Osteopaths do not simply concentrate on treating the problem area, but use manual techniques to balance all the systems of the body, to provide overall good health and wellbeing.

What are the benefits of Osteopathy?

Osteopathic treatment in itself is not 'preventative'.
Osteopaths respect the body's natural ability as a self-regulating mechanism and only intervene when pain or discomfort is present.
The benefits of osteopathy are the general improvement in mobility and structural stability of the body.
In turn, other systems of the body such as the circulatory, nervous and lymphatic systems function more effectively and for a number of general conditions, minimal treatment is required.

What are the qualities of Osteopathy?

Osteopathy and its philosophy is what sets it apart from other medical disciplines.
The idea behind this is that all parts of the body function together in an integrated manner.
If one part of the body is restricted, then the rest of the body must adapt and compensate for this, eventually leading to inflammation, pain, stiffness and other health conditions.
When the body is free of restrictions in movement, Osteopathic treatment assists the body with pain minimisation, reduced stress and greater mobility providing the body with the opportunity to heal itself.
Osteopaths use a broad range of gentle hands-on techniques including soft tissue stretching, deep tactile pressure, and mobilisation or manipulation of joints.
In some cases, Osteopaths can complement the advice given by GPs.
For example, people who suffer from arthritis are often prescribed medication by their GP.
In addition to that, Osteopaths can ease the pain caused by joint and muscle stiffness by improving joint mobility and the flow of blood to the joints, and show arthritis sufferers how to prevent causing injury to themselves.