Osteopathy

Founded in the late nineteenth century, osteopathy is a diagnostic and treatment system that focuses on the musculoskeletal system (joints, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues) and the interrelationship of this with the body as a whole.

Osteopathy uses various manual techniques to examine the state of the tissues, and apply corrections where appropriate. Techniques include joint articulation, joint 'adjustment'.  Although osteopathic treatment often relates to back pain many other conditions are treated: sports injuries, joint pain, headache, breathing and digestive problems, women's problems -- a whole range from birth trauma to old age arthritis.

The main strength of osteopathy lies in the unique way the patient is assessed from a mechanical, functional and postural standpoint and in the manual methods of treatment chosen for each individual patient. The osteopath's highly developed sense of touch, called palpation, will identify points of weakness or excessive strain. Additional investigations such as X-rays or blood tests may be necessary.

 Jason Houghton        Stacy Chaitoo