Conditions Treated

Osteopathy may help the following:

Joint & Arthritic Pain

We treat many patients in their 80’s and 90’s who benefit from gentle mobilisation and stretching of joints that are suffering from wear and tear (osteoarthritis), but all ages may benefit from treatment to any joint that is not functioning smoothly. A wide variety of techniques are employed to improve mobility including manipulation, mobilisation, and massage of local muscles. Cranial and unwinding techniques may also ease joint and arthritic pains

Acute & Chronic Backache/Pain

More than 90% of the population suffer from backache at some time in their lives. It is the most common complaint treated in this clinic. Osteopathy utilises a wide range of techniques to improve mobility, improving blood flow, drainage and helping normalise nerve supply thereby reducing pain

Sciatica

Sciatica is pain produced as a result of irritation of the sciatic nerve. This nerve is made up of a collection of nerve roots (where nerves exit the spinal cord through holes in the spinal column). These roots join together to form the biggest nerve in the body and supply a good part of the leg and foot. Pain, pins & needles or numbness may be felt anywhere along its length from buttock to foot. There are many causes of sciatica; from a prolapsed disc (‘slipped disc’), facet (joint) locking to simply tension in one of the muscles through which the sciatic nerve passes. As Osteopaths we use a wide range of techniques to release the nerve so that it may function normally.

Simple Neck Pain

Often seen in clinic – simply releasing the joints and soft tissues can reduce the tension that is causing this type of neck pain

Headaches arising from Neck

Muscles attach up and over the head originating from the neck – correcting the cause of this muscle tension often helps relieve this condition

Migraine Prevention

There are many causes of Migraines. Our Osteopaths will investigate the whole body to see if any imbalances or tensions are triggering migraines. For example, one leg may be longer than the other, making the body compensate to keep the eyes level. This may cause tension in the neck. The whole range of Osteopathic techniques may be employed to help prevent migraines including Cranial Osteopathy

Frozen Shoulder

This is a chronic (long-term) condition of the shoulder. There often isn’t an obvious cause, but all the structures of the 3 joints that make up the shoulder along with the same side of the neck are usually found to be involved. This condition usually takes a course of at least 6 treatments to help ease it. Osteopathy can reduce the length of time this condition would normally take to heal. Exercises and taping and possibly acupuncture would be used in addition to Osteopathic treatment to the muscles and joints involved

Shoulder and Elbow Pain

Improving mobility of the joints along with stimulating the circulation and reducing tension in the local soft tissues can help ease pain in these joints

Circulatory Problems

Osteopathy was based on the stimulation of the circulation way back in the 1880’s! When we move a joint, we enhance the local microcirculation which aids healing of the local tissues. Often advice on lifestyle and helpful herbal remedies may also be beneficial

Neuralgia

Neuralgia (pain in the distribution of a nerve or nerves) has many causes. As Osteopaths we are always trying to normalise structures which then allows local tissues including nerves to function properly. Trigeminal neuralgias for example may be caused when the structures of the face are compromised leading to irritation of the fifth cranial nerve. Osteopathy may help this condition through various forms of treatment including Cranial Osteopathy techniques

Digestive Problems

Osteopathy addresses the nerves that supply the digestive system along with reducing tension in the fascia (coatings) of the organs themselves (visceral Osteopathy). The digestive organs are supplied by nerves from the autonomic system which operates without our consciously being aware. They arise from the spine and supply all the organs of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis. By normalising the spine and the local soft tissues great relief from digestive problems may be achieved

Cramp & Muscle Spasm

Local massage and soft tissue work can improve the circulation in an area of cramp helping relieve this painful condition. Advice on lifestyle may also aid long-term recovery

Fibromyalgia

This debilitating condition may be helped through Osteopathy. Gentle stretching and mobilisation are employed along with the more subtle balancing techniques. Unfortunately in our experience the changes are often not permanent, but the relief gained may be considerable whilst it lasts

Inability to Relax and tension

Many causes of body tensions are amenable to Osteopathic treatment. There are also a wide range of natural remedies at Orchard Osteopaths that may help

Minor Sports Injuries

By addressing the structures locally and further afield Osteopathy has been shown to help many minor sports injuries aiding recovery and improving performance. Many techniques are employed to maximum effect