OSTEOPATHY

Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment that is concerned primarily with mechanical problems of the body framework. These are principally within the musculo-skeletal system. However, disturbance in the viscera may cause secondary changes within the muscles and joints.

The aims of osteopathic diagnosis are two-fold:
1.To identify the site of the source of the symptoms and the nature of the tissue disturbance.
2. To assess the mechanical structure and function of the body.
Athletes now use the osteopath’s unique skills and detailed knowledge of body mechanics in the treatment of sports injuries. Whereas in the past an injury was regarded as an isolated problem, to carry out the most effective treatment, the osteopath accesses all of the factors which may have led up to and contributed to the injury which are often just as important as the injury.
The osteopath can examine the posture, condition and flexibility of those parts, which make the human body a dynamic machine - these include the muscles, ligaments and tendons of all joints from head to toe. This is of utmost importance to an athlete as poor flexibility in the joints will prevent the body performing at its best and is often an important contributory element to injury.
The techniques applied by the osteopath provides the body with the best environment for repair, and enables it to perform at its optimum.