Osteopathy is concerned with the establishment and maintenance of the normal structural integrity of the body by means of applying various techniques including soft tissue techniques, manipulation and muscle energy techniques to restore the body to balance.
You will always been seen by a fully registered osteopath, registered with the General Osteopathic Council. We understand that your first treatment you may be apprehensive and so welcome if you would like to bring a friend or partner with you. Children under the age of 16 will require an adult to chaperone.
Your first appointment will last approximately 45 minutes. In this time we will initially ask you a few introductory questions such as your GP details, date of birth and contact details. We will then complete a case history which will include details of your presenting problem but also general questions such as general health, any medication you may be taking and changes in your normal patterns. These questions are important for us to ask to further aid our diagnosis and create a treatment plan for you.
You will then be asked to dress down to your underwear in order for us to examine you. If you feel uncomfortable you are more than welcome to bring a pair of shorts or a top that can be rolled up. During cranial examination babies may be dressed down to their nappies to assess muscle tone and movement fully.
Further tests may be performed if required including blood pressure, reflexes and assessment of general muscle tone and joint ranges of movement. If appropriate treatment will take place and if we feel further tests are required we will refer you to the general practitioner for further investigations such as x-ray, MRI or blood tests.
If you have any queries or would like to book an appointment please contact us on 01707 327 135
A cranial osteopath will use gentle manual techniques to bring about profound changes within the child's body through gentle movement. This will allow the different body systems including the nervous system, immune, muscular and circulatory systems to work effectively and optimally together. It is a very gentle speciality within Osteopathy which is particularly useful for the treatment of children and can be helpful if a child has had a difficult birth or for those ‘unsettled’ babies. The treatment is non invasive and uses no drugs.
The skull is made up of 26 bones which are joined together to form small joints called sutures which allow tiny amounts of movement, the rhythmical movement of these bones and tissues surrounding them are called the ‘involuntary motion’. Trauma to the head and pelvis or birth strains can disrupt the normal movement causing a lasting effect and reduction in health.
Osteopathy is also safe and effective for treating problems during pregnancy and the body's postural adaptation to this changing time over the 9 months. Treatment can help to relieve numerous aches and pains as the body accommodates the growing baby. Following the birth of the baby treatment can also help to assess that the pelvis and low back are returned to a comfortable functioning position for the busy mum.