Cranial Osteopaths use a very gentle technique to assess and treat the involuntary mechanism. This involves feeling for the movement of cerebral spinal fluid via the very small but important movements of the cranial bones and the sacrum between the pelvic bones. This can allow the osteopath to detect tension and strains anywhere in the body via the connective tissue known as fascia. By gently working to release strains osteopaths can help many conditions that may affect both babies and adults.
This is the classical treatment that people may expect to receive when visiting an osteopath. A bio-mechanical assessment including active and passive movements of the joints of the body followed by soft-tissue massage, articulation, manipulation (Clicking joints) and usually a prescription for exercises.
Treatment of the viscera (the internal organs: digestive tract, respiratory system, etc) is a very important part of osteopathy. It is well known that our internal organs can refer pain around our bodies such as period pain causing lower back pain. Constipation can also cause back pain so it is always important to examine and treat the viscera in all patients. Treatment is gentle and not invasive and usually involves massaging the organs through the tummy to relieve any adhesions or restrictions.
Our osteopaths have had experience in treating professional and amateur sports men and women from many disciplines. Whilst practicing in New Zealand Alex Jones was a practitioner member of the NZ Sports Association Carded Athlete scheme and treated Olympic rowers, cyclists, squash players and windsurfers, international rugby union and league players, golfers, marathon runners and iron man athletes. Our osteopaths can help by reaching a diagnosis through clinical assessment formulating a treatment plan and working with each athlete as an individual to rehabilitate from their injury.