Osteopathy
The word osteopathy is derived from Greek osteo (bone) and pathos (disease). It is still believed that disease can be caused by the pressure of maladjusted bones and that spinal manipulation can bring the body back into balance. According to osteopathic theory, problems in the musculo-skeletal system have an impact upon the function of internal organs.
Osteopathy detects and treats damaged muscles, ligaments, nerves and joints. Using a gentle yet precise force, the vertebrae and other joints are realigned, the body is re-balanced, compressed joints and bones are released and the movement of body fluids is improved.
Osteopathy also aims to encourage your body to heal itself. Sometimes an x-ray may be taken, and often the osteopath can immediately see the corrections that need to be made. e.g many people have one shoulder slightly higher than the other which can cause problems such as headaches.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommended manual therapies such as osteopathy for lower back pain that has lasted for more than six months and some limited treatment is available on the NHS.
