Osteopathy focuses on the musculo-skeletal system (the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and connective tissue) and the way in which this inter-relates with the body as a whole. It combines scientific knowledge of anatomy and physiology and clinical methods of investigation.
Osteopaths consider each person as an individual. Utilising a highly developed sense of touch, they identify problem areas in the body. Using gentle stretching, mobilising and manipulative techniques, an osteopath works with the body to improve function and create the perfect conditions to facilitate the healing process.
At Usk Osteopathy, a caring approach and attention to the individual is considered particularly important. Our aim is to not only alleviate your current symptoms, but to identify and correct any factors that may be the underlying cause of your problem, so that we can prevent it from reoccurring. After treatment, we can advise on maintaining a realistic level of health and avoiding those things which might be damaging. For example, remedial exercises to adjust posture or advice on diet and lifestyle can be given as part of a personal health care programme.
On your first visit, a full medical case history will be taken. An examination will be carried out (you may be asked to remove some clothing for this) and you may then be asked to perform a few simple movements so the osteopath can assess the problem.
The osteopath will use their highly developed sense of touch called palpation to assess areas of weakness, tenderness, restriction or strain within your body. The osteopath will make a diagnosis and discuss it with you and if osteopathic treatment is suitable it will be offered to you. Treatment will be aimed at helping to restore normal joint stability and function.
Osteopaths usually start any treatment by releasing and relaxing muscles and stretching stiff joints, using gentle massage techniques, rhythmic joint movements and muscle release techniques. The osteopath may also carry out manipulation using short, quick movements to spinal joints. Other techniques may also be used depending on your problem. Gentle release techniques are often used, particularly when treating children or elderly patients. The choice of treatment depends on the presenting problem and is tailored to suit the individual.
Treatments usually last up to half an hour, and normally between 2 and 6 sessions are required. Many patients decide that they would like to have periodic preventative treatments to avoid recurring problems.