Est. 2014
Harper ROad OSTEOPATHS
What treatments can we offer at Harper Road Osteopaths?
What can osteopaths treat?
Osteopaths are highly trained and regulated healthcare professionals, we are experts in the musculoskeletal (MSK) system – that is the muscles, joints and associated tissues and their relationship with other systems of the body.
Osteopaths can treat the following conditions:
- Arthritic pain
- Circulatory problems
- Cramp
- Digestion problems
- Fibromyalgia
- Frozen shoulder/
- shoulder and elbow pain/ tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) arising from associated musculoskeletal conditions of the back and neck, but not isolated occurrences
- Headache arising from the neck (cervicogenic)
- Joint pains including hip and knee pain from osteoarthritis as an adjunct to core OA treatments and exercise
- General, acute & chronic backache, back pain (not arising from injury or accident)
- Generalised aches and pains
- Lumbago
- Long Covid
- Migraine prevention
- Minor sports injuries
- Muscle spasms
- Neuralgia
- Tension and inability to relax
- Rheumatic pain
- Sciatica
- Uncomplicated mechanical neck pain (as opposed to neck pain following injury i.e. whiplash)
Less common conditions that can be treated by Osteopaths
Osteopathy is primarily known for treating musculoskeletal issues, but osteopaths can also address a variety of less common or more obscure conditions. Some of the more unexpected issues that osteopaths may help with include:
Digestive Issues
Osteopathic techniques can potentially help with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, and acid reflux by improving circulation and nerve function to the digestive organs.
Respiratory Problems
Osteopaths may assist with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other breathing difficulties by working on the ribcage and surrounding muscles to improve lung function.
Headaches and Migraines
While not entirely obscure, many people don’t realize that osteopathy can be effective in treating various types of headaches, including tension headaches and migraines.
Pregnancy-Related Issues
Osteopaths can help manage pregnancy-related discomforts pre and post-natal and help prepare the body for childbirth.
Mental Health Conditions
Some osteopaths claim to help with conditions like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through manipulative techniques that may influence the nervous system.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Also known as ME, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a condition that may benefit from osteopathic treatment approaches.
Endocrine Dysfunction
Osteopaths may work on areas related to endocrine glands to potentially influence hormone balance.
Circulatory Issues
By improving overall body function, osteopathy may help with certain circulatory problems.
Ear Infections
Particularly in children, osteopathic techniques may help drain the ears and reduce the frequency of infections.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
Osteopaths can work on the jaw and surrounding areas to alleviate TMJ-related pain and dysfunction.
It’s important to note that while osteopaths may offer treatments for these conditions, the effectiveness can vary, and scientific evidence may be limited for some applications. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific condition.
How can an Osteopath help with digestive issues?
Osteopathy can address digestive problems through several mechanisms:
Manual Techniques
Osteopaths use gentle hands-on techniques to:
- Release tension in the abdominal and pelvic areas
- Improve mobility and function of digestive organs
- Enhance blood flow to digestive organs
- Reduce restrictions in the fascia surrounding organs
These manual manipulations aim to optimize the mechanical function of the digestive system.
Nervous System Regulation
Osteopathic treatment can help calm the nervous system, particularly the vagus nerve which controls much of the digestive tract. This can improve communication between the brain and gut, supporting proper digestive function
Spinal Alignment
By aligning the spine, osteopaths aim to improve nerve signaling to the digestive organs. Spinal restrictions can interfere with nerve communication to the gut, so correcting alignment may enhance digestive function.
Stress Reduction
Osteopathic techniques focused on relaxation can help manage stress-related digestive issues. Stress significantly impacts gut health, so addressing it can alleviate certain symptoms.
Specific Conditions Treated
Osteopathy may help with digestive conditions like:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Acid reflux
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Hiatus hernia
Complementary Approach
While not a standalone cure, osteopathy is often used as a complementary therapy alongside conventional treatments to provide a more holistic approach to digestive health By addressing musculoskeletal factors, improving organ mobility and function, and promoting overall balance in the body, osteopathy aims to support optimal digestive health and alleviate various digestive issues. However, effectiveness can vary between individuals, and it’s important to consult qualified practitioners for personalized treatment.
WE HAVE MOVED TO 90 BOROUGH HIGH STREET, SE1 1LL
Our Osteopath Clinic is now based at 90 Borough High Street, SE1 1LL. We have expanded and now have two treatment rooms, allowing us to offer more osteopathy and sports massage appointments in London Bridge.
Full details of how to access the clinic can be found on our Clinic & Fees page.
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