Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a safe and effective natural, holistic form of hands-on therapy aimed at assessing, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of concerns of problems from injuries, postural issues, and other health issues to assist in the recovery of health and wellbeing. Osteopaths believe that the body has a natural capacity for healing and believe that physical imbalances and strains can reduce the body’s ability to maintain itself in a state of health.
Rooted deeply in the sciences of anatomy, physiology, neurology and pathology, osteopathy works on the principle that a healthy body requires free movement of all tissues; muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints, along with a balanced blood and nerve supply.
Osteopaths believe that the wellbeing of an individual depends on all parts of the body working well together. Therefore, if one part of the body is restricted, this will have a knock-on effect on other areas, as the body tries to adapt and compensate for the stresses and strains which develop. This can be caused by accidents, infections, or emotional stress, which can accumulate, and affect the body’s capacity to respond and restore itself to optimum health.
Osteopaths have a highly developed sense of touch, and use a wide range of non-invasive manual treatments, such as physical manipulation, articulation, stretching and massage/soft tissue as well as several other more subtle and gentle techniques to relieve tension, improve mobility and enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues in order to help return the body to a better state of balance and health.
Osteopaths treat the whole person, and not just the areas of the body causing symptoms. Treatments are therefore tailored to the individual, which means that they are better able to meet your specific needs and help prevent your symptoms recurring. Osteopaths can also provide advice on posture and exercise to aid recovery, promote health and prevent symptoms recurring.
Osteopaths believe everyone can benefit from a tailored, whole-person approach to health and treat patients of all ages from babies to the elderly.
All osteopaths must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council in order to work in the UK and hold up to date professional indemnity insurance. They are also recognised as Allied Health Professionals. Osteopaths also work closely with other healthcare professionals such as consultants, GPs, nurses, midwives, and other Allied Health Professionals.
New patient (60 minutes) – £ 80.00
Return patient (30 minutes) – £ 55.00
Cranial Osteopathy
Cranial osteopathy is a gentle, hands-on treatment technique used by osteopaths to assess and enhance the function of the body. This approach focuses on the subtle movements of the cranial bones, the rhythmic motion of the cerebrospinal fluid, and the interconnected tissues of the body, including the head, spine, and sacrum.
Osteopaths use their hands and highly developed sense of touch to feel the subtle, rhythmic pulsations in the body’s tissues. By identifying areas of restricted motion or tension, they apply gentle techniques to encourage the body’s natural healing processes. This can involve the cranial bones, the spine, and the sacrum, but the effects are often felt throughout the entire body.
Cranial osteopathy is known for its effectiveness in treating a wide range of conditions, including headaches and migraines, stress and tension, and sleep disorders.
During treatment patients may be aware of different sensations, such as pressure or warmth. Most become deeply relaxed and feel that tension is gradually being drawn out of their body. As well as an improvement in symptoms, patients often report increased levels of energy, better sleep patterns, and an enhanced sense of overall wellbeing.
Cranial osteopathy is a safe and very gentle, non-invasive form of treatment, making it suitable for people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly.
New patient (60 minutes) – £ 80.00
Return patient (30 minutes) – £ 55.00
Osteopathy For Babies and Children
The process of birth can be a stimulating one, and generally babies cope well with the forces involved in a normal labour. However, birth can be more complex and difficult, taking a long time, requiring, for example, medical interventions or caesarean section. Although babies’ heads and bodies are designed to absorb the forces of pregnancy, labour, and delivery, not all babies cope well with the process of birth when passing down the birth canal and they can often experience trauma where they absorb the stresses of labour.
This may present itself as unsettled behaviour, feeding difficulties and/or an irregular shaped head. Normally this may resolve within a few days. However, occasionally, these mechanical stresses are too great and can affect the nerve supply from the neck and head, in return affecting the tongue causing feeding problems or to the gastric nerves causing colic. The tension in the skull can also cause the baby to be in a constant state of alert cause the baby to have difficulty sleeping.
Osteopathy offers an extremely gentle manual and cranial approach to help facilitate the release of these acquired stresses and strains so as to allow your baby to feel more settled and relaxed
What can paediatric osteopathy help with?
- Feeding / latching difficulties
- Jaw or neck tightness
- Unsettled babies
- Neck stiffness (where babies prefer to look in one direction only)
- Plagiocephaly (flattening at the back or side of the head)
Osteopathy is also very effective in treating children and teenagers as they go through their many growth, developmental and hormonal changes. Through these periods of development, the muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia takes time to adapt to rapid growth spurts and postural changes which may sometimes result in conditions such as scoliosis, Osgood Schlatter’s, Schuurmans and headaches. These conditions may also be exacerbated increased demands of studying such as carrying large school bags, exams and the stress that accompanies them plus long hours of sitting and possibly poor posture. Sleeping and eating habits can also be affected.
Teenagers are also more likely to spend long hours using technology such as smartphones, tablets and computers also leading to poor posture.
It is important for teenagers to be assessed regularly through this period. Providing osteopathy to teenagers can help by facilitating correct posture and alignment. Advice can be given on footwear, school bags, pillows, study area, exercise, stretching and posture.
Treatment is usually gentle, using soft tissue massage, joint articulation, and occasionally joint manipulation. Teenagers often find this very relaxing and often report improved sleep afterwards.
New patient (60 minutes) – £ 80.00
Return patient (30 minutes) – £ 55.00
Pre and Post Natal Osteopathy
During pregnancy, mothers-to-be experience a wealth of hormonal and physical changes while carrying their baby in preparation for childbirth. Progressive adaptations occur through the three trimesters to accommodate the developing foetus. Ligaments soften, the curvature of the spine changes, and your overall posture is altered. The growing baby gradually moves your centre of gravity forward, which exaggerates the arching of the lower back and places additional mechanical stress on the body. There’s increased pressure on the spine, muscles, and ligaments.
These treatments will work to find your body’s balance through all stages of your pregnancy, helping to prepare your body for giving birth and into the postnatal period.
After pregnancy, your body has to work harder to look after your new baby as well as recovering itself. You will be doing a lot more regular bending, lifting and carrying of your little one.
Osteopathy treatment can help support your body during this lovely but physically demanding time. We also offer postural advice on feeding, holding and lifting your baby to help keep you as healthy as possible and so you can avoid straining your body.
You can attend an appointment as early as you feel comfortable travelling to the clinic, following the birth of your baby. Osteopathy is especially beneficial if you have a difficult labour and birth, to help recovery and to prevent problems as quickly as possible.
If you have an uncomplicated delivery, we recommend a postpartum check-up between 4-6 weeks to help support you during this time.
If you’ve had a caesarean birth, please get in touch, even if your scar is “fresh” as treatment will not be on the scar directly but will promote healing by working the tissues around your abdomen. C-sections cause scar tissue on the uterus and pelvic tissues. Releasing adhesions and mobilising the scar tissue can help to alleviate low back and pelvic pain.
Osteopathy is a safe and effective form of treatment that can offer relief from many pregnancy-related issues, bot during and after pregnancy. It helps to minimise stress and discomfort and lead to a more natural and easy pregnancy, labour, delivery and post-partum recovery process
What can Pre- and Postnatal osteopathy help with?
- Back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, muscular tension etc as a result of extra strain on the spine
- Groin pain, lower abdominal pain, public symphysis pain etc., as a result of extra strain on the pelvis
- Sciatica – pain leading from compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve which runs from the lower back to the feet
- Swollen ankles, varicose veins and other circulatory problems as a result of increased pressure on the abdomen
- Nausea and heartburn as a result of hormonal changes and the growing baby pressing on the stomach
- Breathlessness as a result of rib and mid-back pain
New patient (60 minutes) – £ 80.00
Return patient (30 minutes) – £ 55.00
Osteopathy and Dry Needling
When combined, osteopathy and dry needling offer a comprehensive approach to treating musculoskeletal conditions. Osteopaths use their extensive knowledge of the body’s anatomy and physiology to identify areas of dysfunction, while dry needling targets specific muscle groups to alleviate pain and tension. This integrative approach enhances the effectiveness of treatment, providing relief and promoting healing.
“Dry needling” is another name for western medical acupuncture. In treatment, a needle is inserted into the skin and muscle directly at a myofascial trigger point which consists of multiple muscle knots and are related to the production and maintenance of pain.
A typical treatment session combining osteopathy and dry needling begins with a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s medical history, posture, and movement. Following which, an examination will be carried out to identify areas of tension, dysfunction, and pain.
Treatment will then include a combination of gentle osteopathic techniques such as manipulations, stretching, and massage to improve mobility and function. Fine needles will then be inserted into specific trigger points to release muscle tension and alleviate pain.
Dry needling is considered safe when performed by a trained and experienced practitioner. The needles used are sterile and single-use, minimizing the risk of infection. Patients may experience slight discomfort during the insertion of needles, but this is generally mild and short-lived.
What can Dry Needling help with?
- Relief of tension type headaches
- Relief of migraine headache
- Relief of chronic low back pain
- Relief of neck pain or chronic neck pain
- Relief from temporomandibular (TMD/TMJ) pain
- Osteoarthritis pain of the knee or hip
- Muscle strains or overuse injuries
New patient (60 minutes) – £ 90.00
Return patient (30 minutes) – £ 65.00
Osteopathy and Kinesiology Taping
Osteopathy is a holistic healthcare approach focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide range of health issues. Osteopaths use hands-on techniques to enhance the body’s natural ability to heal, emphasizing the relationship between the body’s structure and function. This approach is particularly effective for musculoskeletal issues, improving mobility, alleviating pain, and promoting overall well-being.
Kinesiology tape, better known as sports taping, involves applying specialized tape to the skin to support and stabilize muscles and joints without restricting movement. It is commonly used to prevent injuries, aid in recovery, and enhance athletic performance. However, most people can benefit from it as sports taping as it is an effective way of speeding up bruise healing and off-loading muscles to aid pain reduction and increase treatment benefits.
When combined, osteopathy and sports taping offer a comprehensive approach to treating and preventing sports-related injuries. Osteopathy addresses the underlying structural issues and promotes overall body balance, while sports taping provides immediate support and stabilization. This integrative approach maximizes the benefits of both treatments, leading to improved performance and faster recovery.
Sports taping is generally safe to apply. It is a non-invasive technique with minimal risk of side effects. Some individuals may experience minor skin irritation from the adhesive, but this is typically rare and can be managed by using hypoallergenic tape
New patient (60 minutes) – £ 85.00
Return patient (30 minutes) – £ 60.00
Buccal / Jaw Massage
Buccal massage, also known as intraoral massage, is a specialized facial massage technique that targets the muscles inside the mouth and along the jawline. This unique therapy involves using gloved hands to massage the inner and outer areas of the cheeks, jaw, and lips. Buccal massage is renowned for its ability to release tension, improve circulation, and enhance the overall appearance and health of the skin and facial muscles.
Buccal massage is especially effective in releasing the muscles around the jaw to reduce jaw pain, headaches and neck tension often brought about by clenching and/or grinding of your teeth. It can also help refine face contour (lift face, sculpt cheeks and jaw line), decrease puffiness, improve face muscles toning and increase cell oxygenation.
New patient (60 minutes) – £ 80.00
Return patient (30 minutes) – £ 55.00
Clinical Pilates
Pilates is an ideal way to support osteopathic treatment, recovery from injury and rehabilitation. Pilates is a method of exercise that consists of low-impact, strength and endurance movements with good control to help support and stabilise your core.
Pilates emphasizes proper postural alignment, core strength, muscle balance and increasing your flexibility. Pilates is an extremely safe form of exercise which can be done every day. These exercises can be done on exercise mats or using specialised equipment such as a reformer. Other small bits of equipment such as fitness balls, foam or resistance bands can also be incorporated into these sessions.
Clinical Pilates is a specialized form of Pilates tailored to the individual’s specific needs, particularly for rehabilitation and injury prevention. This approach focuses on restoring normal movement patterns, enhancing core stability, and improving overall physical function.
Usually using a reformer (a specialised piece of equipment consisting of a sliding carriage within a frame, adjustable springs for resistance, and various straps and pulleys). This versatile apparatus allows for a wide range of exercises that can be modified to suit different levels of ability and rehabilitation needs. The rehab reformer provides support and resistance, making it ideal for both strengthening and stretching exercises.
Clinical Pilates is generally safe and is specifically designed to accommodate individuals with varying levels of fitness and rehabilitation needs. The exercises are low-impact and can be modified to suit your specific condition
Occasionally it may be beneficial to combine osteopathy and clinical Pilates sessions together to offer a comprehensive approach to treatment and rehabilitation. Osteopathy addresses the structural and functional aspects of the body, while Clinical Pilates provides a structured exercise regime to support and maintain these corrections. This integrative approach enhances the effectiveness of treatment, leading to improved outcomes in health and fitness.
Together osteopathy and Clinical Pilates can help enhance core strength and stability, improve posture, provide pain relief, improve flexibility and mobility, prevent injury and provide a comprehensive rehabilitation program to pre-existing conditions
Whether you are recovering from an injury, surgery, or looking to prevent future issues, Clinical Pilates can play a crucial role in your rehabilitation journey.
Clinical Pilates (30 minutes) – £ 40.00
Osteopathy / Clinical Pilates combination (60 minutes) – £ 90.00
Pilates and Barre Group Classes
Pilates is a method of exercise that consists of low-impact flexibility and muscular strength and endurance movements. Pilates emphasizes proper postural alignment, core strength and muscle balance.
Barre delivers a full body workout, but it’s great for strengthening your core and toning your glutes and legs. This workout technique inspired by elements of ballet, yoga, and Pilates. It focuses on low-impact, high-intensity movements designed to strengthen your body in ways that few other workouts can.
Both of these sessions are taught in small group formats with a maximum of 10 participants to ensure that you receive a unique blend of personalized attention, motivation, and social interaction, making these classes an effective and enjoyable way to achieve fitness goals.
These classes are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Special pre- and post-natal classes are also offered. Please contact us if you would like more information as to which class may be the most suitable for you.
Whether you are new to exercise or looking to enhance your current routine, these small group Pilates and Barre classes provide a supportive and engaging environment that can lead to lasting health and fitness improvements.
Per Person/Per Session – £ 10.00