What is Osteopathy ?
Osteopathy is a form manual medicine that emphasises total body health by treating and strengthening the musculoskeletal framework, which includes the tendons, joints, muscles, connective tissue, and spine. Its aim is to positively affect the body's circulatory, lymphatic and nervous systems.
The techniques of osteopathy offer a unique holistic approach to health care. Osteopaths do not purely concentrate on treating the problem area, but use a variety of manual techniques to balance all the systems of the body, aiding to provide overall good health and wellbeing.
Osteopathy is distinct from other medical professions in that its key principles consider the integrated functioning of all the bodies systems. If one area of the body is restricted or congested, then the rest of the body must make adaptations to compensate for this; which may lead to pain and discomfort and other health related problems. Osteopathic treatment assists the body to rest, allowing pain levels to minimise, reducing stress hormones, improving range of movement and functionality, allowing the bodies mechanisms to facilitate the healing process.
Osteopaths use a vast range of gentle hands-on techniques including soft tissue massage and stretching, joint mobilisation and manipulation to restore function.
Many conditions may be alleviated with Osteopathy, for example, the effects of arthritic joint restriction and muscle stiffness may be improved with mobility and articulation techniques helping to increase blood flow and aid joint movement.
Osteopathy is taught as a four-year, University Masters Degree Programme (M.Ost), covering areas of anatomy, physiology, and pathology as well as learning numerous manual therapy techniques. Students complete many hours of training under the supervision of registered Osteopaths within a clinical environment.
Osteopaths believe in working as part of the existing health care system and may refer patients back to the G.P. or another allied health professional where appropriate.
Your first visit what to expect
Osteopaths are trained to give a high standard of care.Your osteopath will:
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Make your care their priority
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Treat you with dignity and respect
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Involve you in decisions about your care
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Respond promptly to your concerns
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Respect and protect your private information
On your first visit, you will be asked to sign a consent form and agree to a 24hr cancellation policy. Then a full medical history will be taken.Your osteopath will ask your consent to perform an examination of the affected area respecting your dignity and modesty at all times. This will also take into consideration your posture, stance, balance and any structures that may be affecting your condition.
Once this has been completed you and the osteopath will discuss and agree a treatment plan usually 4-10 sessions working together to aid health and recovery, this may include exercises or stretches to be conducted between treatment sessions.
http://www.ncor.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Osteopathy_summary.pdf