We offer osteopathy in Southend for a wide range of conditions at The Body Matters. Osteopathy treatments are available from our clinic based in Leigh-on-Sea. We also provide online & telephone support and remote consultations. Call us on 01702 714968 for more information.
About Osteopathy
Osteopaths are recognised by the NHS as fully qualified to diagnose and treat independently and as such you do not have to wait for a referral from your doctor to receive treatment.
Osteopathy is a gentle and effective hands-on therapy with principles based on the way that your body moves influencing the function. Every day, and for a range of pain-inducing conditions, there are more than 30,000 treatments given by Osteopaths. Osteopaths are most recognised for treating back or neck pain; however, they often typically treat joint or muscular pain, sports injuries, headaches and more, for all ages.
Osteopaths are fully trained to recognise problems which may require a referral to other medical specialists. Other referrals may be for X-Rays, MRI's, blood tests etc. if necessary. We have access to private labs and imaging facilities or can work with your GP or specialist.
Osteopathy Treatment at The Body Matters
Initial Consultation
The initial consultation will take around an hour as the osteopath needs to take the time with you to listen carefully to your case history. You will be asked about your presenting complaint as well as your general health and medical background. This may include elements that you wouldn’t think are important, but this creates as full an understanding as possible to enable the best diagnosis.
Physical Examination
The next stage is a physical examination. You will be observed doing specific movements to create a picture of how your body moves and also the tone and texture of your physical body.
During this part of the consultation, your osteopath will aim to understand as much as possible about your presentation.
The area of pain will be palpated (feeling for changes in skin and muscle texture) but the examination will also include areas of the body distant to where you think the problem is located that may be contributing to the localised pain or discomfort.
Treatment
After the examination, your osteopath will discuss what has been found and the treatment programme most appropriate for you.
The treatment itself can incorporate many techniques – including spinal manipulation and soft tissue (massage) techniques. Treatment will often reveal more information on the nature of the complaint and that will be integrated into the clinical picture.
Osteopaths can treat a very wide range of conditions. The General Osteopathic Council, the statutory registering body for all osteopaths, recommends osteopathy for a number of musculoskeletal conditions.
Osteopathy can help with the following:
- Muscle spasms and cramps
- Soreness and stiffness
- Lumbago
- Pain from spondylosis
- Sacroiliac joint pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Circulatory problems
- Digestion problems
- Supraspinatus tendonitis
- Sprains and strains
- (Pseudo) trochanteric bursitis
Cranial Osteopathy
Cranial osteopathy (also known as craniopathy or cranial therapy) involves gentle techniques to the head and any other areas that may show restrictions or issues. This treatment is suitable for everyone including newborns, babies, toddlers, pregnant women and adults.
In adults, we use Cranial techniques to find areas of tension in the body that could have been caused by past traumatic events repetitive strain, difficult births or even general illness. The specific areas are treated which in turn will activate the body to help it heal itself.
For adults cranial osteopathy can help:
- Headaches and migraines
- Chronic pain from previous accidents and injuries
- Stress and anxiety
For newborns and babies:
- Soothe and relax your baby (possibly due to reflux, gut irritability, colic symptoms, problems latching on)
In babies and newborns, Cranial treatment follows the rhythmical movement of the cranial bones and assesses for any restrictions or tension that could cause the infant to be unsettled. This treatment is not painful for them. However, the release of the tension may cause the baby to become slightly unsettled for a day or so after treatment as it will be unfamiliar to them.
During treatment, subtle pressure is applied to the affected area until the physical tensions or dysfunction in the tissues or cranial bones are releasing. Treatments can also include gentle articulation and massage techniques depending on the complaint and diagnosis and is aimed to help to soothe and relax your baby.
Advice is often given to complement the treatment which will not contradict any advice from the health visitor.
Osteopathy During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a unique experience for a woman. A lot of changes occur in a women’s body during the 9 months. Osteopaths can use a variety of techniques to help the body to adapt to those changes. Mechanical strains (of the body) can happen more readily if you are already experiencing daily aches or weakness along with the combination of normal changes due to pregnancy, postural changes and baby weight gain.
Meet The Body Matters Team
Matthew Oliver graduated from the British College of Osteopathic Medicine with a Masters Degree in Osteopathy and Diplomas in both Osteopathy and Naturopathy.
Celine Delgrange has completed undergraduate and postgraduate training in paediatrics and is qualified to work with babies and children.
Remote Consultations Available
We continue to use remote consultations to provide our services without physical interaction, if required, by shifting some appointments to video consultations.
Read our Remote Consultations page for more information.
Call 01702 714968 for more information about osteopathy in Southend-on-Sea & Leigh-on-Sea in Essex, and find out more about how The Body Matters can help you.
