations, and requirements for health.

What to expect during a consultation?

The Osteopath will listen to your story and take a full case history taking into consideration your medical details.

They will then conduct an appropriate examination of your muscular and skeletal system, and perform any necessary clinical examinations. For this you may be required to undress to your under wear, so the Osteopath can gain an appreciation of your muscular and skeletal system and its inter-related function.

If further examinations or investigations are indicated, they will refer you on to an appropriate source (eg. GP, or alternative practitioner).

Once they have formed a diagnosis, they’ll explain their findings and suggest a suitable plan to address and resolve your problem or complaint.

If appropriate, the practitioner will carry out treatment as necessary according to the management plan discussed.

Treatment plans will be reviewed intermittently to assess improvement and to make sure both you and the practitioner are happy with progress.

Osteopathy and pregnancy

During pregnancy increased demand is placed upon the muscular and skeletal frame; in fact, pregnancy is the largest postural change a woman is likely to experience in her life time. Osteopathy can be used to relieve some of the aches and pains experienced in preparation for, during and after pregnancy.

As the baby grows the extra weight can cause lower back pain, leg pain and various types of pelvic dysfunction (ie. Pubic symphisitis, sacroiliac problems etc). Also as muscles fatigue, ligaments become more prone to overstrains as they work to support the spine.

Similarly, as breast weight increases, the musculo-skeletal system is again challenged; Pain, fatigue and strains in the neck, shoulders, arms and headaches are not uncommon.

However, it is not only physical demands challenging the body during pregnancy. The body is also subject to significant hormonal changes that soften ligaments and connective tissues in preparation for the birth process.

In fact enormous physical, chemical and emotional changes take place over a relatively short time scale, which in itself can be quite overwhelming, as the mother’s body is required to continually adapt and accommodate these changes. Osteopathic treatment during pregnancy works to assist the body with this process of adaptation.

How can the Osteopath help?

The Osteopath reviews each case individually, with the health and safety of both mother and baby being the main priority. If treatment is contra-indicated, the Osteopath with advise you accordingly.

However, in most cases gentle Osteopathic treatment combined with postural advice, and self management guidance can help considerably to assist the body to adapt to the significant changes taking place. It also has the added advantage of providing non medicated pain relief.

Post Natal Osteopathy

natal Following the physical demands of pregnancy, post natal a women’s body is subject to new demands physical and chemical/ hormonal.

Whilst breast feeding, if she decides to do so, her body is still be under the influence of the hormone relaxin which increases the flexibility of ligaments to aid the birth process and persists whilst breast feeding and thus can be subject to overstrains of joint and ligaments.

The physical demands upon the body have changed - the direct challenge to the musculoskeletal frame has reduced, and the body can start to re-establish a state of postural normality.

However, the day to day activities associated with caring for a newborn (eg. lifting, carrying, feeding, in and out of car seat / cots etc.) can initiate new range of problems upon an already fatigued musculo-skeletal system. (eg. back and leg pain – sciatica, neck and shoulder pain).

How can the Osteopath help?

The Osteopath reviews each case individually, taking into consideration the mothers health pre and post delivery, and any pre-existing conditions. If treatment is contra-indicated, they will advise you accordingly.

An Osteopath can help you identify areas of potential weakness or vulnerability, treat existing complaints with osteopathic techniques, and advice how best to reduce the likelihood of re-occurrences.

Osteopathy and the Elderly

As we age, significant changes occur within the muscles, bones and joints and different demands start to challenge the body. Degenerative changes within the skeleton are inevitable, but need not hamper quality of life.

Age related changes can leave the older generation feeling frail and Vulnerable, with a reluctance, and sometimes fear of performing the most basic of daily activities such as shopping, cleaning and cooking.

Professional review of muscular aches and pains can highlight problematic areas and a plan can be made to help you to maintain your independence and lead a full and active life. This may require the involvement of other health care professionals such the GP and Occupational Therapy.

Arthritic Changes

Osteoarthritic changes of the skeleton are an inevitable and a natural part of the aging process but can slow us down considerably in later life. Often labelled as ‘wear and tear’, it is simply a structural change in the bones that changes how we function.

Osteopathy can do a great deal to reduce pain, ease swelling and improve mobility and range of joint movement. There is however some scenarios where surgery may be necessary, but your practitioner will advise you accordingly.

Osteoporosis / (Osteopenia, the precursor of Osteoporosis)

Bone density is at its peak during the second decade of life in women and declines post menopausal. A reduced bone density means the bones are more fragile and can result in Osteoporosis where the risk of fracture is significantly higher. Whilst this is more common amongst women, it is also a risk factor in elderly men.

Both Osteoporosis and Osteopenia are caused through structural changes within the bone that change how we function or work. The Osteopath can identify and assist in increasing function through the problematic areas.

How can the Osteopath help?

The Osteopathy reviews each case independently, and will tailor treatment according to the health requirements of the individual, taking into consideration any previous history and current medical complaints.

They will, if possible provide a diagnosis and will discuss a suggested plan of management / treatment. This may involve further investigations where indicated, and / or hands on treatment to restore function, combined with exercises and general advice regarding ongoing maintenance.

In some cases ongoing treatment is required to assist in maintaining independence and enjoying as full and active a life as is possible.