Treatments

Some conditions we treat

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Spine related pain
• Hip, knee, ankle, foot or other joint problems
• Shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand and finger joint problems
• Frozen shoulder
• Tennis & golfers elbow
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Whiplash injuries
• Repetitve Strain Injury (RSI)
• Sports and work related injuries
• Sciatica
• Arthritis
• Headaches & Migraines
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Asthma
• Age related disorders
• Degenerative conditions

Osteopathy

Osteopathy is an established system of diagnosis and treatment that has its roots in ancient medical practices. It was brought up to date in the 20th century and is now a recognised system of diagnosis and treatment based on the structural and functional integrity of the body.

Modern Osteopaths integrate standard medical investigations and use many of the diagnostic procedures from conventional medical assessment. The osteopathic diagnosis is unique in that it also assesses the body in a holistic manner from a mechanical, functional and postural perspective. The Osteopath uses manual and other methods of treatment based on the needs of the individual patient rather than a generalised approach.

Naturopathy

Naturopathy is a form of medicine that is a derivative of the medicine practised by the early physicians. The essence of it is the use of natural remedies - massage & manipulative techniques (Osteopathy), hydrotherapy, natural essences & herbs etc. It is based on the concept that the body has the power to heal itself - but periodically needs a little help.

The main differences between modern medicine - the use of pharmacology (capsules, tablets & pills) which frequently have strong side effects - and Naturopathy where the action of the natural remedies, although they can be strong, largely do not have the same side effects.

Also modern medicine gives the power of healing to the doctor "Take these pills and you will be well". Where as the Naturopath is a guide who provides the tools to help the patient take the necessary actions to induce the healing process.

Naturopathy is a holistic approach and recognises there are 3 components to the healing process, called the 'Naturopathic Triad'. 1) Body, 2) Mind, 3) Spirit. All 3 aspects must be functioning in concert to lead to good health and the feeling of well being. If there is an imbalance it can lead to feeling unwell, sickness and the need for treatment.

In the case of the Body, this could be massage or Osteopathy, the Mind reduction of stresses - calmness, relaxation, the Spirit meditation. In each instance the patient is a participant in the process.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

The Chinese were practising forms of medicine several thousand years ago and they have been developed through the millenia and recently are being integrated with Western medical practice.

Acupuncture is a well known feature of Chinese medicine where fine needles are placed in specific areas of the body. Historically these needles were probably fine slivers of bone. Nowadays the needles are sterilised surgical steel sealed in sterile packaging and discarded after use. Chinese philosophy believes that acupuncture rebalances the energy flow within the body based upon a complex system of "meridians" or "energy channels". From a Western perspective, and modern scientific research, the pain relieving properties of acupuncture are due to the enhanced release of endorphins - the body's natural pain killers, modification of the autonomic nervous system and the immune system.

Chinese medicine also uses herbal products - rather like Naturopathic medicine - where combinations of herbs are used to treat conditions.

Summary

Unlike the pharmacological approach of modern medicine where the doctor treats the complaint (not the patient) with a "silver bullet" (tablet), the holistic integration of complementary therapies treats each patient as a individual who is personally involved in all aspects of the treatment.