Osteopathy, Cranial Osteopathy
The conditions that can be osteopathically treated include:
(Click on the condition to find out more)
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the usually strong support struts that make up the inside of most bones becomes thinner, which can lead to bones becoming fragile and breaking easily, resulting in pain and disability.
In the UK, one in two women and one in five men over the age of 50 will fracture a bone, mainly due to poor bone health. But osteoporosis is often a silent condition, giving no pain or other symptoms to alert you to the fact until the worst happens, and a bone breaks. As such, many people living with osteoporosis are unaware that they have fragile bones until this happens, sometimes with devastating consequences.
How your osteopath can help
There is a lot you can do to prevent the condition, and to reduce your chance of breaking a bone if you do get it. Osteopaths are often seen by the general public as experts in the field of bone health, and as such, they are well placed to screen patients for this condition and offer practical advice on risk factors, prevention and treatment.
Prevention Advice
Once a person who is at risk of developing osteoporosis or sustaining a fracture as a result has been identified, there is a lot they can do to reduce the chance of breaking a bone. Patients who are assessed as being at risk of osteoporosis will be given dietary, exercise and lifestyle advice to help manage risk factors to reduce the impact of the condition on their lifestyle
Those that are found to be at moderate to high risk will be advised to consult their GP.
Osteopathic practice is a safe and effective form of prevention, diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of health problems, including back pain. Often back pain resolves quickly by itself but if it persists for more than a few days an osteopath may be able to help.
Osteopaths will often use gentle hands-on techniques to help resolve back pain, together with exercise and advice designed to promote and maintain the best environment for a healthy back. Research evidence shows that these osteopathic treatments can have beneficial effects, especially for back pain.
The UK National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides guidance for health services that recommend manual therapy, such as that provided by osteopaths, as part of a package of care for the management of low back pain and sciatica.
Osteopathic treatment is based on the individual needs of the patient and will vary depending on age, fitness and diagnosis but often focuses on releasing tension, stretching muscles and improving mobility – all of which may help relieve pain. There is no need to consult a GP before visiting an osteopath, although you may wish to do so.
Early diagnosis and treatment can aid recovery and get you back to normal activities more quickly. Around half of those who suffer an episode of back pain will have a recurrence of symptoms within a few years. Stress can increase the amount of pain you feel by magnifying the effect of tension and muscle spasms. An osteopath can give advice about methods to aid recovery and maintain a healthy back.
REMEMBER: Back pain is rarely due to any serious disease and the long-term outlook is good. If you do have any concerns about your back you can discuss these with an osteopath.
What to expect when you visit an osteopath
Back pain is not normally caused by anything serious, though it is natural to worry about symptoms and the cause. An osteopath will always complete a routine examination that checks for more serious diagnoses and will advise and discuss with you any further action that might be required.
After an initial examination, an osteopath will discuss treatment options and decide jointly with a patient, an appropriate and suitable treatment plan, and the likely associated costs. This plan may involve several visits and, very occasionally, further tests and/or referrals to another appropriate health care professional. Treatment may begin at the first appointment. There may mild discomfort afterwards but in most cases, this will pass within 24 hours.
Osteopaths are highly trained professionals skilled in diagnosing health issues, including those that may require further investigation. The first visit to an osteopath will include questions about current symptoms and medical history. All information will be treated as confidential in accordance with the standards of practice set out by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).
Neck pain is common in people of all ages. There can be a variety of reasons for this discomfort.
Working all day bent over a computer, driving long distances, poor posture while standing or sitting, stress and tiredness are all factors that can cause the muscles in the neck and upper back to become tight and the joints to become stiff, which can contribute to ongoing neck pain.
Sometimes a nerve in your neck can become irritated or “trapped” and cause pain in the arm going down into your shoulder or the hand and may be accompanied by pins and needles and numbness. Some headaches can be the result of tension or stiffness in the neck and upper back.
Natural age-related wear and tear (osteoarthritis), does not necessarily lead to neck discomfort, however coupled with other factors, it can lead to muscular pain from the neck into the shoulder as well as some stiffness in moving the neck.
How can an osteopath help?
Osteopaths can use a wide range of gentle hands-on techniques depending on your age, fitness and diagnosis to reduce muscular tension in the neck and improve movement in the joints of the neck and upper back.
Management is tailored to each individual and sometimes it might involve other areas in the back and shoulders as well as the neck.
Advice on posture at work or in the car, on exercise and stretching to help keep your neck and upper back muscles and joints relaxed.
X-rays, scans and other tests are sometimes required to make a diagnosis. An osteopath may refer you to your GP or a specialist for additional investigations or treatment.
There are a number of reasons for hip pain, such as a tight, strained or overused muscle in the hip or from the joint itself. Pain in the hip can sometimes be the result of an injury, it can be referred from the back or related to the way a person moves, stands and/or uses the hip.
Pain from osteoarthritis or wear and tear in the hip joint is also common. Osteopaths can help manage the stiffness by looking at the way the hip moves, strengthening and stretching the muscles, gently massaging the hip muscles and stretching the hip joint to reduce tension and improve the mobility of the joint, as well as working on the secondary problems like backache.
X-rays, scans and other tests are sometimes required to make a diagnosis and an osteopath may make a referral to a GP or a specialist for any additional investigations or treatment.
The knee is the largest joint in the body. It is a major weight-bearing joint and is one of the most frequently injured joints in the human body.
Knee pain can have a number of different causes, can be painful and debilitating and, although some conditions may require surgery, many can be helped with the right advice, exercise and treatment.
The knee joint lies between the femur and tibia and at the front is the patella or kneecap. It is made up of a number of structures including ligaments, muscles, capsule, synovial membrane and two ‘c’ shaped pieces of cartilage that sit between the femur and tibia, known as the menisci.
Damage, strain or sprain to the structures of the knee can give rise to symptoms. It can be the result of a sudden injury as often seen in sports injuries or by repeatedly placing strain on an area of the knee. Poor alignment of the knee or kneecap and altered joint mechanics in relation to other joints, such as the hips and knees, are often significant. Osteoarthritis or wear and tear is a common condition that affects the knee.
Common symptoms in the knee include pain, stiffness, aching, locking, swelling, limping and difficulty fully straightening or bending the knee.
X-rays, scans and other tests are sometimes required to make a diagnosis and an osteopath may make a referral to a GP or a specialist for any additional investigations or treatment.
Pain can occur in the foot and ankles for a number of reasons. The foot and ankle are made up of a number of small bones interconnected by ligaments, muscles and fascia all working together to give strength, stability and flexibility the foot and ankle needs to function properly. Common conditions of the foot, ankle and areas which can give rise to pain include:
Acquired flat foot – when the inner side of the foot or inner arch flattens. The foot may roll over to the inner side. It is often apparent if the heels of shoes wear out quickly and unevenly. It can damage the ankle joint and achilles tendon (the tendon at the back of your ankle) and can also cause shin pain. Symptoms can include, pain, swelling, change in foot shape and knee pain or swelling.
Plantar fasciitis – is often a sharp pain and inflammation in the plantar fascia – the tough fibrous band of tissue that supports the arches of the foot and runs under the small bones from the underside of the heel and sole towards the toes. It tends to be made worse by standing for long periods of time in poor footwear, being off the feet for a long time and putting the foot on the floor first thing in the morning. The sole of the foot can occasionally feel a little numb, tingly or swell slightly.
Achilles pain – the Achilles tendon is formed by the tendon of the two calf muscles, coming together and attaching on to the bone at the back of the heel. Pain, inflammation or tendonitis can cause pain and tightness in this area.
Sprained ankle – typically the result of a sudden twisting or “going over” on the ankle joint. Typical symptoms are swelling, bruising, pain and instability of the ankle. Sometimes an x-ray is required to rule out any fracture. Rest, ice, elevation and compression can help in the first 24 to 48 hours after injury.
How can an osteopath help?
- Depending on diagnosis, age and fitness, a variety of gentle massage and mobilisation techniques can increase mobility in the joints and the flexibility of the muscles in the foot.
- Often muscles and joints in lower limbs, knee, hip and lower back will be looked at and any joint restrictions and muscle tightness may be treated to improve the movement in the joints of the lower body will help the foot and ankle function better. Specific balancing, strengthening or loosening exercises may also be offered, along with advice on strapping and brace supports, footwear and any lifestyle factors that might be hindering healing. You may also be referred to a podiatrist.
- X-rays, scans or other tests may be required to make a diagnosis and a referral to a GP may be made for any additional investigations and treatment, such as advice on pain killers and anti-inflammatory medications.
What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a system of treatment based on the idea that if the body’s structure, or musculo-skeletal system, is not right, then the body will not work at its best. Osteopathy treats the whole person, not just the area of the body causing symptoms, correcting the structural stresses that occur in joints, soft tissues or organs and allowing the body to heal itself.
Osteopathy was first developed in America by Dr Andrew Taylor Still, who was disillusioned with the conventional medicine of the time. After many years of research and clinical observation, he revealed his new medical philosophy to the world in1874 choosing the name ‘osteopathy’, ‘osteo’ meaning ‘bone’ in Greek and ‘pathy’ meaning suffering.
What is Cranial Osteopathy?
Cranial Osteopathy is a subtle yet powerful form of osteopathy that uses gentle manipulative pressure focused on the bones in the head.
Cranial Osteopathy was developed by Dr William Garner Sutherland, a student of Dr Still (see above). He discovered the so-called Involuntary Motion, or Cranial Rhythm, a delicate movement of fluid around the spinal cord and its relationship with the cranial bones. The behaviour of the Cranial Rhythm gives the practitioner an insight into the strains on the body, allowing him to help restore the patient’s health.
”As I sit with my hands upon the patient, I learn how trauma has established itself in the whole person”. Dr W.G. Sutherland
Cranial osteopathy is a gentle treatment particularly suitable for children, babies and the elderly.
Homotoxicology/Bio-diagnostics
Homotoxicology (also known as bio-diagnostics) is a modern form of homoeopathy, that bridges classical homoeopathy and modern medicine. It was devised by a German doctor, Dr Hans Heinrich Reckeweg, during the 1940s and 50s. He developed a system of homoeopathy using combinations of homoeopathic remedies to bring about healing.
Homotoxicology regards disease as the result of toxins within the organs and tissues, which the body is unable to get rid of. Once the toxins are removed, successful healing can take place. If the toxins are suppressed, they may then go deeper into the body tissues, and this may in time, lead to serious degenerative illnesses.
Homotoxicology is suitable for children and adults.
Consultation
An initial consultation for new patients will last up to one hour. A case history will be taken and the patient will be asked for the names of any medication currently prescribed to them. Follow up appointments will last approximately 30 minutes. Patients generally require several appointments to clear their problems.
A bio-diagnostics testing machine is used to assess the efficiency of different organs and body tissues and allows treatment to be targeted very specifically. This is done by testing the conductivity of the skin at a number of acupuncture points on the hands and feet. This process is non-invasive and painless.
Patients are requested not to apply hand cream or body lotion to their hands or feet before an appointment as this can affect the bio-diagnostics reading. Please let us know beforehand If you have significant mobility problems.
Most patients require approximately three visits. However, chronic conditions may take longer.
The machine used can also test for allergies and sensitivities, although elimination of the toxins in the system generally sorts out the sensitivity.
Biopuncture (Homeopathic Mesotherapy)
Biopuncture is relatively new to the UK but has been used for some years in Continental Europe. It is a technique whereby remedies are applied via injections directly to an area of the body that is dysfunctional, encouraging the body’s own healing mechanisms. Some practitioners have likened the effect of applying remedies in this way to creating a turbo charge for the body’s healing processes. The technique is particularly effective for treating pain, chronic inflammation and degenerative changes. It can also be used for cosmetic purposes.
For patients who are unable to get to the clinic we offer hair analysis. The Asyra Bioresonance machine is able to analyse the sample comparing the electronic signatures of the sample with a detailed database. This information allows the practitioner, along with information gleaned from the case history to prescribe remedies to help the condition(s) presented. Full instructions how to obtain hair for analysis is given when booking.