How does osteopathic treatment work?

Osteopaths encourage the body’s own healing mechanisms to fix the problem by creating the right environment for them to do so. This is achieved by improving quantity and quality of movement in restricted joints, balancing muscle tension, improving blood supply and drainage and ensuring unimpeded nerve conduction.

Quite often vicious cycles occur (self perpetuating problems) and it only needs a small intervention to make a significant improvement.  

Techniques

Osteopaths work with their hands and use a wide variety of techniques including:

Ø Soft tissue massage to reduce muscle tension and dissipate inflammation;
Ø Stretching techniques to release muscle tension and readdress muscle balance;
Ø Gentle articulations to improve the quality and quantity of joint mobility;
Ø Gentle manipulation to release immobile or restricted joints;
Ø Lymphatic drainage techniques to reduce congestion and improve fluid circulation;
Ø Therapeutic, lifestyle and nutritional advice and exercises to promote healing
Ø and also to prevent recurrence.