It’s about helping the body to be comfortable
and making sure every part is free to move.
The basic idea of osteopathy is that the way things work mechanically in the body affects how they function. Osteopaths are experts at finding any tensions and mis-alignments that might compromise our health and wellbeing. They are highly skilled at correcting these mechanical problems so that our bodies can get on with doing everything they need to in order to look after themselves. This can be as simple as helping a bone to find its place or releasing a ‘trapped nerve’ but it can also be much more subtle and complex.
Osteopaths use their hands to
help the body to realign itself.
Every part of the body needs to be free to move in order to do its job properly. As we go through life, we pick up bad habits and hold onto unnecessary tension from the way we react to things that happen to us. This can restrict motion, which can have a profound effect on your body’s ability to look after itself. This is where an osteopath can help.
When you go and see an osteopath, they will ask you some simple questions about your problem and your health in general to try to understand what’s going on. Then they will look at how your body works mechanically to see how this may be contributing to your problem. They can then begin to support your body to realign itself and release any tension that may be impairing its function.
This may involve directly stretching muscles or encouraging joints to move more freely. However, it is often as simple as holding the body in such a way that it can realise for itself how it got out of shape and then supporting it as it works out what it needs to do to feel better. Most treatment is very gentle and it can be quite relaxing.
What do osteopaths treat?
Osteopathy offers an alternative approach to health promotion that is complementary to more conventional approaches to combating disease. Osteopaths do not treat conditions. Our aim is simply to get your body working as well as it can by addressing any mechanical issues that may be compromising it. However, this can make an important contribution to your wellbeing, whatever may be going on with your health.
Over the years, I have treated people with all kinds of health problems. My experiences have convinced me that there is always something an osteopath can do to help. Even if it is just a question of supporting you to find a little more comfort in your body, this really can make all the difference!
Osteopaths are highly trained professionals
Osteopaths are highly skilled primary healthcare professionals subject to statutory regulation and a strict code of practice. We are trained to recognise clinical emergencies and regularly refer patients to other medical practitioners for investigation or treatment when necessary. Whatever the problem may be, your health comes first.
