Osteopathy is a way of detecting, treating and preventing musculoskeletal problems by moving, stretching and massaging a person's muscles and joints. Osteopathy is based on the principle that the wellbeing of an individual depends on their bones, muscles, ligaments and connective tissue functioning smoothly together.

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A manual osteopath uses physical manipulation, stretching and massage to assist the body in:

• increasing the mobility of joints

• relieving muscular tension

• reducing pain

• enhancing blood flow

• helping the body to heal

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When it's used

Most people who see a manual osteopath do so for help with conditions that affect the muscles, bones and joints, such as:

• lower back pain

• neck pain

• headaches

• shoulder pain and elbow pain (for example, tennis elbow)

• arthritis

• problems with the pelvis, hips and legs

• sports injuries

Osteopathic techniques

A manual osteopath aims to restore the normal function and stability of the muscles and joints to help the body heal itself. They use their hands to treat your body in a variety of ways, using a mixture of gentle and forceful techniques. They use a range of manual techniques,  but not medicine or surgery. 

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Techniques are chosen based on the individual patient and the symptoms they have reported. 

These techniques aim to reduce pain, improve movement and encourage blood flow:

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• soft tissue massage – to release and relax muscles

• stretching stiff joints

• osteopathic joint articulation – joints are moved through their natural range of motion

• active or passive muscle release techniques 

 

Osteopathy, like Massage Therapy can prove beneficial to many conditions, including but not limited to the following:

• Anxiety and Depression

• Arthritis

• Asthma and Emphysema

• Cancer

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Dislocations

• Edema

• Fibromyalgia

• Headaches

• Inflammatory Conditions

• Insomnia

• Lymphoedema

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Muscle Tension and Spasm

• Parkinson’s Disease

• Plantar Fasciitis

• Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Pregnancy and Labor Support

• Sciatica

• Scoliosis

• Sports Injuries

• Strains and Sprains

• Stress and Stress-Related Conditions

• Stroke

• Tendinitis

• Whiplash

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