Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that was developed in the 19th Century by an American Physician, Andrew Taylor Still. Osteopathy recognises the important link between the structure of the body and the way it functions. Osteopaths focus on how the skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulation, connective tissue and internal organs function as a holistic unit. Using skilled evaluation, diagnosis and a wide range of hands-on techniques, osteopaths can identify important types of dysfunction in your body. Osteopathic treatment is generally very gentle, and uses a wide range of techniques that are considered extremely safe. These include gentle joint mobilisation, spinal manipulation, trigger point treatment, myofascial stretching and soft tissue massage.
Osteopathy acknowledges that the body is one functional unit with each part being dependent upon other parts; therefore, one region may influence or be influenced by another region. For this reason, Osteopaths recognize that symptoms (e.g. pain, stiffness and inflammation) in one area may be caused by dysfunction in another area, and aim to identify the primary cause, rather than treat the symptoms at a separate location. This philosophy is applied to consider the whole person for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries and illness using manual and physical therapies.
The treatment methods are based on a set of four principles that encourage a holistic approach.
Our Philosophy
The key principles comprising the philosophy of Osteopathy:
- The body is a single unit: Although there are many parts in the body, each part works for the benefit of the other parts.
- The body has self regulating mechanisms: In order for the body to operate smoothly through life it needs to have a way of protecting, repairing and regulating itself. These “mechanisms” allow the body to make adjustments to stresses caused by the environment and still maintain body homeostasis. These mechanisms keep the body in balance regardless of what works upon it or what happens around it.
- Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated: In other words, structure can affect function and function can affect structure.
- Rational treatment is based on the first three principles: The osteopath examines, diagnoses and treats based upon the above principles. For you, this means that treatment extends beyond the clinic and involves diet, exercise and lifestyle. This makes osteopathy an effective form of treatment for sports people, office workers and people with repetitive manual jobs.
What problems can Osteopathy help with?
Whilst back and neck pain are the most common problems seen, Osteopathy can help with a wide variety of problems including:
- Back and neck Pain
- Sciatica
- Disc Pain
- Postural Strain/Problems
- Pregnancy Related Back Pain
- Headaches
- Arthritis
- Sacro-Iliac Dysfunction
- Spinal Alignment Issues
- Muscular Strain
- Joint Pain/Stiffness
- Sports Injuries
- Knee Pain
- Foot & Ankle Pain
- Sports Injuries
- Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
Osteopathic treatment is non-invasive, gentle and safe. Our range of techniques are all hands on and expansive, including direct techniques like manipulation and massage or indirect techniques to decrease tension in the connective tissues of the body and restore a sense of balance.
Such treatment techniques include the following:
- Soft Tissue Technique (massage)
- Deep Inhibitory Pressure (trigger point release)
- Stretching
- Joint Articulation and Mobilisation (gentle passive movements restoring mobility)
- Muscle Energy Technique (contract-relax exercises against resistance to improve joint flexibility and reduce muscle tightness)
- Joint Manipulation/Adjustment (a form of articulation with a rapid thrust that often causes and audible ‘pop’ or ‘cracking’ noise)
- Functional techniques (moving joints or whole structures to a position of "ease" or balance)
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises the Osteopathic concept of somatic dysfunction as being scientifically proven, and the British Medical Association recognises Osteopathy as a discrete medical discipline.
Fees are eligible for partial refund from VHI, Quinn Healthcare, Hibernian Aviva and HSA health insurance schemes. Fees are also normally eligible for relief using the Form Med 1 on your income tax return
Click here to speak to one of our staff members about arranging a visit to see one of our Osteopaths.
