Osteopathy
Osteopaths at The Westoe Practice follow a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. Osteopathy works with the structure and function of the body, and is based on the principle that the wellbeing of an individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues functioning smoothly together.
Osteopaths must study for four years for an undergraduate degree. Training includes more than 1,000 hours in Osteopathic techniques. The British Medical Association’s guidance for general practitioners states doctors can safely refer patients to Osteopaths.
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FOOT CARE
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EMOTINAL WELLBEING
AYURVEDA
THERAPIES
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How does Osteopathy work?
To an osteopath, for your body to work well, its structure must also work well. So osteopaths at The Westoe Practice work to restore your body to a state of balance, where possible without the use of drugs or surgery.
Osteopaths use touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension, to enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues, and to help your body’s own healing mechanisms. They may also provide advice on posture and exercise to aid recovery, promote health and prevent symptoms recurring.
The Westoe Practice also offers Cranial Osteopathy
The skull subtly expands and contracts at a rhythm that coincides with fluctuations in blood pressure (THM oscillations). By feeling where movement is tight or restricted cranial Osteopathy uses gentle pressure or certain holds to facilitate relaxation of these tight areas in the head. Birth trauma or just day to day tension can create areas of restriction amenable to cranial osteopathic treatment.
What to expect on your first visit
Your medical history Before commencing treatment a full case history is taken. By taking time to listen to you and ask questions a full understanding is obtained of your medical history and day-to-day routine.
Examination A full assessment is made of your posture and how you move your body. By asking you to perform simple movements (e.g. bending) and by gently moving parts of your body you will be assessed for pain and loss of movement.
Using touch, areas can be identified which are sensitive or tight to help further formulate a diagnosis.
Other standard medical and orthopaedic tests may be preformed such as reflexes, blood pressure, etc
Once this is done a diagnosis can be made of your condition. Sometimes osteopathy may not be appropriate for you in which case we can refer you to your GP or another specialist.
This therapy can help with
- Heal pain
- Metatarsal pain
- Hip pain
- Ankle pain
- Arch pain
- Poor posture
- Back pain
- Achilles tendonitis
- Sports injuries
- Foot pain
- Knee pain
- Shin splints
FAQs
Please see our prices here
Please bring your own shorts or loose fitting trousers.
You do not need to see your doctor first if you are paying for your own treatment. However, some insurance companies require you to see your doctor first.
The number of treatments you need depends on the condition and person being treated. We ALWAYS aim to keep your appointments to a minimum.
Our team of highly skilled therapists are here to support and guide you on your journey towards optimum health, fitness and wellbeing.
Let’s get started by taking action today.