What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is an established, recognised system of diagnosis and treatment of health problems that lays its main emphasis on the structural integrity of the body.
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Why use osteopathy?
The main benefits of osteopathy are owed to the unique way the patient's health is assessed. Specific, manual methods of treatment are applied to each patient according to their individual needs.
Osteopaths are trained to use their hands to investigate the health problems or pain. They treat their patients using a variety of manual techniques.
- Techniques may include:
- Muscle and connective tissue stretching
- Rhythmic joint movements
- High velocity thrusts
- Gentle release techniques
Now with statutory recognition
In 1993 osteopathy became the first major complementary health care profession to be accorded statutory recognition under the 1993 Osteopaths Act. All osteopaths need to have medical malpractice insurance and to follow a strict code of conduct. Patients have the same safeguards as when they consult a doctor or dentist.
Osteopathy for babies and children
Osteopathy has been shown to be especially suitable for treating a wide range of conditions affecting children and infants. Here at the Mason clinic, our team is highly trained in gentle, non-manipulative techniques that are beneficial in optimising the health of children and babies. Passionate and privileged to be involved with health and wellness at this special time, our team advocates the medication free approach to symptom relief. It is a common belief that babies and children should have no structural stresses or strains in their bodies, because they are 'so young'. The reality is very different. Birth is one of the most stressful events of our life. The baby is subjected to enormous forces while passing through the birth canal. If forceps or ventoux are used this can cause even more stress on the babies skull often resulting in the baby being unable to sleep, irritated, or fractious. Feeding difficulties, colic and moulding of the head are common problems that Osteopaths can help resolve.
Cranial Osteopathy
Cranial Osteopathy is a subtle and refined type of osteopathic treatment that encourages the release of stresses and tensions throughout the body, including the head. It is a gentle yet extremely effective approach and may be used in a wide range of conditions for people all ages, from birth to old age. Cranial osteopaths are trained to feel a very subtle, rhythmical shape change that is present in all body tissues. This is called 'Involuntary Motion' or the 'Cranial Rhythm'. The movement is of very small amplitude, therefore it takes practitioners with a very finely developed sense of touch to feel it. Tension in the body disrupts the cranial rhythm. Practitioners compare what your rhythm is doing to what they consider ideal. This shows them what stresses and strains your body is under at present, and what tensions it may be carrying as a result of its past history. It also gives them an insight into the overall condition of your body, for example if it is healthy, or stressed and tired.
Conditions treated
What can Osteopathy help treat?
Osteopathy can help provide relief for the body’s structural, mechanical and functional problems in people of all ages. It can help to relieve patients from different types of pain and a variety of conditions including:
- Muscle spasms
- Headaches
- Sports injuries
- Arthritic pain
- Back pain
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Sciatica
- Tension
- Neuralgia
- Frozen shoulder
- Pregnancy and symptoms related to this e.g. backache, pubic pain, nausea and heartburn
- Babies
Giving a list of conditions that osteopaths help treat can sometimes give a false picture. Osteopaths treat people, not conditions and we are able to help in many ways when a person's function is affected by their structure, however that manifests.
Telephone: 01634 842 583
Email: themasonclinic@yahoo.co.uk