Osteopathy is all about structure - improving the way the body works as an integrated structural whole.

What does this mean?

A couple of examples:

• If the shoulders are bowed forward, the ribs cannot move easily in breathing, and the whole energy system will suffer; there will be upper back and shoulder pain, and fatigue. Because the shoulders are rounded, the head must be lifted, and the neck arched. This in turn brings neck problems, and, often, headaches.
• If there is a contraction on one side in the low back, as soon as the body is upright and weight bearing, this imbalance will be intensified, resulting in muscle spasm, and pain. The space for the nerves radiating out from the spine at that level will be reduced. The nerves will be pressed upon, and irritated, often leading to pain some distance away, in the leg.

These are just two of the many ways in which structural imbalances, from many different causes, bring about pain and loss of function. Most of us have at least some of these problems!

The osteopath's job is to find and relieve the specific problems that are causing pain - and then to improve the function and alignment of the whole body, so as to prevent this pattern recurring.

How is this done?

First, and always, through observation, with the eyes and with the fingers.

The osteopath observes how people move, how the spine curves, where the restrictions are, and palpates to find specific causes. A clinical interview and examination is carried out; and orthopaedic tests, x-rays, MRI scans, blood tests etc. used as necessary

Techniques used to treat range from the specific manipulation of individual muscles, ligaments and bones to gentle but powerful cranial techniques, which help the body to release itself, by working with almost imperceptible, unconscious patterns of movement.

How would I feel, afterwards?

Osteopathic treatment usually brings a fairly immediate feeling of greater well-being, though a number of treatments may be necessary to give a sustained improvement.

Are the improvements permanent?

With any treatment, the body will use what it can to improve its state of functioning, and maintain this as long as possible, in the face of all the ways that we continue to misuse and abuse it.

If the true causes of the problems have been found, and the correct actions taken to change them, the chances of real improvement are much greater.

If the patient is also made aware of how the condition came about in the first place, and of what they can do to prevent this happening again, then the improvements can be permanent.