Joint Articulation
Articulation: Joints and structures being moved passively through their range of pain free movements.
This technique aids the body’s natural lubricating system to embalm the joint which increases range of motion and decreases pain. It is a technique that involves repeatedly taking a restricted joint into and out of its barrier to reduce a restriction.
Articulation has successfully been proven to relieve pain and increase range of motion in joints.
Spinal Adjustment
Spinal adjustments are quick movements of the facet joint in the spine that help release pressure and restriction at a particular segment. It’s designed to relieve pressure on joints, reduce inflammation, and improve nerve function. It’s often used to treat back, neck and headache pain.
As osteopaths we pride ourselves on the gentle application of this technique. We do a lot of prep work to loosen surrounding muscles and mobilise the joint before applying an adjustment with minimal force and only if you feel relaxed and happy to receive this type of treatment.
Massage
‘Osteopathic massage is a holistic whole body, soft-tissue focused form of massage that incorporates both osteopathic and stretching techniques, which indirectly work to promote overall wellbeing and healthy join positioning.’
‘Osteopathic massage aims to free up restrictions or stiffness within muscles and joints to not only improve the body’s movement and posture but also blood flow, venous (veins) system, lymphatic drainage, and nerve conduction. Osteo massage may help boost the body’s vitality and energy levels, immune system responses, and ability to fight disease.’
Visceral Mobilisation
This is a manual therapy where light, specifically placed pressure encourages normal movement and function of the internal organs and their connective tissue.
In visceral mobilisation we use the ligament and fascial connections to the organs in the abdomen to ease restrictions in the musculoskeletal system. Who knew that the liver has direct connections to the right shoulder and can maintain persistent pain and movement restrictions? Any abdominal surgery – even keyhole – can leave scarring which over time continues to tighten and affect the body. Symptoms can be far from the surgery site because of the connective tissue through our body. Back pain, discomfort with belts or even knee pain could be traced back there!
Emotions can also affect organ function. Most of us are familiar with our stomach being affected by nerves. Sudden shock can affect the kidney or deep grief the pancreas. The restrictions in the organ can remain and create symptoms even though the emotion has passed. Visceral mobilisation techniques can have some of the most dramatic releases of emotional and physical issues and feels incredibly nurturing and is one of Leyla’s favourite tools.
Cranial Sacral Therapy
This therapy is a form of bodywork that aims to ease tension using a gentle, noninvasive touch.
During a cranial session, our Osteopath’s will apply gentle pressure on the head, neck, and back to help relieve stress and pain. The idea is that the manipulation of the bones in the skull, spine and pelvis, help the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the central nervous system which removes blockages and helps our body to heal.
The pressure during this therapy is so soft, it feels more like a light massage rather than an intense medical treatment. It’s used to treat an extensive range of problems in both children and adults, the main ones include anxiety, IBS, back pain, neck pain, headaches, sleep problems and much more.
Cupping Therapy
‘Cupping therapy is based around the principle that suction from the cups draws the skin up and mobilises blood and energy around the body, encouraging the body’s natural healing process.’
Cupping involves the skin and muscles being pulled into the cup, rather than compressed – much like a reverse massage or reverse pressure on the body. This causes increased blood flow to the affected area, which in turn helps to nourish and deliver oxygen to the tissues and encourages the healing process with the therapeutic aim of removing congestion and pain.
Cupping is often used to treat neck/back pain, sporting injuries such as Tennis Elbow, muscular pain and alleviating stress and anxiety.