07 Jan What Is Osteopathy And How Can It Benefit You?
If you’ve been feeling a bit at odds lately physically and are experiencing anything like lower back pain, shoulder, elbow or neck pain, or if you have a condition such as arthritis, you might well find it beneficial to go and see an osteopath to see if they can help ease your symptoms and take the pain away.
Osteopathy is a way of preventing health problems or detecting and treating them through manipulation of your muscles and joints, moving, stretching and massaging them to help ensure that all your muscles, connective tissue, ligaments and so on work smoothly together.
A serious plus point about this kind of treatment programme is that you can address the issues you’re experiencing without having to take any medication or surgical procedures, so there’s no downtime or need to worry about potential side-effects of any drugs.
The aim is to increase the mobility of your joints, release any muscle tension you may have and help your body to heal itself by boosting the blood supply to tissues.
What to expect from an osteopathy session?
Before treatment begins, you’ll be asked questions about the symptoms you’re experiencing, as well as your general health and wellbeing, and any other healthcare receiving at the moment.
It is likely that you will be asked to remove some items of clothing, depending on which part of your body requires examination. And your osteopath is likely to ask you to carry out a few simple movements so they can make a visual examination, as well.
The osteopath will also use their hands to locate any areas of strain, restriction or tenderness in your body, particularly around the spine.
What techniques are used?
There are various techniques used by osteopaths to help your body recover. Massage is used to release and relax your muscles, while stretching can help ease stiff joints.
Osteopaths also use something called articulation, which is where they move your joints through their range of motion. The idea is to improve blood flow, support better movement and reduce pain.
It is unusual for osteopathic treatments to be painful but you may find that you feel a little stiff and sore for a couple of days after your treatment, but your practitioner will explain everything on the day, so there’s nothing to worry about.
Can I see an osteopath if I’m pregnant?
It is advisable to go and see your GP first before making an appointment with an osteopath, or perhaps talk to your midwife first. And make sure you choose a practitioner with experience of working with pregnant women.
Are you looking for an osteopath in Camberley at the moment? Get in touch with us here at OsteoVision to find out more.