What osteopathy can help treat

Osteopathy can help many acute and chronic conditions, and is suitable for all age groups. This page shows some examples of what osteopathy can help. Please do not hesistate in asking if there is something that is not shown on the list.

Back & neck trouble

Most back and neck pain results from mechanical disturbances of the spine, e.g. from postural strains, joint dysfunction and disc injury.

Problems related to work

Poor working posture can contribute to, and exacerbate, daily aches and pains, whether you lift heavy loads, sit at a computer all day or drive for long periods. Treatment and advice on posture, movement and back care can help prevent on-going problems. Preventative and rehabilitation exercises can also be given.

Sports related complaints

Osteopathy is, in many respects, the ideal treatment for sports injuries, as it not only addresses the current injury but also treats the way in which the whole body functions and so prevents the same injury becoming recurrent.

Pregnancy

Osteopathic treatment through pregnancy is a wonderfully gentle way of helping the body adapt to the changes taking place. The safety of the mother and baby is the osteopath's first concern. Osteopathy can help ease the side-effects of pregnancy, such as heartburn, indigestion, constipation and pain in the buttock, groin or leg ('sciatica'). Some patients also report reduced morning sickness after treatment. After delivery it is advised that mother and baby return for structural examination, advice and, if necessary, treatment.

Babies

A baby is subject to enormous forces during labour contractions. Many babies are born with misshapen heads, especially if ventouse or forceps have been used to aid delivery. Normally, this moulding releases over the first few days of life, but if the birth is difficult or very quick, the baby may be unable to resolve the stresses held within its body, which can often result in colic, feeding problems and sleeping difficulties. Cranial osteopathy is a gentle, safe and effective treatment to release these stresses.

Children

Recurrent nose & ear infections ('glue ear') may be partly due to restrictions in the small yet important movements between the bones of the growing skull. Mechanical stresses can also be a factor in cases of developmental delay, e.g. of speech, co-ordination, physical development, and in instances of educational difficulty, (where there is no specific medical cause). Children often make better progress once osteopathic treatment has started.

Teenagers

By analysing, treating and managing problems associated with growth and posture, e.g. osteochondritis and exaggerated spinal curves, osteopaths can make a major contribution to ensuring that young people become, and stay, fit and healthy. Teenagers take part in many sporting and recreational activities, which carry the risk of sprains and strains. Osteopathic treatment can prevent problems developing and allow the body's framework to heal naturally and adjust to the stresses and strains.

Osteopathy can help relieve symptoms of:

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