Osteopathic medicine uses the spine to diagnose and treat a wide variety of complaints, specifically tailored to each individual, assessing the main areas of musculoskeletal strain and also which organs of the body are functioning optimally and which may have altered function. Although the spine is the main focus of treatment for osteopaths all the joints and soft tissues in the body can be assessed and treated with the principle that structure and function are interrelated.



By removing restrictions from the spine and the surrounding soft tissues and joints, irritation to the nerves coming from the spine to the organs, muscles and glands in the body can be stimulated or relaxed and blood circulation can be improved to allow the whole body to work more efficiently. Treatments combine rhythmic movements of the joints, with gentle stretching and soft tissue manipulations and cranial osteopathy which will help to realign the body and relax the nervous system and improve the immune function.

Treatment can be given to any age from babies suffering colic and restlessness from birth trauma, toddlers with recurrent ear or chest infections, school children carrying heavy bags and students spending long hours hunched over a computer. These tensions all build up and can be aggravated in our working life when long hours are spent at the desk or driving. Pregnancy is another time when our bodies are under greater strain and the aches and pains of pregnancy and also strains produced during labour can be eased. In old age the joints can stiffen and osteopaths regularly treat and help to alleviate arthritic pain.

Bowen Technique is also suitable for all ages from babies to the elderly and consists of gentle precise rolling moves applied over specific areas of the body. The treatment is highly relaxing whilst stimulating the bodies ability to restore its own structural integrity. Frequent pauses between moves allows the patient's body the time to respond and benefit from each series of moves. Bowen has helped many problems including muscle pains and spasms in the back and neck, whiplash, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow and R.S.I.. Patients with M.S. have reproted increased energy and improved flexibility in the limbs. The minimal approach allows people with M. E., tension, stress, depression and fatigue to also respond very favourably. Migraine, headaches, sinus problems, TMJ dysfunction or jaw problems and hayfever have often shown remarkable benefit. Asthma and respiratory difficulties, lymphatic drainage and sponatural36f energy, promote healing, relieve pain and enhance sports performance.

Holisitc Massage is one of the most natural healing arts and has many benefits.The varying strokes of the massage practitioner's refined touch help to soothe, tone and stimulate repair and regenreate the body tissues and organs. After a massage the client usually reports feeling more energetic, lighter, uplifted, calm and confident. By comparison Holistic Massage is ideal for those wanting a more hands on approach. Treatments improve relaxation and help to relieve stress and tension, muscle tension is eased and stiffness and joint flexibility and mobility improve by increasing blood and lymphatic flow. After injury Holistic Massage can aid the recovery of the body and reduce the formation of excess scar tissue and improve elasticity and tone. Tension related headaches will usually respond to this form of treatment with many pain clinics referring patients suffering headaches for massage. Massaging the whole body helps to aid digestion and improves elimination of waste, it has also been shown to help reduce high blood pressure. Anxiety and blocked emotions can be released through massage and it may help to elevate mood.