Should You Go and See an Osteopath?

If you have problems with your bones, ligaments, muscles or connective tissue then you could benefit from speaking to an osteopath. An osteopath will be able to detect, treat or even prevent health problems by massaging or stretching your joints and muscles.

Who would an osteopath normally treat?

There is a wide range of conditions for which an osteopath could be approached for treatment. These include conditions that restrict blood flow to the tissues or any occasion where you need to improve joint mobility or relieve muscle tension. Osteopaths can also apply their techniques to increase the speed at which the body is able to heal itself. It is particularly useful for patients with sports injuries, lower back pain, arthritis or pain in the neck or shoulders.

What happens at the osteopath?

When you first visit the osteopath you shouldn't expect them to begin treatment immediately. Your visit will normally start with an investigation into the symptoms you are experiencing as well as your general health. It is likely that the osteopath will also want to conduct a physical examination before they start to treat you. Your treatment will begin with the osteopath using their hands to identify locations on your body that exhibit strain, tenderness or restriction. It is likely that the osteopath will need to pay particular attention to your spine; they will probably ask you to perform a range of movements so that they can see how your body moves. Once they understand the nature of the problem, they will then be in a position to discuss with you whether they are able to help treat that problem and what that course of treatment might look like.

What treatment might you need?

The primary tools used by an osteopath are their hands. Sometimes they will be gentle and at other times they may need to be more forceful to achieve their desired results. They might employ stretching to ease stiff joints or they may want to use massage to help your muscles relax. Another technique which many osteopaths use are high-velocity thrusts — these are short, sharp movements applied to the spine which often produce a clicking noise when they are executed.

To find out more about whether an osteopath will be able to effectively treat your condition then talk to one today. They will be able to see precisely what the problem is and tell you whether they can help.

For more information, contact a clinic like Associated Medical Clinic.

Share