What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of conditions. It is a holistic approach to health. Osteopaths work using their hands to diagnose and treat, in conjunction with case history taking.  It recognises that the overall wellbeing of an individual depends on the smooth interrelated functioning of the skeletal, muscles, ligaments and connective tissue.

Osteopaths believe that the body has an inherent ability to heal itself. Osteopaths also recognise that structure and function are closely related and that the body will work well if it is in good structural balance. They seek to enhance the blood and nerve supply to the tissues and help the body’s own healing mechanisms recover the homeostatic balance of the body to its equilibrium. Osteopaths use palpation, joint manipulation, stretching, and massage to increase to mobility of joints and to ease muscle tension along with many other techniques such as Cranial, Functional and Visceral etc.

Some conditions Osteopathy can help with:

• Back Pain
• Neck, Shoulder and Arm pain
• Sciatica
• Headaches
• Whiplash injuries
• Sporting and other injuries
• Joint pain
• Arthritic pain
• Sinusitis
• Ligament sprains and muscular sprains
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Pregnancy related issues i.e. Changes to posture, back pain and Pubic symphysis dysfunction.

Patients have found Osteopathic treatment beneficial for many other conditions.

Who do Osteopaths treat?

• Younger / Older individuals
• Manual workers
• Office workers
• Sporting individuals
• Individuals with recurrent injuries.

What to expect.

Initially Osteopaths record a full case history which includes past and present medical health states and any previous traumas or injuries. They will ask you about your current presenting symptoms and also questions on lifestyle. They may take your blood pressure, and do further tests. The Osteopath will observe how your body moves and record their findings. It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothing that you can move easily in (i.e. shorts/sportswear). After the initial induction the Osteopath should then explain their findings and explain how Osteopathy may be of benefit to your particular case.

Osteopathic treatment is recognised by the major health insurance providers in Ireland. Please check with your health insurance provider for further details.