Osteopathy in Leeds
We are one of the leading practices of Osteopathy in Leeds, Yorkshire.
Osteopathy is an established and recognised way of detecting and treating problems with muscles, ligaments, nerves and joints to help the body's own natural healing ability.
Trained Osteopaths recognise that much of the pain and disability we suffer, stems from abnormalities in our body's structure and function as well as damage from disease.
When the body functions well there is more energy for living.
The treatment involves gentle, manual techniques - easing pain, reducing swelling and improving mobility, without the use of drugs or surgery.
- What can osteopathy help?
- Osteopathy in Leeds at the Good Health Centre
- Osteopathy treatment
- What to expect
- Cautions and care
- Osteopathy for children and babies
- Training and regulation
- Find out more
What can osteopathy help?
Osteopathy is known as an effective treatment for lower back pain and has been recommended by the Royal College of General Practitioners. However it has can also be beneficial for a wide variety of muscular and joint pains and postural problems.
- Pain-killers are not the only solution for the aches and pains associated with ageing. Osteopathy can help the underlying causes of pain and can also help to reduce pain and stiffness in the early stages of arthritis.
- Many headaches originate from stiffness and tension in the neck and osteopathic treatment can often bring relief.
- Osteopathy can treat sporting injuries, improving performance.
- Pregnancy can put a strain on the whole spine and osteopathic treatment can help the body adapt to the many changes it experiences.
- Work, whether at a computer terminal or in heavy industry, can give rise to disorders of muscles, tendons and joints, particularly in the back, hands and arms. Osteopaths treat many conditions related to the workplace and can give remedial advice and preventative exercise. Find out more about The Good Health Centre's occupational health service 'Osteopathy in Industry'.
- Click to find out about the special interests of the osteopaths at the Good Health Centre
- Cranial Osteopathy is widely used for babies and children to help with crying, colic, feeding and sleeping problems. It can also help patients of all ages.
Osteopathy in Leeds at the Good Health Centre
Amittai Sevi
Douglas Olson
Sebastian Contreras
Joy Kao
Sarah Gordon
Natia Pantelidou
Louise Alexander
Simon Barnard
Osteopathy treatment
Osteopaths use their hands to diagnose and treat problems with the way the body is working and damage caused by disease.
The treatment may include muscle and tissue stretching, rhythmic joint movements and 'high velocity thrusts', which are short, sharp movements.
Manipulation can result in a 'cracking' noise, this may sound alarming but is just the sound of gas bubbles popping in the joint fluid.
These treatment techniques help to reduce joint stiffness, muscle tension and to help the spine and joints to move more freely.
What to expect
On your first visit your osteopath will take a full history and examine your body to make an in-depth assessment. You may be asked to remove some outer clothing and to perform some simple movements.
It is advisable to wear loose clothing that you feel comfortable moving in.
The osteopath will use his or her hands to identify any weakness or points of strain, to allow a diagnosis and treatment plan to be developed, tailored specifically for your needs.
A course of three to six treatments often provides the greatest benefit, although chronic conditions may need regular treatments to prevent relapse.
Some patients may feel a little sore or stiff after treatment, this is normal and usually lasts no more than 24 - 48 hours
Cautions and care
Osteopathy is a very safe, non-invasive treatment without the side effects of drugs. However it's important to let your osteopath know if you have any medical conditions as they can choose the appropriate treatment techniques for your condition.
The use of a technique known as a high velocity thrust is not advisable if you have osteoporosis, broken bones, ligament damage or joint inflammation. It should also be avoided in certain medical conditions including cancer, aneurysm, bleeding disorders, multiple sclerosis or are between eight and twelve weeks pregnant.
There has been some discussion about the potential risks of spinal manipulation. However the British Medical Journal concluded that the risk was very low, with the risk of a stroke was between 1 and 3 in 1million manipulations.
A separate medical review found that spinal manipulation was safer than the use of non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs.
Osteopathy for children and babies
Osteopathy is an effective and natural approach to healthcare for all ages. Osteopaths treat babies, children and teenagers for a variety of common complaints, and simply to ensure healthy postural development.
How can osteopathy help my baby?
A baby's skull is made up of a number of bones that can overlap and move to adapt to the force of birth. However the pressures of a complicated birth, rapid labour or forceps delivery can result in the baby's head not fully recovering form the distortion. This may lead to problems including:
- Crying and irritability
- Feeding difficulties.
- Sickness, colic and wind.
- Sleep disturbances.
Osteopathy can gently correct the problem, leading to happier babies...and parents.
How can osteopathy help my child?
As children grow, other problems may become apparent due to earlier strains or the rough and tumble of childhood. The rapid growth spurt of puberty can place extra demands on the body, causing postural problems which if left untreated may lead to pain and functional difficulties later in life.
Osteopathy can help:
- Musculo-skeletal problems.
- Repeated infections
- Ear infection, sometimes with a loss of hearing and 'glue ear'.
- Sinus and dental problems
- Behavioural problems and learning difficulties, including poor concentration and hyperactivity.
- Headache, other aches and pains.
- Asthma and vulnerability to chest infections.
- Osteopathy can also help children suffering from cerebral palsy or Down's Syndrome.
After treatment
Often, after treatment, the baby or child is very relaxed and sleeps well. Others have a burst of energy, and then have a good night's sleep. Occasionally children feel unsettled, but this is a temporary situation that happens when mechanical changes are occurring, and only lasts for a
day or two.
Training and regulation
Osteopaths undertake four to five-year honours degree programmes underpinned by thorough clinical training.
The osteopathy profession is regulated by law by the General Osteopathic Council. It keeps one register of all osteopaths.
In the UK, only practitioners who are registered with the General Osteopathic Council are allowed to call themselves osteopaths.
Find out more
General Osteopathic Council
Tel: 020 7357 6655
Website: www.osteopathy.org.uk
