Principles And Benefits Of Osteopathy

A Typical Session
How Osteopaths Work

A typical osteopathic session will start with a full history of your presenting complaint and your general state of health

Your osteopath will also ask about your medical history, such as previous illness, falls and accidents, and surgery

In addition to a full assessment of your mobility, strength, movement and posture your osteopath may carry out clinical medical tests to rule out any underlying condition requiring medical referral 

Treatment may include joint mobilization, massage and other soft-tissue techniques and advice on exercise and lifestyle. Treatment approaches are selected according to what your osteopath deems most effective and safe, taking into account your own preferences

Manuel takes a mainly facilitative approach, using the least invasive option for maximum effect. As such he has a preference for the cranial approach to osteopathy described in the following section

For more on what to expect from your osteopathic session, including what to wear, bringing a chaperone, issues of consent and what to expect following a session visit my page advantages and disadvantages of osteopathy

Cranial Osteopathy

Cranial Osteopathy is an extremely gentle, holistic and minimally invasive method of working with the bones, muscles and other tissues of the body

Originally developed as a treatment for the cranium, modern cranial osteopathy is a whole body treatment method applicable to all body regions

Cranial osteopaths use a minimum of force to disperse dysfunctional patterns and unlock your body’s natural healing forces, allowing your system return to healthy balance

Benefits For Babies & Children

Structural and cranial osteopathy are a great way to check for and disperse retained birth trauma, helping to relax the whole family

Osteopathy can give your baby relief from

• frequent crying and difficulty settling
• problems with latching and suckling
• constipation & tummy pain
• sticky eyes, blocked nose, glue ear
• irregular shaped head … and more

Older children can get relief from a range of painful syndromes associated with growth (eg growing pains, osteochondritis), common injuries, concentration issues, stress and more ...

Side Effects & Potential Risks

Osteopathy is a very safe form of treatment with relatively few risks. It is a drug-free natural therapy for all ages, including newborn babies, the elderly and women during pregnancy

As with any whole body intervention, treating one part affects the whole, with a potential for minor discomfort or irritation at the site of treatment or in a distant area

Rarely you may experience mild pain and other symptoms following a treatment. If these symptoms persist, or if you experience stronger pain you should contact your osteopath immediately for advice

Read more on my page "advantages and disadvantages of osteopathy"

Western Medical Acupuncture
And Dry Needling

Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture is a thousands of years old healing art using needles to free and regulate the free flow of vital force, Qi, a condition necessary for the full expression of health

Western Medical Acupuncture, while acknowledging and using TCM is rooted in a more Western model of health and disease, using more western medical concepts of diagnosis and treatment

Manuel makes use of acupuncture primarily as an adjunct to help manage pain, reduce inflammation, relax muscle tension and spasm, and improve circulation in order to support tissue healing

He also uses acupuncture in the form of dry needling to disperse myofascial trigger points, discrete tender points within muscles linked to many common local and referred pain syndromes