What does an Osteopath do? It's way more than just clicking backs!

Let me just begin with (13 days late to the party), happy near year to all!

I have heard it quite regularly that West Yorkshire folk are curious about Osteopathy, and are also quite nervous as they’re simply not sure what the actual treatment is. So, let’s start, it’s way more than clicking.

It’s time to put the record straight on osteopathic techniques. The last thing we want is somebody missing out on pain relief because they are too terrified to come in.

The most important part is, YOU are totally in control of your treatment. We ensure to fully inform you of what techniques we will use, how they work and what to expect. You are more than welcome to say no, without hesitation and we are totally happy to respect your decision. You are more than welcome to ask further questions regarding the techniques and if you simply don’t like the sound of it, it’s fine.

So, what can you expect? Dependent on your presentation, you may not be best suited to joint cracking. Others may not respond well to deep tissue massage techniques. We are trained to assess and palpate tissues to understand what is best for you.

You can be treated lying on your front, back, side, sitting or even standing. You rarely get the same treatment twice and we are constantly changing what we do depending on how you react.

Underneath are the techniques 101 and them simplified, we hope it helps! If you want any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01484 905120.

HVT (high velocity thrust)

It can sound scary, however done with accuracy and skill it isn’t. This is usually when you may hear the classic ‘click’. The sound is just a little gas bubble popping from the brief pressure change in the joint. Think of it more of an opening up and gapping of the joint.

Why do I need it? It’s amazing to get a stiff joint moving, the swift nature of the technique affects the nerves which link to the proximal muscles and relaxes them off. Acting like a ‘reset’. A joint consists of bone, ligament, muscle, nerve and blood supply.

Soft tissue techniques

These are massage style techniques and there are quite a hefty few. Varying from light pressure to deep pressure to relax the muscles and help with local inflammation.

These are your massage style techniques and there are too many of these to list separately! We spend a full year getting them all learned at college. From light pressure across entire, big muscles to deep pressure on single points or getting you to resist some movement then relax to get some extra stretch through a muscle, these techniques relax muscles and drain off inflammation.

Joint mobilisation

This is used to get a joint moving without a HVT. Using knowledge of joint mechanics and orientation along with the muscles that attach onto them, we can encourage movement effectively to help with a stiff joint. Along with using gentle pressure.

Harmonics

No it’s not a music lesson! We use the body’s natural rebound rhythm in order to carry out a gentle joint mobilisation. This is absolutely lovely for when you’re very sore. Amazing for lymphatic and blood circulation, especially helping those suffering with their energy levels and chronic ill health.

BLT (balanced ligamentous tension)

Not the sandwich! Just like it’s name, the technique is to simply balancing the ligaments very gently with small movements to achieve a release. Small but mighty.

Cranial/ IVM (Involuntary Mechanism)

IVM is also known as ‘cranial’. It’s lovely and gentle. Absolutely well suited for both babies and adults alike. It’s not just for head stuff as the term cranial suggests but a whole-body approach to the deep-rooted driving force propelling life and health within our whole system.

Osteopathy is wonderful as it allows for the ability to adapt to each and every individual. Osteopaths have many skills at their disposal and will combine these to deliver a safe and effective treatment.

Have we put your mind at ease? Hopefully you can see that even if you hate the idea of “having your back cracked” we have loads more to offer than that.

If you’re feeling more confident about getting on the treatment table, knowing you are in control and we will always listen, why not give us a call on 01484 905120 to get an appointment (or book online). Yorkshire Osteopathy prides itself on being able to help the people of Huddersfield and surrounding areas.

Don’t let anxiety get in the way of being pain free any longer!