A-Z of Osteopathy

For Adults, Babies and Children

Fiddlers Green Cottage, 3 Riley Lane, Kirkburton, Huddersfield HD8 0RX Telephone: 01484 608118

Adults

Arthritis	To reduce pain, ease swelling and improve mobility and range of joint movement
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome	Pain and pins and needles in the wrist and into the hand is due to a compression at the wrist which aggravates the nerve and blood supply. There might be other compensatory problems which would also need to be addressed
Disc Problem	When a disc is damaged and protruding it can become inflamed or can press on a nerve. Treatment is aimed at reducing the irritation by alleviating muscle tension and joint compression and improving mobility
Golfers Elbow	Pain on the inside of the elbow can be due to a combination of neck, shoulder and elbow problems
Groin Strain	This can be a true muscle tear or an instability in the pelvis
Headaches/Migraines	These may be due to stresses and strains in the head and neck. Often problems arise due to poor posture, injury or general 'wear and tear'
Jaw Problems	The small joint where the jaw meets the skull 'clicks' and gets sore with movement - sometimes associated with grinding teeth whilst asleep
Knee Pain	Often people put up with aching knees thinking there is nothing that can be done and are commonly told its 'wear and tear'. The pain can be due to irritation and inflammation of cartilage or due to spinal and pelvic imbalances putting undue pressure through one knee
Ligament and Muscle Strain	These types of strains are invariably accompanied by or as a result of skeletal problems
ME or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome	By reducing physical stresses and strains the body can function more efficiently and with greater vitality and so use less energy
Mid-back and Low Back Pain	Both acute and chronic problems respond well
Neck / Shoulder Problems	This can be due to joint restriction, osteoarthritis, or such problems as 'frozen' shoulder
Osteoporosis	The pain associated with this disease can be reduced using gentle techniques
Pelvic Pain	Restrictions in the pelvis can cause pain in the pubic symphysis area or in the buttock area.
Posture	Advice is often given on improving posture which can be the cause of problems
Pregnancy	Support can be given as the body adapts to the changes takes place and treat any problems as they occur
Post-partum mothers	Occasionally problems occur as a result of a difficult pregnancy or stressful labour and birth
Repetitive Strain Injuries 'RSI'	There are at least 20 types of RSI conditions which can be due to structural problems. Also, postural and workplace changes may need to be made to prevent re-occurrence
Rib pain	This type of pain can be very sharp and debilitating and be aggravated by breathing. Reduced rib mobility can also cause pain in the chest and sternum
Sciatica	Identifying the cause of the sciatic nerve irritation is the key to a successful outcome
Shin Splints	Pain in the front of the leg between the knee and the ankle can be due to a number of causes including the feet
Tennis Elbow	Pain on the outside of the elbow can be due to a combination of neck, shoulder and elbow problems
Tendonitis	Inflammation of a tendon might be the result of joint and muscular problems
Whiplash	The effects of such an injury can be far-reaching and have long-lasting effects. It is often the whole body and not just the neck that has suffered trauma
X-Rays	Occasionally a referral for an X-ray is necessary to confirm a diagnosis or exclude any areas of concern

Babies

Crying, Irritability	This may be due to discomfort from a continued pressure in the head made worse by lying down which could further increase pressure
Feeding Difficulties	Mechanical stresses through the head, face and throat can make feeding difficult. The nerves to the tongue leaving the skull might be irritated and would compromise suckling
Sickness, Colic and Wind	The gentle, skilful application of cranial osteopathic treatment can bring about a significant improvement in such cases, which may be the result of a traumatic or even non-intervention birth. The nerve to the stomach can become irritated affecting digestion. The diaphragm may be tight which could affect digestion or put pressure on the stomach.
Sleep Disturbances	Tension or irritation in the bony and membranous casing of the skull can keep the nervous system in a continued state of activity

Children

Asthma	Removing physical stresses or strains can help improve rib movements, muscle function and increase lung capacity
Behaviour Problems and Learning Difficulties	Problems from birth can make a baby restless which if unresolved will lead onto habit forming problems as they grow older
'Glue' Ear / Ear Infections	The effect of retained compression from birth within and around the bones of the ear can affect fluid drainage down the Eustachian tube causing congestion and lead to recurrent infections
Headaches, Aches and Pains	The effects of retained moulding at birth can result in pressure and tension in the head resulting in headaches and problems elsewhere in the body
Recurrent Infections	Stresses and strains from birth can compromise the immune system and lead to different types of recurrent infection
Sinus and Dental Problems	Retained compression will affect the small yet significant motion of the sinuses and facial bones resulting in poor drainage and the increased chance of dental overcrowding