Tennis and golfers elbow
Tendonitis

Pregnancy and gynaecological disorders
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Digestion problems
Leg, knee and foot problems

Osteopaths regularly treat patients with these complaints on a daily basis. Each presentation may have a variety of different causes. A large number of pains or sensations (such as tingling, pins and needles or numbness) that are exhibited in the legs and arms may be caused by neck and back problems. These all require detailed examination and diagnosis.

There are many different reasons for patients presenting with headaches. A common cause is muscular tension at the base of the skull, or mechanical derangement in the bones of the neck. Whiplash injuries may result in residual headache following road traffic accidents, for example. Poor work posture in those people who spend long hours at a computer, or behind the wheel of a car whilst driving may also be a factor. After complete assessment of the patients symptom picture the osteopath can use a wide range of techniques to relieve such problems.

Our joints are an often overlooked part of the musculo-skeletal system while they remain in working order, but when they exhibit dysfunction, they can cause tremendous pain and discomfort. Osteopathy can help to relieve these problems without using invasive methods.

Whilst arthritis cannot be 'cured' by osteopathy, the symptoms can be significantly reduced using very gentle mobilisation techniques. Often treatment can enable a patient to function at a better level and help with pain management. It can be extremely useful in maintaining joint and muscle function both pre and post- surgically, for example with knee and hip joint replacements. Symptoms of spondylosis in the neck and low back also respond well to gentle osteopathic techniques such as traction, articulation and soft-tissue massage.

Asthma can be multi-factorial. The osteopath can work with the patient in order to modify postural changes that have taken place as a result of the body coping with asthma, such as a stiff thoracic spine, poor diaphragm function and decreased rib mobility. In addition, treatment can involve rehabilitative exercises that may help breathing mechanics and respiratory function.

Sports injuries respond particularly well to osteopathy. Emphasis is placed on rehabilitation and the prevention of further injury, within the framework of an early return to sporting activity. At the practice we have experience in the treatment of athletes at local, national and international levels across a range of sports

These conditions are a type of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and do not only affect golfers and tennis players. The ergonomic demands placed upon the body by driving, occupational and recreational activities such as gardening are also of prime importance in the development of these conditions. Osteopathy can provide relief from symptoms with simple soft tissue stretches, joint mobilisation and specific exercises, as well as advice on playing postures and ergonomic arrangements in the office, garden and in the car.

Badly functioning joints and over-strained musculature can result in conditions like tendonitis. This can be thought of as involving inflammation of the tendon. Osteopathy can help to restore optimum function to the joints as well as decrease inflammation of the tendons involved. In addition the osteopath will recommend ways which will prevent the problem from recurring.

Problems arising from the postural changes associated with pregnancy can be treated very effectively by osteopathy. The osteopath will assess the function of the spine, pelvis and abdominal areas in order to restore optimum function to the appropriate areas. Techniques using joint manipulation and soft tissue stretch can be very effective.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is another common presentation affecting the structures around the wrist and into the hand. It can be associated with repetitive strain patterns, but may also have other causes, which can be identified during careful osteopathic case history taking.

Some problems of the digestive tract can manifest as pain elsewhere in the body. For example a hiatus hernia or gall-bladder problem may present as back or shoulder pain. Careful case history taking can help to identify such cases. Conditions such as constipation and irritable bowel syndrome may also be helped with gentle osteopathic treatment.

The locomotor system is what we depend upon for movement. It is important that problems in the feet, knees and hips are resolved before they have a knock on effect on other joints (in particular the spine). Osteopaths are well-positioned with their bio-mechanical training to identify and treat all problems of the feet, ankles, knees and hips.

Osteopathy can be used to treat a surprisingly large range of infant and childhood complaints, some of which are detailed below.

At this practice we can use a wide variety of techniques, from soft tissue stretch and joint articulation to the use of cranial techniques in order to relieve problems.

The anatomy of a young child's inner ear is slightly different to that of an adult, and this can lead to an inability to drain freely. Infections can re-occur regularly, which may affect the child's hearing ability and cause pain. Osteopathic techniques can treat the retained compression and help the eustachian tube to drain the inner ear, which allows the body to function correctly minimising the risk of further illness, and can often prevent the need for surgical procedures such as the fitting of grommets.

From time to time children can experience growth spurts resulting in pains especially in the legs below the knee. Osteopathy can be used to alleviate these problems. Appropriate help and advice about school and sporting activities will also be given. Some children develop a spinal curve called 'scoliosis'. This can occur in varying degrees of severity, from barely noticeable to requiring surgical intervention. Osteopaths are very familiar with the different types and affects of scoliosis and can advise parents on whether any form of intervention is indicated.

There are a number of conditions that are particular to the childhood years e.g. Osgood Slaters disease and these can be treated using osteopathic techniques along with advice on rehabilitation and a graduated return to sporting activities

Glue Ear

Growing pains and scoliosis

Sports injuries

Cranial Osteopathy

Treatment

Being treated

The benefits of treatment

Cranial osteopathy is a very gentle treatment approach that is suitable for most people, including the very young. It does not involve invasive techniques and can be used alone or as part of a structural approach, where the practitioner feels that it is indicated.

Cranial osteopaths use subtle manipulation to release tensions in order to return patients to optimum health. As in a conventional osteopathic treatment, a detailed case history is noted first. This is followed by an examination and explanation of what is required. The osteopath will then treat using gentle techniques to release the tensions.

There are a wide range of methods available to the cranial osteopath and the practitioner will work with the patient to find the most appropriate. This will involve placing hands on the patient and making very subtle movements. The patient may experience some pressure or warmth and will usually feel the tension reduce. Treatment is very gentle and often relaxing.

Following cranial treatments, patients may also find that there is a general increase in well-being as other minor ailments benefit from having less tension in the body.