Osteopathy is an established system of clinical diagnosis and manual treatment in which a caring approach to the patient and attention to individual needs are of primary importance.
In particular, it is concerned with the inter-relationship between the structure of the body and the way in which it functions and is therefore an appropriate form of therapy for many problems affecting the neuro-musculo-skeletal systems.
Osteopathy is a way of detecting and treating damaged parts of the body such as muscles, ligaments, nerves and joints. When the body is balanced and efficient, just like a well tuned engine, it will function with the minimum of wear and tear, leaving more energy for living.
Osteopaths use a variety of techniques including soft tissue massage and stretching, gentle passive joint articulation and high velocity thrust techniques where appropriate.
Tony also practices dry needling acupuncture that can help with many different conditions.
Some of the conditions which osteopathy can help relieve are;
- Back pain including disc pain & sciatica
- Neck pain including whiplash
- Knee, hip and ankle pain
- Sprains & strains
- Headaches & migraines
- Jaw pain & sinusitis
- Arthritis & asthma
- Tennis/golfers elbow
- Shoulder elbow and wrist pain
- Whiplash/postural stress
- Dysphonia/ Fracture rehabilitation
- Pregnancy related conditions
- Workplace related conditions
Visiting an Osteopath
On first presentation at an osteopathic clinic, a full case history will be taken. You may then be asked to perform a number of simple movements. The osteopath will then gently palpate soft tissues and perform gentle movements upon certain areas and joints in your body. The osteopathic approach requires osteopaths to have a developed sense of touch that can ascertain points of imbalance and strain in the body. Alongside clinic examination osteopaths often require other investigations such as x-rays or MRI scanning. Tony works alongside radiologists, specialist doctors and orthopedic surgeons at times in order to improve pain levels and function in patients.
Following a thorough history and evaluation of the patient a working diagnosis and treatment plan is formulated by the osteopath. Treatment may involve only one or a number of sessions depending on the dysfunction and the progress achieved. The patient will be given advice regarding lifestyle activities that may be contributing to their reason for visiting an osteopath. Certain rehabilitation exercises will be prescribed in order to improve function and enable patients to contribute greatly to their recovery.