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Operating Details What
is Osteopathy? Overview
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| CAROLINE
STONE
Specialist
Osteopathic Care WHAT
IS OSTEOPATHY? Why
is Osteopathy so special? | The
holistic apprach of osteopathy encompasses all functions and influences including
the body, emotions, mind and spirit. Before
any treatment is begun, an Osteopath always conducts a full examination, using
conventional medical tests where necessary. The Osteopath will talk with the patient
and collate a full case history, taking note of any factors which may contribute
to reduced health. During physical examination, the Osteopath uses sensitive palpatory
skills to gently identify where a patient's structure has been disturbed. Following
all these investigations, the Osteopath will assess whether osteopathic treatment
is the best option, or whether the patient should be referred to another practitioner
- sometimes a combination of these is recommended. Osteopathy can also assist
in the prevention of health problems, helping people of all ages to achieve an
ultimate level of health and well-being.
Note: there is currently limited evidence to support osteopathy, but the profession is undertaking research and is committed to securing a strong evidence base for its practice.
back
to the top | What
kind of treatment does an Osteopath provide? | Osteopathic
treatment involves manual techniques including soft tissue stretching and massage,
along with articulation and mobilization of the joints. The treatment is gentle
and conducted with the patient's assistance. This type of treatment is designed
to improve blood circulation, lymphatic drainage and general fluid flow throughout
the body, while helping to alleviate disruptive influences on the nervous system
and improving overall body mobility. back
to the top | | Osteopathy
is a holistic form of complementary medical treatment which uses gentle manual
techniques to diagnose and treat a wide range of health problems. Osteopaths recognize
that the functions of the human body are inherently linked and can affect each
other. The Osteopath gently works with the body's structure, to enhance and accelerate
the healing process. Osteopathy
is manual medicine which aims to maintain the normal balance between all the systems
of the body by focusing treatment on musculoskeletal components. Treatment of
the muscles, other soft tissues and joints will affect the nervous, circulatory
and lymphatic systems of the body. In other words, osteopaths look at the human
body as a 'total picture.'
back
to the top | How
is Osteopathy different? | Osteopaths
typically spend between half and hour and forty minutes with patients, carefully
reviewing all aspects of the problem. Ultra-sound and heat machines are rarely
used by Osteopaths as they prefer a direct hands-on manual approach. Some manipulation
is used (depending on the case) but a lot of other techniques are also employed
such as soft tissue massage, stretching, joint articulation and other very gentle
techniques. This means Osteopathy is safe for everyone from young babies to the
very old.Where
symptoms are undiagnosed, patients may be referred prior to treatment. back
to the top | How
many sessions will I need? | This
does vary depending on the individual, although the Osteopath can give an indication
on the first visit. Many problems are resolved within two to three treatments
but other more chronic problems or where tissue damage is quite marked some maintenance
treatment may be required. back
to the top |
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