Osteopathy is a way of detecting and treating damaged parts of the body such as muscles, ligaments, nerves and joints. When the body is balanced and efficient, just like a well-tuned engine, it will function with minimal wear and tear, leaving more energy for living.

Osteopaths treat a variety of common conditions including postural changes in pregnancy; colicky or insomniac babies, repetitive strain injuries, postural problems caused by straining while driving or working, arthritis pain and sports injuries.

At your first visit, a complete medical case history will be taken. An examination will be carried out (you may be asked to remove some clothing for this) and then you may be asked to perform some simple movements so that the osteopath can assess the problem.

The osteopath will use their highly developed sense of touch called palpation to assess areas of weakness, tenderness, restriction or strain in your body.

The osteopath will make a diagnosis and discuss it with you and, if appropriate, treatment with an osteopath will be offered to you. Treatment will aim to help restore normal joint stability and function.

Osteopaths usually begin any treatment by releasing and relaxing muscles and stretching stiff joints, using gentle massage techniques, rhythmic joint movements and muscle release techniques. The osteopath can also perform manipulation using short, quick movements of the spinal joints. Other techniques may be used depending on your problem.

Treatments usually last up to half an hour and typically require between 2 and 6 sessions. Many patients decide that they would like to have periodic preventive treatments to avoid recurring problems.

These are the eight main principles of osteopathy and are widely believed throughout the international osteopathic community.

1. The body is a unit.

2. Structure and function are interrelated.

3. The body has self-regulation mechanisms.

4. The body has an inherent capacity to defend itself and repair itself.
5. When normal adaptability is disrupted or when changes in the environment exceed the body's capacity for self-maintenance, disease may result.

6. The movement of body fluids is essential to maintaining health.

7. Nerves play a key role in controlling body fluids.

8. There are somatic components of the disease that are not only manifestations of the disease, but are also factors that contribute to the maintenance of the disease state.

At the Holiomedica Holistic Health Center, we take structural problems seriously and solving them is part of the holistic approach that underpins the Center's successful treatments. We also go beyond osteopathy to a more holistic approach to the treatment of painful spinal problems as well as hyperpronation and foot type
Primus Metatarsus Supinatus.