Specialist Clinics

Osteopathy is an effective treatment for lower back pain, as recommended by the Royal College of General Practitioners and guidelines from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE).

Here at the Good Health Centre we also recognise the benefits of osteopathic treatment for a wide variety of muscular and joint pains, as well as problems caused by poor posture. Osteopathy can also relieve a number of other health complaints, including some that may surprise you:

• Headaches arising from problems with the neck and migraine prevention
• Generalised aches and pains including arthritic pain
• Aches and pains during pregnancy
• Work-related discomfort in the back, hands and arms
• Joint pain including hip and knee pain from osteoarthritis
• General, acute and chronic back ache and back pain
• Mechanical neck pain
• Problems with the shoulder and elbow including frozen shoulder and tennis elbow
• Circulatory problems
• Cramp
• Digestion problems
• Sciatica
• Muscle spasms
• Neuralgia
• Fibromyalgia
• Rheumatic pain.

Headaches are often caused by stiffness and tension in the neck which can be eased with osteopathic treatment. Many people experience aches and pains as part of the ageing process. Painkillers are not the only solution here. Osteopathy can address the underlying causes of pain and can also help to reduce discomfort and stiffness in the early stages of arthritis. Changes to a woman’s body during pregnancy can put a strain on the whole of her spine. Osteopathic treatment can help the body adapt to the many changes it experiences over this very special nine months. For many people their day-to-day work, whether at a computer terminal or in heavy industry, can bring about disorders in the muscles, tendons and joints, particularly in the back, hands and arms. Osteopaths treat many conditions related to the workplace including postural and repetitive strain issues, and can also give remedial advice and preventative exercises. Osteopathy can also be used to treat sporting injuries, and can improve performance in running and cycling plus a variety of other sports.

Our highly skilled osteopaths use their hands to diagnose and treat problems with the structure of the body and how it’s functioning. 

Your treatment may include:

• muscle and tissue stretching
• rhythmic joint movements
• high velocity thrusts, which are short, sharp movements.

These techniques help to reduce joint stiffness and muscle tension, and help the spine and joints to move more freely, improving body function and bringing about a greater feeling of wellbeing. As we manipulate the body, there is sometimes a ‘cracking’ noise. While this may sound alarming to some people, it is nothing to worry about and is both expected and normal. It is simply the sound of gas bubbles popping in the joint fluid.

On your first visit to the Good Health Centre, your osteopath will ask questions about your full medical history and examine your body to make an in-depth assessment. We advise you to wear loose clothing that you feel comfortable moving in. You may be asked to remove some outer clothing and to perform some simple movements. Your osteopath will use their hands to identify any weakness or points of strain. This will help them to diagnose your condition and develop a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs. We find that a course of three to six treatments offers the greatest benefit to our patients. However, some chronic conditions may need regular treatments to prevent a relapse. Please be aware that some patients may feel a little sore or stiff after their treatment. This is normal and usually lasts no more than 24 to 48 hours.

Our osteopaths offer cranial osteopathy treatments to patients of all ages.

Cranial osteopathy is a subtle type of osteopathic treatment in which a trained osteopath uses very gentle manipulation and pressure. It is a gentle approach and may be used from birth to old age.

Ask a practitioner or our reception team for more information about cranial osteopathy.

Gentle osteopathic treatments are perfectly safe at all stages of pregnancy. Treatments can often make a woman feel much more comfortable during her pregnancy, so that she can enjoy this very special time more. Osteopathy can help her body make the necessary postural changes to accommodate her growing baby more easily.

Osteopathic treatment can be beneficial in:

• Easing some of the aches and pains of pregnancy
• Releasing tension and anxiety
• Preparing for labour.

Changes in a woman’s body during pregnancy can cause discomfort. Considerable postural changes take place in a woman’s body to accommodate the increasing size and weight of her uterus. Any pre-existing back problems make it more difficult for a woman’s body to adapt to these changes and may result in aches and pains in any area of the body.

After the birth, mothers need to look after their own health so that they can better cope with the demands of caring for a baby 24/7. Osteopaths can advise a mother on managing her new baby without straining her own body, offering advice on exercise to help her return to fitness.

For more information, ask for a copy of our Mother & Baby leaflet.

Osteopaths believe babies can often be unsettled because of physical discomfort following the birth. A baby who is uncomfortable will draw attention to something being wrong by:

• Crying
• Being unhappy and irritable for long periods
• Having difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Showing signs of digestive discomfort
• Preferring to feed on one side
• And other feeding problems.

In toddlers, physical problems can sometimes be manifested in their behaviour. Sometimes a child may be awkward, uncooperative or just plain difficult, especially when tired.

For more information, ask for a copy of our Baby & Toddler leaflet.

Osteopaths understand the various demands on the immature body of a growing child. They are interested in helping children develop in a balanced and healthy way in order to help them achieve their full potential.

Each child is unique and our osteopaths consider the whole child in their initial examination and their treatment plan.

For more information, ask for a copy of our Child & Teenager leaflet.

What will happen at my first appointment?
On your first visit to Good Health Centre, your osteopath will ask questions about your full medical history and examine your body to make an in-depth assessment. We advise you to wear loose clothing that you feel comfortable moving in. You may be asked to remove some outer clothing and to perform some simple movements. Your osteopath will use their hands to identify any weakness or points of strain. This will help them to diagnose your condition and develop a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs.You are welcome to bring a friend or relative to be present throughout the consultation if it would help you to feel more comfortable.

Does osteopathy treatment hurt?
Some soft tissue treatment may cause discomfort during treatment. Your osteopath will tell you what to expect, and will want you to tell them if you experience any pain. You may feel stiff or sore after your osteopathy treatment – this is a normal, healthy response and will subside within 24 to 48 hours.

Do I need to see my doctor first? 
You do not need to see your doctor first if you are paying for your own treatment. However, some insurance companies require you to see your doctor first. Osteopathy is available on the NHS in some areas – and national guidelines say it should be available everywhere for lower back pain.

How many treatments will I need?
The number of osteopathy treatments needed depends very much on the individual and their condition. We find that a course of three to six treatments offers the greatest benefit to our patients. However, some chronic conditions may need regular treatments to prevent a relapse. Your osteopath will be able to tell you within a short space of time whether they can treat you, or if they need to refer you to another medical professional.

How much does treatment cost?
We list all our osteopaths’ rates on this website. The majority of health schemes and insurance companies recognise osteopathy as a therapy and will reimburse the cost of treatments provided you confirm this with them first.

How soon can I see an osteopath?
We understand that people lead busy lives. Here at Good Health Centre we are aware of the need to be flexible with appointment times. With this in mind, we are open from 8am until 9pm Monday to Thursday, until 7pm on Fridays and on Saturdays from 8.30am until 4pm. Furthermore, we always try and accommodate our patients as soon as possible.

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 before your treatment begins as they can choose the appropriate techniques for your condition. For example, 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, and in the first trimester or pregnancy. 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 chance of a stroke between 1 and 3 in patients who have experienced 1 million manipulations. A separate medical review found that spinal manipulation was safer than the use of non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs. If you have any concerns before your treatment starts, please raise them with your osteopath who will be happy to talk through them with you.

General Osteopathic Council www.osteopathy.org.uk