OSTEOPATHY is a recognised, safe, manual therapy used to diagnose and treat abnormalities in the function of the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments). The principle of osteopathy is to work with the patient's own healing mechanism to restore balance and function throughout the whole body and alleviate pain following injury, disease or stress. After treatment patients' often report an increased sense of well-being.

Osteopaths use a variety of techniques, which include stretching and massage of the muscles and manipulation of the joints. Occasionally joints are 'clicked' to improve joint mobility. The osteopath can give advice on posture, movement, the correct seating for work stations, exercises and joint care.

A wide range of conditions can be helped including:

• Back pain

• Neck pain

• Sciatica/trapped nerves

• Spondylosis/arthritis

• Headaches

• Sports injuries

• Repetitive strain injuries

• Whiplash

• Pains associated with pregnancy

• Colic/irritable babies/babies with feeding problems

• Glue ear

• Behavioural/developmental problems

• Growing pains in children

• Stress/anxiety

CRANIAL OSTEOPATHY involves very gentle balancing of the bones and connective tissues throughout the body, including the head. These techniques can be used alongside conventional osteopathy or exclusively with babies, the elderly, during pregnancy or in patients with osteoporosis. It is particularly useful after injury or trauma (e.g. after labour for the mother and baby, falls, road traffic accidents).

Patients often feel very relaxed with this form of treatment, making it very useful for people suffering from stress and anxiety.
 

ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture is a part of traditional Chinese medicine, practised in the East for over 2,000 years. It uses fine needles to stimulate the body's own healing response, thus restoring the natural balance. The focus of the treatment is to recover the equilibrium between the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual. It is used to treat a wide range of illnesses and for pain relief.

Acupuncture is commonly used in the treatment of pain, relieving common symptoms and promoting general health and well-being.

Scientific evidence indicates that acupuncture can be effective for pain relief with arthritic conditions, as well as back pain. It is also used in many conditions such as migraine, sports injuries and menstrual period pain.