Why use an osteopath?
Osteopaths use a holistic approach to treatment of injuries and illness to improve the overall health of their patients. The goal is to stimulate the natural healing processes present in our body. Osteopaths provide advice on prevention activities and changes in lifestyle to improve general health and reduce time and cost spent seeking medical care. They will address diet, stress reduction techniques, proper posture and breathing, proper lifting techniques and stretching exercises. Osteopaths stress early intervention to keep patients from taking time off work and promoting general good health.
An osteopath should be consulted when there is a health problem that needs to be fixed. Pain is one of the major health related issues that bring a person to confer with an osteopath. The osteopath is often able to reduce the intensity and frequency of the pain or, in many cases, relieve the pain completely.
Osteopaths are commonly sought for treatment of back pain. The extent of their diagnosis and treatment, however, goes far beyond typical back pain healing. They will examine not only the back, but also the legs and feet, looking at the skeleton and musculature to try to determine the cause of the pain. Patients should look for improvement in three to six treatments which will average 15-30 minutes each. Since each patient will respond differently to the treatments, relief may be experienced in fewer visits or may require more trips to the clinic.
Persons who suffer sports related injuries often will seek treatment from an osteopath for diagnosis and treatment of these injuries. Strength and flexibility are assessed and treatment is provided. Recommendations for supporting recovery with exercise and stretching will be offered.
In addition to treatment for musculoskeletal disorders, osteopaths offer treatment for migraines, menstrual pains, recurrent urinary tract infections, prostrate problems, asthma, constipation or other digestive disorders.
Another reason that people return to osteopaths is to maintain their good health. Once the underlying condition has been addressed and the patient has experienced relief, the osteopath may recommend a maintenance programme requiring less frequent appointments. The osteopath may make minor skeletal adjustments, use deep massage, or help stretch the soft tissues around affected areas. They assist patients in understanding how injuries can occur and steps that they can take to avoid them. They will also address the possible deterioration of muscles due to pain caused by an injury and help the patient return to a state of good health.