FAQ

What conditions can Osteopathy help with?

Below are some simple explanations of conditions that I commonly treat. This list is by no means exhaustive; I treat every part of the body, from head to toe.

If you have any questions regarding osteopathy and how it might help you, please contact me directly and I will be happy to advise you.

Back Pain

Most back pain is of mechanical origin, meaning that it results from strain or irritation of the structural framework of the body. This can include strain to joint capsules, muscles, ligaments and discs. Often this results in muscular spasm, which is very painful and limits normal movement.

Not all back pain is suitable for osteopathic treatment. Osteopaths are trained to recognise these cases and work closely with other health professionals to ensure you receive the appropriate care.

Headache

Headache can result from a variety of factors. The most common is a tension headache, stemming from patterns of tension around the neck and shoulders.

Migraine headache is a complex condition involving a painful headache and a variety of other symptoms that can include disturbed vision, sensitivity to sound, light and smells, feelings of nausea and vomiting.

Somatic referral is a process whereby pain is felt at a site distant to an area of irritation. In this case irritation of the joints in the neck or jaw can refer pain to the head.

Neck Pain

Most neck pain is of mechanical origin, meaning that it results from strain or irritation of the structural framework of the body. This can include strain to joint capsules, muscles, ligaments and discs. Often this results in muscular spasm, which is very painful and limits normal movement.

Not all neck pain is suitable for osteopathic treatment. Osteopaths are trained to recognise these cases and work closely with other health professionals to ensure you receive the appropriate care.

Postural Strain

As this describes, this is strain that occurs because of postures we adopt. Most commonly this is a result of prolonged periods of sitting. If we find ourselves slouching, this can put a strain on the tissues of the neck, upper back and lower back. Over time this can result in irritation, inflammation and pain.

In addition to treating the pain and tension in the affected areas, postural education is often a crucial factor in ensuring complete resolution of a problem.

Sports Injury

There are a range of different reasons that injury can result from sporting activities, from trauma to poor biomechanics.

As with all areas, osteopaths are trained to make a diagnosis before a treatment plan is formulated. Referral for appropriate imaging can be undertaken if necessary.

First aid, manipulation and exercise rehabilitation are some of the approaches I use to allow a full recovery and return to activity.

Sciatica

Irritation of the sciatic nerve, the major nerve to the back of the leg, most commonly occurs from injury to the discs in the lower back. This can result in pain, weakness and altered sensation in the leg and foot.

Osteopathic treatment combined with exercise rehabilitation is an effective approach to this problem.

Trapped Nerves

Nerves can be compressed as they exit the spine as well as at a number of locations as they travel to our extremities. 

Release of a mechanical restriction can often remove pressure on the nerve and alleviate symptoms.

Whiplash

A traumatic injury, often associated with road traffic accidents, this can affect the neck or lower back.

Tissues subject to trauma become tense to provide protection to the injured area. Prolonged irritation can occur if these protective patterns are not able to fully resolve.

Osteopathic treatment can help by releasing these patterns of tension and balancing the function of the body as a whole.

What happens at your first visit?

On your first visit I will take a medical history and examine your posture. You will normally be asked to remove some of your clothing and perform a simple series of movements. Following this a diagnosis will be made, a treatment plan formulated and treatment commenced.

What should I wear?

You may be asked to remove some clothing so that I can examine and treat you thoroughly. If you would like to bring some shorts to wear rather than be in your underwear, please do so.

What happens if I cannot attend the appointment?

The clinic is usually fully booked. Last minute cancellations can prevent other patients from receiving treatment they need. As such it is my policy to charge a cancellation fee if patients fail to attend or give less than 24 hours notice of cancellation.

This helps to prevent unnecessary disruption to the clinic and allows me to keep my fee as low as possible.

If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to contact me on 07980 547 182.