OSTEOPATHIC TREATMENT TECHNIQUES

Outlined below are some of the techniques used in this practice.

Structural Osteopathy

• Soft tissue massage

Pressure is applied to the muscles to improve blood supply to and from the affected area.  This enhances the healing process and removes the waste products that are causing the pain.  Other benefits include increasing muscle length and relaxation.

• Articulation/ mobilisation

This technique involves moving joints through all or part of their range of motion.  Benefits include increased blood supply for healing, removal of waste products that cause pain, decreased muscular tension, reduced nerve irritation and increased range of motion of the body.

• Manipulation

Quick short movements are applied to joints where a click or crack is commonly heard.  Benefits include decreased muscular tension, reduced nerve irritation and an increased range of motion of the body.

• Harmonic Technique

Improving rate of repair and strength in injured tissue through continuous rhythmic movement.  Benefits include stimulation of blood and fluid flow through the damaged area for healing and to reduce pain and swelling, realign and stimulate normal tissue fibre development, increase range of motion.

Cranial Osteopathy (Osteopathy in the Cranial Field (OCF))

Very fine touch and specific directions of forces are used to treat the head and body.  Benefits include improved movement of fluids including blood and cerebrospinal fluid, relaxation of body and mind and increased range of motion of the body.