Good things come to those who wait...
Good things come to those who wait...
Osteopathy is an effective health care practice which focuses mainly on the musculo-skeletal system. The treatment is a drug-free and non-invasive manual medicine that focuses on total body health by treating and strengthening the musculo-skeletal frameworks.
Osteopaths are trained in therapeutic approaches that are suitable for a broad range of individuals, including pregnant women, children and babies. Osteopathic care is delivered through a range of interventions which may include onward referral, health management advice, manual therapy, exercise therapy and others. Osteopaths adapt their therapeutic approach depending on the individual needs of the patient and their presenting complaint. Manual therapy techniques employed may include articulation and manipulation of joints and soft tissues.
Osteopaths have been regulated by statute since 1993 by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) and their 4-5 year extensive medical training ensures these healthcare professionals are qualified to work as autonomous practitioners, meaning they have pathophysiology and examination knowledge that allows them to screen patients for potential underlying conditions and make any necessary onward referrals directly to other specialist healthcare practitioners, doctors or surgeons or for medical imaging.
Within our clinic we have a range of Osteopathic clinicians that are on hand to help.
Your first appointment will be an hour and a half and involves an assessment of your general health, medical history and a physical examination. The Osteopath will use their hands to find areas of weakness, tenderness, restriction or strain within your body, particularly the spine. With your consent, you will probably need to remove some clothing from the area being examined, and you may be asked to perform simple movements. Your osteopath will also check for signs of serious conditions they cannot treat and may advise you to see your GP or go to hospital. They should provide you with a letter explaining what they believe to be the problem.
Your follow up osteopath appointments will be 1 hour.
Feel free to bring your own towels with you for use on the treatment couch during the session.
You may also wish to bring shorts or other loose-fitting clothing that you can move freely in to facilitate your assessment and treatment.
Seeing an Osteopath is particularly recommended after a difficult birth (forceps, ventouse, breech position delivery) for both a mother and a baby. As Osteopaths are trained to screen for medical conditions, we will tell you if you need to see another health professional or a specialist from a different field if we have any concerns.
Cranial osteopathy appointments for babies are designed to be a soothing and supportive experience for both you and your little one. With a focus on gentle assessment and treatment, aimed at promoting the body’s natural healing processes, you can expect a collaborative environment where your concerns are heard, and your baby’s comfort is prioritised. The overall aim is to support your baby’s natural development and well-being, making it a valuable option for addressing various issues in infancy.
During your baby’s appointment:
Initial Consultation:
Discussion of Concerns: The appointment usually begins with a discussion about your baby’s health history, any specific concerns you may have (such as feeding issues, sleep disturbances, or colic), along with some questions about your pregnancy and labour, and your goals for the treatment.
Developmental History: The osteopath may enquire about your baby’s birth experience, including any complications, to understand any potential areas of tension.
Assessment:
Gentle Examination: The Osteopath will perform a gentle examination of your baby. This may include checking their head shape, joint movements and primitive reflexes
Observation of Behavior: They may also observe how your baby interacts, moves, and responds to touch, looking for any signs of discomfort or tension.
Treatment:
Gentle Techniques: The Osteopath will use very light touch and gentle techniques, often focusing on the head, neck, and spine. The aim is to release any myofascial tension or restrictions in the cranial bones and surrounding tissues and to stimulate calm via the parasympathetic nervous system.
Baby’s Comfort: Throughout the session, the Osteopath will pay close attention to your baby’s comfort and reactions, adjusting their approach as needed.
• Lower back pain
• Back ache
• Neck & shoulder pain
• Upper back pain
• Sciatica
• Sports injuries
• Other injuries (e.g. tennis elbow)
• Nerve compressions such as sciatica
• Muscular aches or pains
• Muscle and ligament strains
• Headaches and migraines
• Circulatory problems
• Occupational injuries (e.g. postural injuries)
• Digestive problems
• Joint pains or stiffness – e.g. arthritis in hands, hips and knees
• Improve your sleep
• Help with unsettled babies and those after difficult birth
• Help with relieving tension anxiety, and stress
• Help with headaches
• Balance the areas of tension and restriction in the body
• Lower the tone of the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) and encourage parasympathetic activity (rest & digest)
