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Osteopathy
for adults, babies and children.
We treat ALL ages and ranges, from children
to teenagers and adults, including pregnant women and the elderly.
Osteopathy can be very
effective in the treatment of:
- Back and Neck pain
- Pelvis, Hip and Leg problems
- Sciatica/Trapped nerves
- Shoulder and Arm problems
- Joint Pain/Arthritic Pain
- Headache
- Digestive Disorders
- Sports Injuries
However, patients have found osteopathy helpful for many
other conditions. If you wish to discuss your symptoms please contact me. sue@meridian-osteopaths.co.uk
What does a consultation
involve?
An osteopath takes a detailed medical history from the patient
followed by careful examination and diagnosis of what is causing the
symptoms. An explanation and prognosis is given followed by treatment.
Normally we ask you to undress to your underwear on the first
consultation so that a full spinal and postural assessment may be
undertaken, so please wear something you are comfortable in.
For babies and children,
details of pregnancy and birth are taken. A baby is then usually undressed
to nappy and examined. Please bring spare nappies and milk with you, in
case required!
Do I need to be referred by my
GP?
No, although some private medical schemes require a referral from
the GP. I am recognised by most major health insurers. (eg BUPA, Aviva,
AXA)
Babies and
Children
It is a common belief that babies and children should have no
structural stresses or strains in their bodies because they are so young.
The reality is very different. Birth is one of the most stressful events of
our lives. The baby is subjected to enormous forces, as the uterus pushes
to expel the baby against the natural resistance of the birth canal. The
baby has to turn and twist as it squeezes through the bony pelvis, on its
short by highly stimulating and potentially stressful journey. A baby's
head has the remarkable ability to absorb these stresses in a normal
delivery. In order to reduce the size of the head, the soft bones overlap,
bend and warp as the baby descends. The baby's chin is normally well tucked
down towards its chest to reduce the presenting diameter of the head.
Many babies are born with odd shaped heads as a result. In the first
few days, the head can usually be seen to gradually lose the extreme
moulded shape, as the baby suckles, cries and yawns. However, this
unmoulding process is often incomplete, especially if the birth has been
difficult. As a result, the baby may have to live with some very
uncomfortable stresses within its head and body.
What effect can retained
moulding have?
Some babies cope extremely well with even quite severe retained
moulding and compression and are contented and happy. However not all
babies cope well. For example mechanical stresses affecting nerve supply
from the neck and head can affect the tongue causing feeding problems, or
to the gastric nerves causing colic. Tension in the skull can keep the baby
in an alert state so the baby has difficulty sleeping.
Osteopathic Treatment
Osteopathic treatment using the cranial approach or using an appropriate
level of soft tissue release to balance muscle tensions can be helpful to babies
and children. Specific gentle pressure is applied where necessary eg to balance
neck muscles and reduce the possibility of restrictions in head and neck
movement, particularly prevalent in newborns with a definite head
preference.
Could there be any adverse
reactions?
Reactions to treatment are variable; often the baby or child is very
relaxed afterwards and sleeps well. Others have a burst of energy after
treatment, usually followed by a good nights sleep. Occasionally children
are unsettled after treatment. This is a temporary situation and is usually
caused when the release of the retained moulding has been incomplete. It is
not always possible for all the retained moulding compression to release in
one session, especially if it has been severe.
How many treatments will be
needed?
On average, 2 to 6 treatments are sufficient. This varies according
to the severity of the problem and the age of the child.
When to treat?
The younger the better, it is never too early to treat. For best
results, treatment should be before the age of 5 years. After this, the
stresses and asymmetries cannot always be completely eliminated but it is
still possible to achieve beneficial release of the stresses throughout
life.
sue@meridian-osteopaths.co.uk
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