Osteopathy at Health and Harmony Stanmore

What is Osteopathy / The role of an Osteopath:

Osteopathy is a form of primary health care. It is an established system of examination, diagnosis and treatment which lays its main emphasis on the structure and function of the human body.
Osteopaths are considered manual therapists – we use our hands to treat various conditions.
Osteopathy focuses on the bones, joints, ligaments, fascia, muscles and tendons predominantly, finding what the underlying cause of the pain is and treating it.
Osteopathy treatment is through various techniques which include:

• Manual Therapy: Soft tissue release, articulation, manipulation/mobilisation, strain- counter strain, Muscle energy technique.
• Medical Acupuncture: A form of acupuncture used by our osteopaths for various conditions. Predominantly muscle pain or for therapeutic use.
• Rehabilitation: Muscle imbalance correction
• Preventative Advice: Re-education on posture at work and home. Appropriate stretches before and after exercise.

Osteopathy Video (recorded by Rupal Ladva): What is Osteopathy?

Conditions Osteopathy can treat:

treatments

Your initial Osteopathy treatment:

Before any treatment can commence, our Osteopath, Rupal Ladva will take your Case History which includes establishing the patients age, occupation, when symptoms began, the progression of it, current health and lifestyle and diet and other medical issues which may have an effect on the treatment. All information is strictly confidential. The Case History will be taken at the Practice in Stanmore, London.
An examination on the indicated area of pain and full spine assessment will have to be done. You will be required to do some simple movements, this enables the practitioner to indicate where the source of the pain is deriving from and also recognize which structures in your body could be causing the pain and discomfort. Patients will be advised to undress down to their underwear, gowns will be provided.
You may also be given a neurological, orthopaedic or circulatory examination (reflexes, blood pressure).
A full explanation of both the source of your condition and its treatment will be provided in order for you to take an active role in your own healing process. The Osteopath may suggest an exercise programme to both improve and maintain flexibility, strength and core stability, as well as advising on work ergonomics. These measures are required to prevent a reoccurrence of your problem.

Osteopathy helping to treat Work Conditions:

Every year millions of workers in the UK take sick days off work due to occupational injuries.
Whether you work in an office or work outside doing manual work, there are certain demands put on your body.
Manual work is tough you may have to lift heavy loads, overstretching, prolonged bending causing disc bulges and sciatica.
Sedentary occupations cause other problems. RSI (Repetitive strain injury) of the wrist, neck stiffness/ shoulder pain and trapped nerves due to overuse of the telephone and lower back pain due to long hours at the desk.
Osteopaths at health and harmony can advise you on your work setup and how small adjustments can make the difference. By visiting us you are showing your boss that you are taking an active role in your recovery.
We do issue OFF WORK CERTIFICATES for those who require it.

Sports Injuries & Osteopathy

sportsinjury For keen athletes or those who like to keep active, injuries can occur at any time due to over exertion or because of weakness elsewhere e.g. tennis elbow, biceps tendonitis.
For those going back into sports will prove to be difficult due to the lack of joint mobility and flexibility and this may affect their performance. For example post injury certain tissues may not have fully recovered causing restricted ranges of movement and for the enthusiastic older cricket player who no longer is able to bend their knees a before.
Young people are particularly prone to sporting injuries as their bodies are still developing and they are expected to perform to a high standard causing injuries regularly.
A treatment plan will be advised, and the relevant treatment will be given. The good news is that most people who are exceptionally fit tend to recover quicker.

Osteopathy treating the elderly

elderly Retirement is an opportunity to relax and take up hobbies. The majority will include some physical activity.
The ageing person is no different to the next only that their body is slowing down. Thanks to osteopathy you can look beyond painkillers for the relief from stiffness and the early stages of arthritis.
Health and Harmony provides a long term plan for our elder patients. At the early stages we eliminate the acute pain and then with advice suggest to patients to come every 4-6 weeks so to avoid reoccurring symptoms.

Osteopathy helping women during pregnancy

During pregnancy the majority of women will experience back pain, this is because of the changes occurring to the body and ultimately the spine which is unable to cope with the changes in weight distribution.
Many women complain of Lower back pain, SPD (symphysis pubis dysfunction) heartburn, mid back pain.
Osteopaths will give advice during the pregnancy and post pregnancy. Advising on posture, gently exercise and how to re gain strength and core stability and generally how to be comfortable when sitting and sleeping.
Mothers are advised to return 4-6 weeks after giving birth, to start restoring strength and joint function.

Osteopathy helping babies

babyosteopath Some babies do not cope with the process of birth very well. Some pregnancy can be very traumatic putting tension on the skull which can cause children to not sleep well, cry continuously and not feed correctly.
Osteopathy for babies is very gentle, as research has suggested that they respond very quickly to treatment. Some babies will be very sleepy and some will be irritable for a few days. But after a few days they should settle.