The first time you visit one of the team at Wadsworth Osteopaths we will take a detailed case history to find out about the complaint which is troubling you.
Also we need to ask about your general medical history, health and fitness.
After completing the history you will receive an examination. You will normally be asked to remove some clothing and perform a series of simple movements so we can find out which are painful for you or restricted.
We use standard medical tests which you may have come across before. For example testing reflexes and muscle strength.
There may be other more specialised tests which we use when necessary.
Osteopaths use palpation (a highly developed sense of touch) to detect abnormalities in muscle tone, joint mobility etc. This helps us arrive at a diagnosis.
Once we have made our assessment, we will discuss your problem with you, let you know if treatment is appropriate and what we would recommend in the way of treatment and management.
Osteopaths use their hands to both investigate the underlying causes of pain and to carry out treatment using a wide variety of manipulation techniques.
These techniques may include muscle and connective tissue stretching, rhythmic joint movements or high velocity thrust techniques (which often give an audible 'click') to improve the range of movement of a joint.
Gentle releasing techniques are often used, particularly when treating children or elderly patients.
The cranial approach uses very gentle techniques in which your Osteopath's highly trained sense of touch is used to identify and correct mechanical disturbances in and around the the joints of the skull and in other areas of the body.
Cranial Osteopathy, as it is sometimes called, can be helpful for babies after a difficult delivery. By gently releasing tension in the babys body an Osteopath can often relieve symptoms such as colic, disturbed sleep, restlessness and excessive crying.
