About Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a gentle, safe and effective form of hands-on therapy which primarily focuses on the treatment of your musculoskeletal (muscles, joints, fascia, ligaments) system, organs and central nervous system. Osteopathy is unique from other forms of manual medicine such as physiotherapy and chiropractic in its approach to treatment. We evaluate the structure of the body in relation to its functionality. As a result, it is quickly becoming one of the most popular treatment options for pain relief and management.
Osteopathy is suitable for people of all ages and can help if you are suffering from:
- Lower back pain
- Sciatic pain
- Headache/Migraine
- Middle back pain
- Neck pain
- Joint stiffness
- Shoulder, elbow and wrist pain
- Hip, knee and ankle / foot pain
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Tendonitis/RSI
- Digestive complaints
- Pregnancy related issues
- Postural /ergonomic/work-related issues
- Sports injuries
- Muscle strains and ligament sprains
The osteopathic philosophy differentiates osteopathy from other manual medicine treatments in that osteopaths treat the body holistically; we look at the body as a whole, not just the area where you are experiencing pain or discomfort. We believe that the body’s structure is inherently related to its function so when your joints, muscles or nerves are not operating properly, your health is compromised. Osteopaths encourage the body’s natural ability to heal itself by restoring functionality and in doing this, help the body return to health and wellness.
Osteopathy for Infants and Children
Indirect osteopathic treatment, specifically Osteopathy in the Cranial Field, is ideal for treating newborns and children of all ages. It is gentle, safe and effective as it works by encouraging the health in your child’s system.
Babies
The birthing process can be traumatic for both you and your baby sometimes resulting in your baby sustaining structural problems that may cause them discomfort or prevent normal development. Long or short labours, breech, caesarean or births where instruments/forceps are used have the potential to predispose your baby to joint dysfunction and strain patterns, compromising their health.
Some problems that may affect you baby where osteopathic treatment can help are:
- Colic and reflux
- Torticollis (wry neck)
- Bowel disturbances
- Constant crying/irritability
- Feeding difficulties
- Delayed development
- Skull deformation
Children
In their early years, children, although resilient, should be seen following any serious falls and injuries as this can predispose them to musculoskeletal issues later on in life, such as headaches. Osteopaths are often called upon to assess adolescent children and help with their postural problems. Heavy school bags, poor confidence and too much time playing computer games all contribute to poor posture and an osteopathic assessment and a chat with your child about management can prevent long term postural issues.
Osteopaths often see children suffering from:
- Postural complaints
- Ear infections
- Scoliosis
- Bedwetting
- Headaches
- Sporting injuries
- Trauma
- Musculoskeletal aches and pains
Osteopathy and Pregnancy
The stresses and strains that the body is exposed to during pregnancy are enormous so optimal functionality is essential for a comfortable pregnancy. Biomechanically, the pelvis has to adapt to accommodate the growing foetus – it rotates, the ligaments become lax and your centre of gravity continually changes. It is through these changes that your body can become imbalanced and you may experience pain and discomfort. Many women use osteopathic treatment for labour preparation too, aiding the birthing process by promoting pelvic functionality.
Common complaints that women experience during pregnancy which osteopathic treatment can help are:
- Lower back pain
- Sciatic pain
- Mid back pain
- Headaches
- Pelvic instability
- Postural pain associated with breastfeeding
- Hip pain
Post-natally, osteopathic treatment can help in treating the postural problems that you develop having a newborn. Osteopathic treatment can help with:
- Mid back pain associated with breastfeeding
- Lower back pain associated with lifting/carrying your child
- Mastitis
- Incontinence
- Fatigue
Osteopathy and Sports
Osteopathy can help in injury prevention and management for all sports people, from beginners to professionals. Osteopathic treatment ensures that your bones, muscles and ligaments are working together to achieve optimal functionality. When the body isn’t functioning properly, performance is compromised and injury susceptibility increases. Osteopathic treatment for sports injuries will not only be hands on treatment but advice on stretching, strengthening and rehabilitation to prevent reoccurrence.
Some examples of sporting injuries that are treated at Paddington Osteopathic Clinic are:
- Ankle sprains
- Rotator cuff tears
- Neck and back strains
- Tennis and golfers elbow
- Whiplash
- Back spasms
- Shin splints
- Hip flexor problems
- Groin strains
- Trauma
- Knee injuries
- Patellar tendonitis
- Achilles tendonitis
At Vitalelife, your health is paramount. You will receive the highest level of osteopathic care and we shall take the time to understand and treat your complaint, working with you to achieve optimal health both now and in the future.
Vitalelife Osteopath
Paddington Therapists
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About Bowen Therapy
Bowen Therapy is a form of massage developed by the late Tom Bowen. It is different to traditional massage as no oil is required and it works across the muscle fibre, not with it.
Bowen Therapy effects the fascia of the body. The fascia is the connective tissue immediately under the skin and surrounding every muscle, bone and organ in the body.
A Bowen Therapy treatment is generally gentle and relaxing for the client.
How does Bowen Therapy work?
Through a series of gentle cross fibre moves, your therapist is releasing ‘gluing’ in the fascia, allowing the tissue to become more moveable through better hydration.
As the fascia improves in its hydration, your body is better able to supply nutrients to your cells and remove waste.
There will be less restriction on muscles, tendons and ligaments and the vascular, lympatic and nervous systems will be able to function more effectively.
Bowen Therapy, through restoring the balance of the body’s internal environment, assists the body in restoring its function and activity back to normal.
What can Bowen Therapy be used to treat?
Treatments may assist the following conditions:
- Back pain
- Neck and shoulder pain
- RSI
- Headaches
- Wry neck
- Low back pain and sciatica
- Frozen shoulder
- Shin splints
- Constipation
- Quad pain
- Sprains and strains
- Joint injuries
- Tendonitis
- Sports injuries
How many treatments will I need?
The average number of treatments required is three (unless you have a long-term injury). Each treatment will take up to 45 minutes.
After your treatment
Some clients feel dizzy and light-headed after a treatment. This is a common reaction and should not last long.
The following simple precautions will help you get the most from your treatment:-
Over the next 24 hours:
- drink 8 glasses of water
- avoid hot showers/baths
- avoid lifting heavy objects or doing heavy housework
Vitalelife Bowen Therapist
Paddington Therapists
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