HADDENHAM OSTEOPATHIC CLINIC

Established in 2003 and now managed by osteopath Sarah Kitchiner, Haddenham Osteopathic Clinic now has a staff of four qualified osteopathic practitioners. Osteopathy is a primary healthcare system, complemetary to other medical practices. It is suitable for almost anyone and can contribute to alleviating an enormous range of conditions. Osteopaths regularly treat children, pregnant women, the elderly, shop, office and manual workers, professionals, dancers and sports people. Osteopaths work primarily through the neuro-musculo-skeletal system, mostly on muscles and joints and pay special attention to how the internal organs affect, and are affected by, that system. Relevant psychological and social factors also form part of the diagnosis.

Another important part of osteopathy is that the body has its own self-healing mechanisms, which can be utilised as part of the treatment. Osteopathy treats the whole person not just the condition. Osteopaths are very skilled and highly trained in assessing the mechanics of the whole body, and in particular the spine. They use a variety of gentle hands-on manipulative techniques including soft tissue massage, muscle stretching and gentle joint movements which all help to restore a level of balance and ease of movement to the spine or limbs. Occasionally, ultrasound or electro-therapy equipment may be used in addition to hands-on techniques.

On your first visit a detailed medical history will be taken followed by a careful medical examination. You will be asked to remove your outer garments and to perform an easy range of movements like bending forwards or lifting your arms above your head. This will enable the osteopath to see where the body is not moving correctly before commencing treatment. Osteopathy looks at the whole posture to assess where strains have developed that are causing pain and discomfort.