Benefits of Osteopathy

Pregnant Mother — Mon, 19 May 2008 02:39:54 +0000

Find out how osteopathy can benefit you during preconception, pregnancy and postnatal recovery.

Preconception

Can help lower back pain, infertility, neck pain, sciatica, arthritis, headaches, muscle tension, sluggish digestion, poor posture, repetitive strain injury, chronic fatigue and poor circulation. If you suffer from chronic back pain, a combination of deep tissue massage and osteopathy can alleviate pain and depending on how severe the problem, can often correct the cause.

Pregnancy

Helpful for indigestion, constipation, haemorrhoids, tingling in the fingers, headaches, aching feet and ankles, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck stiffness and back pain.
Most osteopaths would not treat a pregnant client between the third and fourth month as this is considered the most common time for miscarriage to occur. A history of miscarriage it is likely to be a deciding factor in determining whether or not osteopathy is suitable for you.

Post Natal

Gentle manipulation and soft tissue massage can help piece you back together. Some women injure their backs and necks from straining during labour and birth. Poor breastfeeding posture can also affect the upper back and arms.

Self Help

An experienced osteopath will prepare a programme of exercises, dietary advice and natural remedies to assist your treatment.

An Introduction to Osteopathy

Pregnant Mother — Mon, 19 May 2008 02:37:07 +0000

Osteopathy is a wholistic treatment focussing on the bones, muscles and joints as a starting point to improve wellbeing. First developed in 1874 by American physician and surgeon Andrew Taylor Still, it follows the philosophy that “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts”. Emotional health, nutrition, stress release and exercise form an integral part of the treatment.

The Human Spine

The human spine comprises twelve thoracic or dorsal, seven cervical and five lumbar vertebrates, the sacrum and the coccyx. Osteopaths believe the body is able to recover from injury or disease when the skeletal and muscular systems function correctly. If a vertebrate is out of alignment, this alters the natural curvature of the spine and inhibits the flow of blood and nerve supply to organs and muscle tissues. As a result, our health is adversely affected. A common example of this is upper back and neck tension restricting blood flow to the head causing headaches, vagueness, and lack of concentration and insomnia.

Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy

The corrective technique used is known as osteopathic manipulative therapy and includes muscle resistance, soft tissue massage, muscle stretching and gentle manipulation of joints.
It is best to visit an osteopath before you conceive, as most osteopaths are reluctant to manipulate or carry out corrective treatment once you are pregnant. Always inform a practitioner of your pregnancy when booking an appointment. An experienced osteopath will begin an initial consultation by taking a case history. This will include questions on past pregnancies, miscarriage, caesarean section, difficult labour, use of epidural, other forms of pain control and any side effects as well as life style. An examination of posture and flexibility will follow. You may be required to remove outer clothing for this procedure.

Centre of Gravity