The Treatment

We work to return the body to its natural state by activating the body’s healing mechanisms without the use of drugs or surgical intervention. We use gentle techniques including stretching, manipulation, articulation and massage to relieve muscle tension, mobilise joints and to enhance nerve and blood supply to the tissues.

On your initial visit to the osteopath a full analysis will be carried out which can take up to an hour. We will ask you questions about your condition, any symptoms you have experienced and we will go through your relevant medical history.

We will then explain our diagnosis and the cause of your symptoms so treatment may commence. Occasionally, additional investigations may be required, such as an X-ray, MRI or blood tests. This is, of course, to ensure the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.

In such circumstances we will recommend you discuss the matter with your GP.

After your treatment we may recommend further advice about posture; give you exercises, or stretches to do at home and to prevent symptoms reoccurring.

If you are unsure whether osteopathy is the right treatment for you please do not hesitate to call or email me. I will be pleased to discuss your individual needs with you and explain how osteopathy may help.

Will my treatment hurt?

Generally treatment is not painful, however some conditions can make you a little sensitised, and therefore you may get some treatment soreness.

Do I need to consult my doctor before treatment?

It is not necessary for you to be referred by your doctor if you wish to have osteopathic treatment.

However, if it makes you feel more comfortable to get advice from your doctor then you should. Sometimes your osteopath may feel it’s necessary for you to consult your doctor before treatment.

Acupuncture:

Medical acupuncture also known as dry needling derives from the Traditional Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture is believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This, in turn, is said to stimulate the bodies natural healing mechanisms and promote a healthy well-being.

A single use hypodermic needle is inserted into the belly of the muscle to stimulate the nerve, this causes a contraction of the muscle. No solution is injected hence the term dry needling. Once inserted, the needle is then manipulated, the practitioner can either rotate or lift and thrust the needle in a pecking action. These movements stimulate the muscle. The practitioner may leave the needles in for a few seconds or up to 20 minutes. This allows the bodies natural healing responses to occur, such as natural analgesics to be released, increased blood flow to the area the natural removal of metabolic wastes.

During treatment the patient may feel a muscle contraction, throbbing ache or nothing at all. Treatment may cause the patient to experience some aching, tiredness, nausea, dizziness or possible fainting. You may also see small bruises where the needles have been inserted.

Myofascial Cupping:

Myofascial cupping is a modified version of the ancient Eastern style cupping. There are different types of cupping techniques used such as wet or fire cupping, where the practitioner may use a plastic or glass cup.

Myofascial cupping is used to help target musculoskeletal issues. During the treatment the practitioner places a plastic cup on the targeted area and then uses a hand operated pump which causes a vacuum. This vacuum lifts the soft tissues perpendicular to the skin. The cup can then be left on the area of concern or it can be moved around to help release the underlying connective tissue. Myofascial cupping may be used to relieve localised pain, increase range of movement to joints and aid the release of muscular or connective tissue tension. Post treatment the patient may notice red rings or bruising where the cups where placed.