Osteopathy
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a complementary system of medical diagnosis and treatment which can be applied to a large range of health conditions and concerns. The principles that underpin Osteopathic philosophy were first described by Dr Andrew Taylor Still in 1874, and are still widely respected and utilised today.
‘The body is a unit’. This is the core value of Osteopathic care, as practitioners strive to align the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of a person’s wellbeing. Osteopathy recognises that people are far more than their symptoms, and allows space for these components to be addressed, thereby caring for the ‘whole’ person. We understand that the wellbeing and health of each individual is unique, believing that “the body has an unlimited capacity for repair and regeneration” - Dr Andrew Taylor Still.
Who is Osteopathy suitable for?
Osteopathy is suitable for all individuals, from newborns to seniors, and welcomes patients from all walks of life, regardless of their medical history. Osteopathy is a regulated medical profession, though sometimes it may be necessary for patients to access conventional care and advice, alongside their Osteopathic treatments.
General Osteopathic Treatment
Osteopathic treatment uses highly developed skills of palpation, manual therapy techniques and physical movement to invite the body back into its natural state of self-healing. Osteopathic treatment is gentle in nature, and therefore suitable to treat all areas of the body, from head to toe.
Patients may present with head, neck, shoulder, elbow, back, hip, knee or ankle pains - but also postural, digestive, circulatory and neurological concerns, as Osteopathic treatment does not discriminate between musculoskeletal complaints, and diagnosed medical conditions.
Babies, Children and Cranial Osteopathy
Cranial Osteopathy is a gentle hands-on therapy often used to treat babies and children, alongside adults and seniors. Unlike the name suggests, the cranial approach may be used on the whole body, not just the head. Using a highly developed sense of touch, osteopaths can feel and assess subtle changes which may have developed within the child's system. By providing a safe and calm space, the body's natural rhythms are supported in order to restore and ‘express’ health.
Parents often seek treatment for babies that may have developed birth strains, breathing or feeding difficulties, sleep and digestive problems or head shape changes such as plagiocephaly or torticollis.
For babies and children of any age, cranial osteopathy can be also used to support and monitor their childhood growth and development. Restoring the body’s natural harmony by resolving any musculoskeletal imbalances, ensures that your child is best placed to move smoothly through the many phases of childhood.
Helen Aitchison, M.Ost
Registered Osteopath | Paediatric Osteopathy - Postgraduate Training
Helen graduated from the British College of Osteopathic Medicine and is currently undertaking postgraduate training at the renowned Osteopathic Centre for Children in London. She is deeply passionate about providing her patients with the highest quality care and advice, so they may thrive in everyday life.
Having grown up in Sussex and studied in London, Helen recognises how our culture is not always conducive to good health and wellbeing. As such, she understands the value of accessing good quality healthcare, while educating patients how best to care for themselves, in a society that can feel stressful and unremitting. To book a consultation or treatment, please call 01825 740059 or book online.