Osteopathy is a system of health care that focuses on conditions that affect the muscles bones and joints of the whole body, not just backs. It is suitable for people of all ages, from the very young to the very old, and is particularly helpful for those, whose bodies and postures are undergoing changes.

Pregnant women
One of the times when a body changes the most dramatically is during pregnancy. Osteopathic
treatment offers a gentle way of helping the mother’s body adapt to the changes that are taking place by helping to relieve the aches and pains as the mother’s posture tries to adapt to accommodate the growing baby.

Treatment can often help with low back pain, hip and pelvic pain, neck and shoulder pain, heartburn, and SPD (symphysis pubis dysfunction). Osteopaths can also advise on posture and advice on self-help techniques for the mother and partner to use during labour. After the baby has been born, any postnatal coccyx pain, or mid-back pain associated with increased breast size and breast-feeding can be treated. Mothers are also able to attend for a posture check following their delivery; usually after they have had their six week postnatalcheck.

Babies
Some babies struggle with the mechanical stresses associated with the powerful process of birth. For example, trauma to the nerves affecting the head, neck and stomach are thought to contribute to some cases of colic. Tension in the skull can occasionally keep a baby in an alert state, so they have difficulty sleeping.

Toddlers and children
The changes that occur in the first few years of a child’s life are rapid and dramatic. As babies become toddlers, they may be susceptible to conditions such as ear and chest infections. As young children grow, the anatomy of their ear canals change and these conditions become less prevalent. However, conditions such as asthma may become more common. Whilst osteopathy cannot cure these conditions, there may be some benefit to be
gained from gentle work to improve the function of the rib cage, or to reduce the tension in the muscles of the head and neck.

Teenagers
Some conditions specifically affect developing children. Sporting activity, such as football, may result in conditions such as Osgood-Schlatters disease (which affects knees), or a growing spine  may develop with a slight curvature (known as a scoliosis). As older children carry increasingly heavy bags to school, or increase their level of sport or musical instrument practice they may put physical demands on their growing bodies.

Osteopaths are trained to assess, examine, diagnose and treat these injuries and conditions. At Kettering Osteopaths we have a team of male and female osteopaths, so patients have the choice of practitioners. All of our osteopaths are registered with the General Osteopathic Council, and treatment is covered by most health insurance policies. A GP referral is not necessary, although many doctors do refer patients to us.

If you would like to find out whether osteopathy is suitable for you or your child, please contact the practice on 01536 512927 or visit our website at.

www.ketteringosteopaths.co.uk
Kettering Osteopaths
32 Headlands
Kettering NN15 7HP
01536 512927

Kettering Osteopaths