What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. It works with the structure and function of the body and is based on the principle that the wellbeing of an individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues functioning smoothly together.
Osteopathy recognises that structural problems not only cause pain and disability, but can also lead to dysfunction in body systems generally.
The body's natural ability for repair and immune response can also be compromised by misalignments and malfunctions of the musculo-skeletal system.
Osteopaths look holistically at the body and treatment plans are designed in order to re-establish the close relationship and free articulation of structure (bones / joints / muscles), nervous integration and movement of fluids.
What is Paediatric Osteopathy
Osteopathy for babies and children is a gentle, non invasive and safe form of treatment. Our Osteopaths are experienced in treating children and will give the baby / child a full check of their body, spine and cranium (Head). The Cranial bones are not fused in babies and they can overlap during the birthing process.
An Osteopathic assessment will check the head for asymmetry, misalignment of cranial bones (causing ridges between the bones) and muscular tension within the neck and the spine. We will often work on the rest of the body too, using gentle techniques to assess and remove any twists or strain patterns through the spine / hips and shoulders.
Our Osteopaths use a wide range of subtle hands-on techniques, including gentle specialised muscle and joint stretching movements and balancing techniques such as cranial osteopathy, with the aim of releasing tension, improving mobility and optimising the function of the bodily systems as well as giving relevant health advice.
WHAT WE TREAT?
Pre-Natal & Post Natal Care
During pregnancy the body undergoes significant structural and hormonal changes.
Pain is a sign that the body is having trouble adjusting to these changes, often this can be due to an old or unresolved injury or strain pattern that may have been symptom free before pregnancy, but with the added weight and the hormonal changes within the body the ligaments surrounding the spine and pelvis become more lax which creates additional instability.
All of our practitioners are skilled in treating expectant mothers and all of the techniques used are completely safe during pregnancy. Treatment is given in the sidel-ying position after a certain stage.
NB - We advise that you start treatment after the 12 week scan.
Some of the most common complaints that we can treat during pregnancy include:
Spinal pain, back and neck pain/stiffness
Sciatic Pain
PGP (Pelvic Girdle Pain) / SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction)
Muscle and soft tissue pain and injury
Rib/thoracic pain
Indigestion and Nausea
Pregnancy aches & pains
Postural advice
Preparation for labour and post-partum recovery
Baby Care
Gentle effective care for conditions that commonly affect infants and children.
‘Unsettled’ babies or little ones who have trouble sleeping.
Difficulty latching on or bottle-feeding, sicking up after feeds, reflux or digestive difficulties
Treatment after a traumatic or long labour
Colicky or windy babies
Irritability
Excessive crying
Trauma from birth/ cranial moulding
Mechanical strains acquired during birth process e.g. long, difficult labour, forceps or ventouse.
Birth strains causing irregular shaped head
Ear, nose and throat problems.
Sticky eyes or squints
One sided sleeping postures.
Children & Teenagers Care
Bumps, falls and injuries
Recurrent ear infections / glue ear
Recurrent colds and coughs and other chesty conditions
Developmental delay
Behavioural issues in toddlers and children such as not sitting still, lack of concentration and excessive tantrums.
Respiratory Issues, such as asthma
Pain including headaches & migraines, growing pain
Postural issues such as scoliosis
Joint problems
Growing pain
Allergies
Digestive Issues
Skin conditions such as eczema
Behavioural problems
Neurological conditions including cerebral palsy
ADHD and ADD
Sleep issues
Emotional needs – depression or anxiety, worry, insecurity, fear, anger or stress