Osteopathy works by identifying and correcting the underlying source of your health problem. We treat the cause that pain killers hide. Osteopathy is based on the fact that the body is a self-healing entity. However, sometimes it needs a bit of help. Your osteopath will offer your body that helping hand, thus allowing it to heal itself naturally and providing a long-term solution.

People of all ages, from newborn to elderly- can be treated with osteopathy. There are hundreds of osteopathic techniques and your osteopath will choose the one most appropriate for you and your condition. Most conditions can be treated, even after surgery. If yours is not an osteopathic case, you will be referred to appropriate specialist.

A wide range of conditions can benefit from osteopathic care. Here is an abridged list of conditions most commonly treated. If your specific health concern is not listed, call our clinic and speak to a qualified osteopath.

Back pain

Buttock, leg and foot pain

Sciatica

Slipped disc

Pinched nerves

Neck pain

Shoulder, arm and hand pain

Headaches, migraine and dizziness

Weakness, numbness, pins and needles

Muscle tension

Scoliosis

Athletic & Sports Injury Treatment

Pregnancy Pain & Pregnancy Backache

Kids and osteopathy

Asthma

Osteoarthritis Arthritis Treatment

Stress Management & Stress Relief

Whiplash Injury & Whiplash Treatment

Back pain

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people consult osteopaths. Back pain affects over 80% of the population at some stage of their lives, and that figure is growing. Back pain may vary from a slight niggling ache to sharp debilitating pain that can affect every part of the back and also radiate to other areas of the body. Some causes of back pain include bad posture, poor seating, unsupportive beds and pillows, incorrect lifting, sedentary lifestyle, stress (both physical and mental), trauma, sports injuries, pregnancy, “wear and tear”… the list goes on. So what can be done?

An osteopath is the natural and drug free way to combat back pain.

For a long term solution to lower back pain, one cannot look towards pain killers. They do not offer a permanent solution, and the problem will only get worse with time.

Back pain can be a debilitating disease or just a little niggle - but any sign of pain means that there is something wrong with your health.

Osteopathic adjustments provide a safe and effective treatment for back pain and are a proven way of relieving pain and rehabilitating the spine. Osteopaths aim for long term solutions, and through a maintenance program, keep you feeling well and pain free. The osteopath aims to restore normal function to your body allowing normal motion and posture.

Osteopaths are trained to diagnose, treat and prevent these disorders and bring you back to good health. Osteopaths mainly use manual methods of treatment. Osteopaths are able to advise the patient in exercise programmes, posture, ergonomics and diet that will contribute to the maintenance of flexibility and function.

Buttock, leg and foot pain

Leg pain doesn’t always mean there is something wrong with the leg itself. Because of the way your nervous system functions, you may, for example, have pain in your foot when the problem actually lies in your lower back. Your osteopath will be able to identify whether the source of your problem is where you feel the pain (such as that with arthritic pain), or if it is radiating from another part of your body, and then treat you accordingly.

Osteopaths are medically trained to diagnose many causes of disease and then refer if treatment is not appropriate.

Many diseases that can be life threatening can present as pain in the leg or joints. Your osteopath is trained to diagnose these and refer you for specialist treatment.

Sciatica

The pain may hit suddenly like a lightening bolt, or may be like an excruciating "toothache" in your legs - either way sciatica is a painful experience that osteopathy is surely the answer for.

Early Sciatic Pain is often so mild it can be ignored. But this is the stage when it’s vital to see an osteopath.

Sciatica is a general term describing pain from irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve and its branches. Its symptoms are generally pain down the back of the legs and can sometimes be felt in the ankles, feet & toes. Even when sciatica originates from the lower part of the spine, low back pain isn’t necessarily present. A prolapsed disc may cause sciatica but there are other conditions, such as spinal decay, that can cause irritation of the sciatic nerve. If left untreated for too long, medical intervention may be required, although surgery is not always successful.

This is why osteopaths stress that treatment begins upon the first hint of sciatic symptoms. These may include numbness or tingling in one or both legs, occasional shooting pains, and tenderness in surrounding muscles. Pain killers will only mask the symptoms while the condition progressively gets worse. Osteopaths are trained to assess the patient to ascertain what the cause of sciatica is. Sometimes the osteopath may need to work in conjunction with other health care professionals to enable the patient to receive the best management for their condition.

Osteopathic care will help combat sciatica, and avoid surgery or long standing pain.

Regardless of age, when spinal damage goes uncorrected, the body deposits calcium on the surface of adjacent bones that aren’t moving properly. If neglected long enough, this splinting affect can result in complete fusion. This worsening process is called spinal decay and can occur throughout the spine. There are several phases of spinal decay but with early detection, appropriate osteopathic care has been shown to slow or stop the early stages of this process.

Slipped disc

The intervertebral discs are the shock absorbers of the spine.

Technically, discs cannot slip. However, they can bulge, herniate, collapse and even rupture. Accidents or lifting are common ways of causing a disc injury. When the spine is forced beyond its natural limits, the ligaments, tendons and muscles that support the spine can become overstretched or torn. The bulging disc can compress on the spinal cord and nerves and produce pain in an area distant from the site of the problem. The vertebrae are often forced out of normal position, which reduces the normal range of motion. This instability can lead to pain, tingling and numbness in other regions of the body. Disc injury can also come from degeneration of the spine.

Slipped discs are a serious problem that could have you off work for months.

You may find that the pain will eventually subside. However, if spinal dysfunction remains uncorrected, you may develop irreversible changes in the spine that can cause problems later on in life. Your osteopath will determine whether osteopathic treatment is appropriate for your case. Most patients find remarkable improvement in their symptoms and are soon able to return to normal daily activities without painkillers and without surgery.

Pinched nerves

Pinched nerves are relatively rare. Whilst it is not very common to have a bone compressing on a nerve, it is much more common to irritate a nerve by inflammation, abnormal function or loading of the spinal vertebra.

Osteopaths are trained to relieve the pressure on the nerves caused by spinal misalignments or tight muscles.

Irritation and compression can result in pain, muscle weakness, pins and needles, numbness and burning sensation. Once the exact location of nerve irritation has been identified, your osteopath can then get on with the job of getting you out of pain and on the road to recovery.

Neck pain

Today’s modern lifestyle often causes problems in the neck and shoulder area.

The head is about the weight of a bowling ball, bad posture can cause your head to deviate form the centre of gravity and increases the work of the muscles causing more pain.

Poor work position or posture, repetitive tasks and stress can all cause pain, discomfort and muscle tension in the neck, at the base of the skull and over the top of the shoulders. These problems are often associated with frequent headaches. Problems can arise weeks, months or even years later. Speak to your osteopath to find out how you can get out of pain and stay that way.

Shoulder, arm and hand pain

Arm & Shoulder pain isn’t always as clear cut as it would seem. Sometimes the hidden cause can be far more complicated.

The anatomy of your shoulder makes it vulnerable to injury.

As with leg pain, the most important thing to do is to determine what is causing it. Your osteopath has been trained to accurately diagnose the problem and treat accordingly. Whether the pain is arising from a frozen shoulder, tennis/golfers elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive strain injury, sports injuries, awkward sleeping positions, or the way you sit at work for 8 hours a day, your osteopath will explain to you the best course of action.

Most problems can be related to a large nerve outlet called the brachial plexus. The nerves that service your arms and shoulders all meet here before they branch off. All it takes is a compressed (pinched) nerve to throw the whole system off balance. This can cause tingling in the fingers, and unpleasant feelings of heat, cold and swelling.

Osteopathy aims to relieve the compressed nerve by realigning the spine, reducing muscle tension and therefore relieving the pressure on the nerve.

Headaches, migraine and dizziness

Because headaches are so common, some people think they are a normal part of life. Painkillers might give some relief from your headaches, but they do not address the cause of the problem.

Headaches are common but there not normal.

There are many types of headaches. Tension headaches are often associated with our hectic lifestyle and stress. Migraines can be very debilitating and disturbing. Sometimes there is no headache to speak of, but symptoms may include visual and hearing disturbances, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, even vomiting. Pain can be felt at the base of the skull, the surface of the head or the face and eyes. It may be felt on both sides or one side of the head. Mechanical stress in the form of poorly functioning neck joints can affect the nerves of the face, head and neck. There can be damage to the muscles and ligaments of the neck, a jaw imbalance and problems in other areas of the spine. When spinal nerves and associated tissues are stretched or irritated they can produce throbbing headaches.

Pain killers just hide the cause, allowing your problem to get worse.

Emotional stress can increase muscular tension, especially at the base of the neck, head and jaw. This tension can irritate nerves and upset the blood flow, causing headaches. After your osteopath has carefully diagnosed your condition, he can then give you recommendations for care. If yours is not an osteopathic case, you will be referred to the appropriate health care provider.

Many people find relief. Our osteopaths have the skills necessary to take a full medical history, make a diagnosis as to whether the headaches are a sign of a more serious condition, carry out manual treatment where necessary and give various forms of advice, such as diet, exercise, ergonomics etc.

Weakness, numbness, pins and needles

Our entire body is connected by an intricate network of nerves and blood vessels, which the body uses to communicate. Damage to these can be reflected by numbness or tingling.

Left unattended, spinal problems and tight muscles can cause permanent damage to your nerves.

‘Pins and needles’ happens to us all. But what most people don’t realize is that this is the body’s reaction to a compressed (pinched) nerve. Numbness is a similar problem, a natural alarm that something has gone wrong. This can often just be a spinal joint out of alignment, which through osteopathic adjustments can be treated. However, if left unattended, degeneration and permanent damage may occur. The result will be a more severe, long term pain and numbness.

Osteopathy aims to relieve the compressed nerve by reducing muscle tension, realigning the spine and improving joint mobility.

When a nerve is being irritated, or compressed, then the normal flow of nerve impulses will be affected. In many cases this can result in muscular weakness, pins and needles, burning sensation or numbness of the skin. Each nerve supplies specific muscles, reflexes and areas of the skin. Your osteopath can use this information to pinpoint the exact origin of your problem and then put together a treatment plan to address your individual needs.

Muscle tension

Muscle tension is very common these days and it can vary from slight sense of tightness to agonising pain.

If muscle tension is anything but transient, then it can start affecting the joints that the tight muscles cross. This may result in abnormal functioning of the joint or misalignment of the bone, as tight muscles are pulling it off normal alignment. When the proper function of the joints is restored, soft tissues relax, as they can once again contract and relax normally. In most cases treatment together with specific stretches produce maximum results and prevent problems from recurring.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a general term meaning sideways curvature of the spine. Looking at the ideal spine from the front or the back it would be completely straight. One shoulder or one side of the pelvis being higher than the other may be a sign of scoliosis. Whether scoliosis can be corrected with osteopathic care depends on the individual case. Scoliosis often develops in early teenage years and the earlier you intervene, the easier it is to treat. When scoliosis has been present for a long time, the sideways curvature may not always be corrected, however the function of the spine can, in most cases be improved, thus relieving any pain, discomfort, even breathing difficulties. Talk to your osteopath to find out more.

Athletic & Sports Injury Treatment

Sports injuries can be a very real problem for all athletes. Osteopaths are not just concerned with the treatment of sports-related injuries but how to prevent them in the first place and how to help enhance performance.

Improve your competitive edge, top level athletes increasingly seek regular osteopathic care to enhance performance and prevent injury .

It is possible that a person can have a mechanical problem without being aware of any clinical symptoms. If that is the case, then not only will they be prone to injury when applying that extra bit of effort but as they are not functioning correctly then they cannot perform to their maximum capability. Your body can be fine tuned by working out daily and striving towards your personal goal, but can you be better through osteopathy?

Sports injuries are often problems that arise when increased demand is applied to a body part that is not functioning properly in the first place. These might include spinal or pelvic misalignment, muscle imbalance and poor posture to mention but a few. Athletes require all parts of their body to be working at there optimum to be able to work in a co-ordinated and cohesive manner. At competitive levels, athletes may not be able to take drugs for inflammation and pain relief. Osteopaths can offer pain relief with out drugs. We are able to assist the athlete in achieving optimum body mechanics, ensuring maximum performance whilst conserving energy.

Your osteopath can help you recover quicker, with less pain. More importantly an osteopath can uncover underlying problems and by correcting them, help prevent your problem from recurring. Osteopathic care for these types of injuries has become increasingly popular. Whether you are professional athlete, a jogger or a weekend warrior, osteopathy can help you.

Your osteopath will be able to give you advice on appropriate fitness workouts, regular stretching, preparation exercises, training programme to suit your needs, footwear and clothing, appropriate strapping and nutrition.

Pregnancy Pain & Pregnancy Backache

Many physical, mental and hormonal changes take place during pregnancy and these can put strain on a woman’s body.

Osteopathy is suitable and safe throughout the pregnancy.

As the centre of gravity changes so do the stresses on the body and spine. Shoulder and back pain, headaches, sciatica as well as pain in the pelvis and ribs are common during pregnancy. Osteopaths are able to modify approaches to make osteopathic adjustments to the spine easy and comfortable for the expectant mother and provide a drug free alternative to pain management.

Our osteopaths can help during pregnancy by:

Correcting mechanical disorders of the joints and muscles that can lead to joint and nerve stress. This reduces pain and improves function.

Maintaining normal joint function and spinal balance. This helps the spine to adapt to the altered posture and weight increase.

Allowing the joints of the pelvis and lower back to move freely which assists in the birth process. If the musculoskeletal system is functioning at its maximum it enhances the opening of the pelvis.

Advising the maternity patient on lifestyle including posture and lifting to avoid spinal stress.

Advising on exercise regimes to help towards spinal health.

The stress of carrying an unborn baby causes the body, spine and pelvis to be particularly vulnerable. Hormonal changes make the pelvis more supple during the latter portion of pregnancy. This instability can lead to other strains being felt in the spine and supporting muscles and ligaments. Pregnancy creates new problems but can also exacerbate existing ones.

The process of childbirth puts tremendous stress and strains on your body. As the body is more supple for some time after birth due to the hormonal changes, there may be an increased susceptibility to injury.

There is also the added strain on the spine whilst nursing, feeding and caring for the baby. The osteopaths at Docklands Osteopathy Clinic recommend that new mothers have their spine examined as soon as possible after the birth.

Kids and osteopathy

Children are always getting into trouble and falling or bumping into things. This can cause a child’s spine to misalign, causing problems, which at first might not seem to have anything to do with the spine. On the other hand misalignment of the child’s spine may not show any symptoms until later in life, so it is a good idea to have the kids checked by an osteopath. Children have also been successfully treated by osteopaths for asthma, breathing difficulties, sleep problems, feeding problems, colic, hyperactivity, bedwetting and much more. Preventing problems is far easier and quicker than dealing with a problem that has been developing for years or even decades.

Asthma

Asthma cases are increasing at an alarming rate. This is thought to be a combination of increased exposure to allergens from food, the air we breathe and building materials. Some researchers believe that vaccinations, antibiotics and genetics may also play a role, whilst stress is a definite factor. Many asthma sufferers have found help with osteopathic care. Osteopathy can help improve the patient’s neurological status and respiratory function through stress management, lifestyle and dietary advice together with specific joint adjustments and exercise.

Osteoarthritis Arthritis Treatment

The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, also called degenerative arthritis. Over 50% of people over the age of 65 suffer from arthritis. This type of arthritis begins years before any bone changes are found on x-ray. The impact of this disease process can be profound and the suffering immense. Poorly functioning joints do not tolerate loads and stresses, increasing the likelihood of osteoarthritis.

Arthritis is a problem of joints, and not a problem of old age.

Joints of the human body consist of two bones coming together. The ends of the bones are covered in cartilage and the whole joint is surrounded by a capsule. The joint capsule is filled with a lubricant called synovial fluid. Joints have a blood and nerve supply along with veins and lymphathic system that drains and cleans the joint. Joint health is maintained through proper joint alignment, good blood and nerve supply, and good drainage of the joint capsule.

Just like the proper alignment of tyres on your car, osteopathy can maximize the "mileage" you derive from your joints.

To treat arthritis and eliminate joint pain, an accurate diagnosis of the joint, as well as all of the other possible problem sources, is vital. To treat arthritis with pain killers, without knowing the cause of the joint problem, is crazy. Covering over the pain usually leads to problems in other areas, and does nothing to fix the source of the problem! Injecting cortisone or some other steroid deteriorates the cartilage and leads to future joint destruction. Too many times, patients have been given the diagnosis of arthritis without an accurate diagnosis. Arthritis is not a normal sign of aging so patients don't have to accept this rush to judgement type of diagnosis.

Osteopaths do not take arthritis away but they can often alleviate the pain and movement restriction that is often associated with the condition. Osteopaths are well suited to play a role in maintaining or increasing joint mobility and function. They are trained to help with many of the problems that senior citizens encounter. Osteopaths work to reduce the advancement of wear and tear, helping your body to work at its best. Even when there is severe arthritis, gentle osteopathic methods can assist in maintaining a reasonable degree of mobility.

Regular osteopathic care aims to maximise movement and balance of muscles and joints, gently and within their current ability. Years of use and misuse of your body may not show its effect until your lifestyle changes (which can occur at anytime, but especially at retirement). Wear and tear causes damage and stiffness in joints, muscles and ligaments that can result in pain and poor movement.

Osteopaths able to advise the patient in exercise. We can customize exercises that will allow the muscles to be strengthened. When your muscles are strong, less strain is placed on your joints.

Stress Management & Stress Relief

Sometimes it is an upset stomach, other times it can be headaches, back pain, muscle stiffness, nervous twitches, allergic reactions or sensitivities. Just as a chain breaks at its weakest link, we seem to show stress and strain in the weakest regions of our body. Regardless of which response you have, the function of the nervous system is involved. All the functions of your body are controlled by your nervous system. Without a healthy nervous system your body will cease to function well and illness may result.

Stress has been with us since the beginning of time. Throughout time there have been threatening situations. Today, the stress of careers, deadlines, conflicts, and the demands on our time and money, takes a huge toll on our health. It may not be possible to remove the stress from a busy life but osteopathy will help you to respond better to the unique challenges that you face.

Osteopathy is often able to restore joint function and therefore the function of your nervous system, which has a profound effect on your response to stress. Our osteopaths are qualified to diagnose, treat and assist in the prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, which enables your body to work at a more optimal level. All our osteopaths take a holistic approach to your health and are qualified to advise you about exercise, diet, ergonomics, lifestyle changes and other methods of lowering stress levels.

Whiplash Injury & Whiplash Treatment

Whiplash is a common car accident injury. Whiplash can occur even at relatively low impact speeds and does not necessarily cause any pain at the time of the accident, because of the body’s ability to compensate for injuries. Problems can arise weeks, months or even years later.

Injuries to the neck caused by sudden movements of the head either backward, sideways or forwards takes the framework of the spine beyond its normal limits with the vertebrae being forced out of normal position and function. The violent movement can cause the muscles, ligaments and tendons supporting the spine and head to be overstretched and torn. The shock absorbers of the spine, the discs, can bulge, tear or rupture. The nerve roots and the spinal cord can become stretched and irritated. The occupant can receive a considerable amount of soft tissue injury. This leads to instability of the spine and soft tissues.

The symptoms that can arise from this resulting instability are as follows:

Pain, pins and needles, numbness or muscle spasm in the shoulder

Pain, pins and needles, numbness or muscle spasm in the arm

Pain, pins and needles, numbness or muscle spasm in the hands

Reduced ability to turn and bend

Low back problems

Symptoms may not appear for weeks or even months, as the body attempts to adapt to the changes that have taken place.

The osteopath will diagnose and treat your condition using manual techniques to return your framework to normal function. If caught early enough the inflammation can be reduced and often the scar issue can be minimised. Our osteopaths will advise against the use of standard neck collars as they can cause the supportive muscles to weaken, lengthening the recovery time.