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What kind of problems do Osteopaths treat?
Backache
This is the most common condition treated by osteopaths and affects up to 60% of the population at some stage in their lives. It is caused largely by over-straining the musculo-skeletal structure of the back but with prompt treatment can be very effectively treated. Headache Today's lifestyle means that more and more people are spending long periods of time sitting at computers or suffering from work-related stress. Headaches can be a direct result of tension in the neck and shoulders and will respond well to osteopathic treatment. Joint and muscle strain As we always aim to treat the whole condition, not just skeletal complaints, it can be very beneficial to receive osteopathic treatment for a range of peripheral joint and muscle aches and strains. This can include shoulders, arms, elbows, knees, legs, hips, feet, ankles, tendonitis etc. Sciatica This term is often used to refer to any pain experienced in the leg as it relates to the irritation of the sciatic nerve that supplies the leg. Conditions can range from circulatory problems, pain linked to a back injury, trauma etc. and will respond well to osteopathic treatment. Osteoarthritis As a natural part of the ageing process, arthritis is caused by the normal wear and tear of the joint surface. It does not affect everybody and usually only occurs in later life, if at all. Our most common complaint is a restriction in the movement of certain joints together with muscular aches and pains. Whilst treatment cannot reverse the deterioration of the joint surface, it may help to relieve the symptoms and give the patient help in changing lifestyle factors to manage this irreversible process more easily. Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) This condition has arisen largely from the increased amount of time people are spending working at computers, but it can also refer to common sports injuries such as 'tennis elbow' or 'shin splints'. If treated early, we are able to treat the symptoms but long-term relief may also depend on minimising the causes of the condition. Sports Injuries We work alongside people participating in a variety of sports at all levels, treating localised conditions that arise from sporting injuries. We also help patients maintain and achieve a particular level of musculo-skeletal fitness by focusing on problem areas, developing stamina and increasing flexibility. We are actively involved with the Professional Windsurfing Association providing support and treatment at many events. Pregnancy Pregnancy can cause a great deal of discomfort particularly in the back due to the drastic change in posture. Our gentle treatments can bring great relief as well as helping to prepare the body for birth. After surgery Depending on the procedure we are able to help some patients regain flexibility and movement after surgery, minimising scarring and mobilising the body at a pace suitable for optimum efficiency. Children We have a wide range of gentle, non-manipulative techniques available for infants and small children. These are usually used to address problems such as forceps trauma, infant colic and 'glue ear'. Our osteopaths are often the best people to advise in these cases. Children with developing bones and fascia are particularly susceptible to cranial osteopathic interventions. By normalising the cranial rhythm, a rhythmic oscillation within the central nervous system, conditions such as colic, glue ear, unexplained vomiting and general conditions of restlessness and irritability can be particularly influenced. The small amounts of movement that exist in the infant skull permit the baby's head to adapt to the forces of labour. However when birth is complicated by being unduly slow or fast, or when other complications occur such as the need for forceps delivery the infant head may not fully recover from the distortion. This may result in subtle changes in function leading to problems such as feeding difficulties, colic and disturbed sleep patterns. The gentle, skilful application of osteopathic treatment by an osteopath experienced in treating babies can often bring about a significant improvement in these distressing cases and is increasingly being considered as a treatment of choice for some conditions caused by difficult or traumatic birth.
Cranial Osteopathy Cranial Osteopathy for adults can be a very deep influence on tension states and hormonally irritated problems. Period problems in particular can be assisted. Please speak to our cranial Osteopath, Tom Conba, for further information. Regular check ups More and more of our patients are taking a longer-term view of their health resulting in preventative treatments becoming increasingly popular. Just as you might visit an optician or dentist for regular check-ups, patients can benefit from visits to Poole Bay for advice on other lifestyle factors such as exercises, diet etc. > what is osteopathy?
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