The practice of osteopathy involves the careful and specific application of a highly developed sense of touch in both the diagnosis and the treatment of mechanical problems affecting any part of the body.
This, combined with a detailed understanding of human anatomy, physiology and pathological processes and a thorough working knowledge of classical clinical examination methods, allows the osteopath to treat patients by facilitating and promoting the body’s self healing mechanisms.
Osteopathy is helpful in overcoming stiffness and locomotor disabilities (problems with walking, climbing stairs, dressing and getting up form beds and chairs). But most of all it is effective in alleviating acute and chronic pain.
Just as structural engineers undergo a lengthy training to help them understand the mechanics of bridges, dams and high-rise buildings, so osteopaths follow an extensive training with regard to the human body. This equips them to analyse your problems and diagnose your complaints, using a variety of clinical skills backed up where necessary by x-ray examinations. Their treatment – designed to correct the faults revealed by this thorough structural investigation – is gentle and rarely causes pain. In most cases this is followed by explanation and advice to help you prevent a recurrence of your trouble. If other treatment is indicated, you will find that your osteopath will refer you to the most appropriate source of help.