Osteopathy is an established system of diagnosis and manual treatment that is recognised by the British Medical Association as a distinct clinical discipline. Its main emphasis is on the structural integrity of the body. Much of the pain and disability we suffer, stems from the abnormalities in the function of the body structures as well as damage caused by disease.
Dysfunction in body structure and tissues can affect the functioning of the nervous, circulatory, gastro-intestinal and other body systems. This can give rise to numerous symptoms such as pain, headaches, digestive and breathing problems, postural stress and emotional stress.
Whilst Osteopathy uses many of the diagnostic procedures used in conventional medical assessment and diagnosis, its main strength, however, lies in the unique way that the patient is assessed from a mechanical, functional and postural standpoint and the manual methods of treatment applied to suit the individual patient.
Osteopaths use their hands, both to investigate the underlying causes of pain and to carry out treatment using a wide range of soft tissue techniques and gentle manipulations. A treatment regime will be tailored for each individual, depending on a patient's age, fitness and diagnosis.
A treatment may include techniques such as different types of soft tissue massage, connective tissue stretching, rhythmic joint movements and joint articulation to release tension, stretch muscles, help relieve pain and mobilise your joints. Gentle releasing techniques are often used, particularly when treating children or elderly patients.
Normal function is encouraged which enhances the body’s natural self-healing and restorative properties. Restoring mechanical and soft tissue balance benefits the structures of the body improving its physiological mechanisms and so exercises and changes to lifestyle might be suggested that may improve your posture and movement in your workplace and everyday life.
Commonly acknowledged as effective treatment for low back pain and neck pain, it is less known for its effectiveness in the treatment of the joints of the arms and leg, face and jaw pain and many other conditions.
To learn more about Osteopathy - History of Osteopathy
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