Osteopaths are best known for treating patients suffering from a wide range of orthopaedic, rheumatic and degenerative complaints of the neck, shoulders, arms, back, hips, ankles and knees often as a result of injury or strain. However, it is less well known that the benefits of osteopathy extend to a wide variety of medical problems.

Since osteopathy is such a safe, gentle method of treatment, it has particular value in treating the new born infant.  Strain to the neck, head, thorax or shoulder is almost inevitable as the infant is exposed to strong forces when exiting the birth canal, especially if vontuse or forceps have been used.  Never has the osteopathic idiom “As the twig is bent so grows the tree” been truer than with the treatment of the infant.

Similarly, elderly patients suffering, for example, from chest infections can be significantly helped using osteopathic procedures that help mobilize the chest cage and affect the blood and nerve supply to the lungs. Similarly osteopathy can help ease the pain associated with osteoporosis.

Just two more of the many fields of medicine in which Osteopathy has come to play a valued role are those of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, often helping to ease pregnancy and labour as well relieving period pains, oesophageal reflux and the symptoms of menopause.