AIMEE COX - SOUTHEND OSTEOPATHY CLINIC

Osteopathy: Treatment is manual with the hands applied to the body, and is directed at joints, muscles and ligaments and aims to restore mobility and reduce inflammation and pain. Techniques include articulation and mobilisation of joints, stretching of muscles and ligaments, soft tissue work and muscle energy techniques. Techniques are chosen to get the best result for each individual patient. Cranial osteopathy is a very gentle, safe and effective form of osteopathy, which is suitable for all ages from adults, to babies and children. Although the name implies only the head is treated, any part of the body can be treated cranially. It works on the principle that there is a very subtle movement between the cranial bones and circulation, and restriction in this movement may cause problems.

Diagnosis is made by the osteopath gently holding the patient’s head, or other part of the body and using a highly developed sense of touch to feel movement. Treatment is also very gentle and relaxing, using specific adjustments to ease restrictions. During pregnancy the mother’s body goes through enormous changes to support the growth of her baby. Apart from the changes in mechanical stresses, the mother also goes through hormonal changes, which affects tissues such as ligaments, and this can cause pain. Osteopathy offers a safe, effective and gentle manual therapy to help mothers through the problems they may experience during pregnancy, including back and pelvic pain, hip pain, and digestion problems.

Cranial osteopathy is a popular form of treatment for babies and younger children, as it is very gentle, non-invasive and safe. Problems that can be helped include digestion problems, muscle tension and inability to relax. Often problems which can be helped by osteopathy, are caused by the birthing process, where the baby experiences great forces during delivery, especially if the birth was complicated and needed intervention such as a forceps delivery.