What is Osteopathy and why do I love it?

Welcome!

Welcome to the world of osteopathy! If you're new to this fascinating field of healthcare, you're in for such a treat. Osteopathy is a holistic approach that focuses on the relationship between the body's structure and its function, emphasising the body's innate ability to heal itself and is suitable for the whole family. We treat such a wide range of conditions in all ages, from all walks of life. We are manual therapists, this means we deliver several non-invasive treatments using touch such as physical manipulation, stretching and massage to restore bodily equilibrium through increasing the mobility of joints, relieving muscle tension, enhancing blood and nerve supply to tissues, and encouraging an individual’s own healing mechanisms, the term osteopath is protected by law, only someone who has met the stringent standards laid down by our statutory regulator (the General Osteopathic Council, GOsC) can call themselves an osteopath. The standards are comprised of education level (master’s degree level), professional standards and ongoing professional development. Now, let's dive in and explore the principles, benefits and why I love what I do.

Principles of Osteopathy

At the core of osteopathy are several fundamental principles that guide its practice:

1.     The Body is a Unit: Osteopathy views the body as a unified whole, where every part is connected and influences elsewhere. This principle emphasises that optimal health requires harmony between the body's structure (bones, muscles, tissues) and function (how the body moves and operates). Think of the body of the car and the engine and everything else under the bonnet of the car, they both must function well together for the car to run.

2.     The Body's Self-Healing Mechanism: Osteopathy recognises the body's natural ability to heal itself given the right conditions. Osteopaths aim to identify and remove obstacles to healing, such as restrictions or dysfunctions in the musculoskeletal system. 

3.     Structure and Function are Interrelated: Osteopaths believe that problems in the body's structure can affect its function and vice versa. By addressing musculoskeletal imbalances, osteopathy aims to restore optimal function and promote overall well-being.

Benefits of Osteopathy

Now, let's explore why osteopathy is gaining popularity and how it can benefit you:

·       Pain Relief: Osteopathic treatment is effective for managing various types of pain, including back pain, neck pain, joint pain, and headaches. By addressing underlying musculoskeletal issues, osteopaths can help alleviate discomfort - there is a list on my website under FAQs on what we can treat, also more detail coming later in the blogs so stay tuned!

·       Improved Mobility and Flexibility: If you're experiencing stiffness or limited range of motion, osteopathy can help restore mobility. Osteopathic techniques such as manipulation and mobilisation aim to improve joint function and enhance flexibility.

·       Enhanced Recovery from Injuries: Whether you're recovering from a sports injury, accident, or surgery, osteopathy can support your body's healing process. Osteopathic treatment focuses on restoring balance and function to injured tissues, facilitating faster recovery.

·       Preventive Healthcare: Osteopathy is not only about treating existing problems but also preventing future issues. By addressing biomechanical imbalances and promoting musculoskeletal health, osteopathic care can reduce the risk of injuries and chronic conditions.

You also don’t need to be in pain to come and see an osteopath! If you’re getting aches, niggles or generally just don’t feel your body is serving you, then we can help!

What to Expect During an Osteopathic Session

During an osteopathic consultation, your osteopath will conduct a thorough assessment, considering your medical history, lifestyle, and specific concerns. Treatment techniques may include gentle manual therapies, such as soft tissue manipulation, joint mobilisation, and stretching exercises.

Osteopathic treatment is tailored to the individual, considering their unique needs and preferences. The goal is to optimise the body's self-healing mechanisms and restore balance to the musculoskeletal system.

Is Osteopathy Right for You?

Osteopathy is suitable for people of all ages, from infants to seniors. Whether you're seeking relief from pain, improved mobility, or holistic wellness, osteopathy offers a safe and natural approach to health and healing.

Finally, why do I love it?

Osteopathy toes the line between science and art, which means for me, I can put the 4 years of university and the hours of professional development together and help people feel more themselves. If you’ve had a treatment with me before, you know I love to talk, this allows me to put the puzzle of your life together to see what’s contributing to your pain and work together to get to the root cause of it to promote lasting healing. My journey in osteopathy is driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact on people's lives by restoring mobility, relieving pain, and enhancing overall well-being. I value building strong, compassionate relationships with her patients and takes pride in empowering them to take an active role in their health.

If you feel yourself or a loved on would benefit from osteopathy, get in touch today!

See you next month,

Osteopath Annie

Annie Salter Osteopathy

Phone: 07396 842248

Email: hello@anniesalter.co.uk

Website: www.anniesalter.co.uk