Lincoln Osteopaths

Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment which lays main emphasis on the structural and mechanical problems of the body. The osteopath is most concerned with the body framework or musculo-skeletal system, and how it is functioning.

When the structure is in harmony and balance, just like a well tuned engine, it will function with the minimum of wear, stress and energy, leaving more energy available for living.

Damage is occurring to our body's framework every minute of the day, but fortunately, it is designed to repair itself. It is only when either the damage is excessive or when the body's normal defence and repair mechanisms are themselves impaired, that disease (literally, dis-ease) occurs and treatment is necessary.

By taking a case history and examining the body's structure and function, the osteopath first seeks to establish the source of the symptoms. However, the aim in treatment may not be to treat the disease process or injury itself, but to remove mechanical hindrances to the normal restoration of health.  In other words, to help the body to heal itself.

Registered Osteopaths draw from a wide range of techniques. These include massage-like techniques to relax muscles, articulation or passive repetitive joint stretching to improve the quality or range of movement of a joint, and high velocity thrust techniques to restore the mobility and function of a joint (this is the technique which produces a click). Many practitioners also use gentle release techniques (sometimes referred to as cranial osteopathy) to ease away stresses in tissues. These are particularly useful with infants. Cranial techniques are used by Stephen Tyreman and Paddy Searle-Barnes, as well as the more direct techniques mentioned above.

After  treatment

Following treatment some people feel sore where they have been manipulated and massaged. This is often a sign that the body is responding to what has been done. Generally this reaction settles down in 12-24 hours. If you are concerned in any way please contact your osteopath.