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What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a form of preventative and therapeutic medicine that focuses on the musculoskeletal system. It aims to restore function to the body and to alleviate existing issues that are preventing the body from healing itself.
Osteopaths believe that our body is a self-renewing, self-regenerating, self-healing system that aims to consistently maintain health throughout our lives. Whenever that health-maintaining system is compromised and for whatever reason, symptoms or disease can develop. Osteopaths look at your body as a whole and will assess and treat the cause that is compromising your health and causing your symptoms.
How can osteopathy help you?
Osteopathy treats a wide range of conditions, some of which are listed below:
- Generalised aches and pains, including those strains caused by work or driving.
- Muscle spasms and cramp.
- Neck pain and associated headaches.
- Mid back and rib pain.
- Lower back pain.
- Trapped nerves, for example sciatica.
- Neuralgia.
- Jaw pain.
- Joint pain for example pain in your shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, hips, knees, ankles, feet.
- Arthritic pain and stiffness in both spinal and peripheral joints such as your neck, lower back, hip or knee.
- Migraine prevention.
- Minor sports injuries.
- Rheumatic pain.
- Postural changes, back and joint pain during and post-pregnancy.
- Injury prevention.
Benefits of Osteopathy
Osteopathy offers a wide range of benefits, especially for musculoskeletal issues, as well as general wellbeing. Here are just a few benefits you can expect from regular osteopathy sessions:
- Pain relief for back and neck pain, joint pain, sciatica and migraines
- Improved mobility, which can reduce stiffness and restore normal function in joints and muscles
- Improve posture due to sitting at a desk for prolonged hours or having a sedentary lifestyle
- Reduce stress and encourage relaxation by calming the nervous system and reducing physical tension in the body
- Injury prevention and recovery for athletes and active individuals
- Enhance circulation in the body by improving blood flow and encouraging the drainage of waste products in the lymphatic fluid
Osteopathic Treatments
Osteopaths use a combination of soft tissue, visceral, cranial, joint mobilisation and manipulation techniques to restore normal function to the body. Each treatment is specifically tailored to your personal needs. Here at the Bansel Osteopathy, you may be offered the following types of treatment:
Soft Tissue
Soft tissue techniques involve manipulating the muscles and soft tissues in order to improve circulation, reduce muscle tension and promote lymphatic drainage. It’s great for reducing stress and improving flexibility.
Visceral
Visceral osteopathy involves gentle manual therapy and aims to improve organ mobility and function and can help with digestive issues, pelvic pain and more.
Cranial Osteopathy
Cranial Osteopathy involves gentle touch applied to the skull, spine, sacrum, peripheral joints and anterior trunk to promote the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. It’s a widely practised treatment that is great for babies, patients who can’t tolerate a lot of pressure, or patients with headaches, stress or trauma.
Our fully qualified osteopaths may also advise on lifestyle, exercise and diet to help support and sustain your recovery. If you would like a confidential chat to discuss whether osteopathy would be an appropriate approach to your condition prior to booking an appointment, please do not hesitate to contact our Haywards Heath clinic on 01444 441 160.
Who is Osteopathy For?
Osteopathy is suitable for everyone, from babies to the elderly, those experiencing pain to those simply wanting to relax. If any of the following apply to you, you should give us a call and we can help provide the most effective osteopathy treatment for you:
- You have an unsettled baby, infant, or child with reflux, sleep disturbances, or colic
- You are pregnant and are experiencing pain or discomfort
- You have just had a baby and are looking to speed up your recovery
- You experience pain in the neck, shoulder, back, or peripheral joints
- You suffer from frequent headaches or migraines
- You are an active individual who wants to prevent injury or recover from an existing one
- You are someone who wants to improve mobility, pain, or balance
- You want to add a treatment into your self-care or wellness routine
Osteopathy Testimonials
What To Expect
When you come for an osteopathy appointment at Bansel Osteopathy, we guide you through the following steps:
1. We will provide a full assessment of your presenting condition and offer a comprehensive patient-centred approach to treatment to get you pain-free as quickly as possible.
2. We will carry out a standing examination and ask you to make some simple movements to see how your presenting condition is causing you pain.
3. Some orthopaedic tests may be carried out, such as assessing reflexes and further investigations if necessary.
We will provide a full assessment of your presenting condition and offer a comprehensive patient-centred approach to treatment to get you pain-free as quickly as possible.
We will then carry out a standing examination and then ask you to make some simple movements to see how your presenting condition is causing you pain.
Some orthopaedic tests may be carried out such as assessing reflexes and further investigations will follow if necessary.
We will then give you a clear explanation of our findings and discuss treatment options with you.
Then we'll get started on your treatment
Soft Tissue
Mobilisation
Manipulation
Cranial
We will also offer advice on long-term rehabilitation to make sure you stay out of pain and don’t relapse. This will usually include recommendations for exercises to do at home.
Our Practitioners
At Bansel Osteopathy, we have very talented osteopaths who have a wealth of experience in osteopathy and are dedicated to helping you on your holistic journey:
Jasi
Jasi is a fully registered osteopath and the founder of Bansel Osteopathy. She has been in the industry for over 25 years, setting up her own practice in 2012. Graduating from the British College of Naturopathy and Osteopathy in 2000 with a degree in Osteopathic Medicine and a Naturopathic Diploma, Jasi takes on a holistic approach with her clients, supporting their treatments with nutrition advice, exercise recommendations and lifestyle advice.
Shani
Graduating from the University College of Osteopathy, Shani is a fully registered osteopath and is also a member of the Institute of Osteopathy. She’s a former professional dancer who understands the need for osteopathic treatments to support your career; that’s why she has now decided to help others in the same way. Shani practises both structural and cranial osteopathy, offering a holistic approach tailored to each individual. She always aims to build good relationships with her clients and works closely with them to restore their health and wellbeing holistically.
Faith
Another of the clinic’s fully registered osteopaths, Faith, graduated from The University College of Osteopathy with a masters degree in osteopathy and has an experienced background in assisted stretching. Faith uses soft tissue massage, joint manipulations and other techniques to treat a variety of issues at Bansel Osteopathy.
Jackie
Jackie started her career in bodywork back in 2017 after taking a course with the Jing Advanced School of Massage based in Brighton before studying for a Level 6 Advanced Clinical Massage Certificate. Jackie offers deep tissue and sports massage as well as myofascial release.
Osteopathic Training and Regulation
Osteopaths are regulated by law and undergo specialist degree level training comprising 4-5 years. They must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) – a governing body who administers clinical and ethical guidelines in order to practice. Part of the registration process includes mandatory continuous professional development (CPD) to keep their skills and knowledge up-to-date and maintain high levels of patient care.
Osteopaths are recognised by NHS England as an allied healthcare professional.
We are now offering online consultations and appointments
All osteopathic consultations will include a full case history review, active movements and advice on self-treatment techniques, corrective exercise prescription and pain management. Each treatment is specifically tailored to your individual needs.
Osteopathy FAQs
In most cases, treatment will be carried out during the first visit, following a full examination. If there is any reason we cannot treat you, we will provide an explanation and refer you to your GP or an appropriate medical practitioner.
Every case is different. Usually patients respond quickly and benefit significantly from 2 to 6 treatments. We will have a better idea of the number of treatments required after the initial examination.
Please wear fairly light, loose comfortable clothing as anything tight or thick isn’t suitable for examination or treatment. You will be asked to undress to a certain degree so the osteopath can examine and treat the affected areas, feel free to bring a pair of shorts and a vest top to the appointment.
Of course! We believe it is important to feel comfortable throughout your entire treatment and if you want to bring a friend or family member with you, they’re welcome to come along.
Osteopathy is covered by most major insurance companies, including AXA PPP and BUPA. Please check your policy documents as a GP referral or an excess payment may be required.
Some patients can feel some mild aching or a slightly “bruised” feeling for 24-48 hours following treatment. This is a normal reaction from the body and most patients find using an ice or heat pack helpful should they have post treatment soreness.
Manipulation is a type of mobilisation technique commonly used by osteopaths. It can be used on any joint in your body and is carried out by putting a quick movement through the joint to release any restrictions and relax any tension in the surrounding soft tissues.
Sometimes during a manipulation, you will hear a clicking sound. This noise completely normal and is commonly mistaken for two bones rubbing against each other but is actually just caused by a change in pressure of nitrogen dioxide gas which is present in your joint capsules.
Osteopathic manipulation is a very safe technique and is commonly used a treatment modality. If you have any concerns about getting osteopathic manipulation, get in touch with our team for more information.
No, there are lots of osteopathic techniques we can use to treat you so if either manipulation isn’t suitable for you, for example if you have a medical reason like osteoporosis or if you would rather just not have it, we can use an alternate technique.
We want you to be comfortable during your treatment sessions and will always explain what we are going to do and why we want to do it prior to starting any treatment. If there is anything you are unsure of or uncomfortable with, just let us know.
Osteopathy in pregnancy has many benefits following the first trimester! Just let us know about your pregnancy when you book and we can make sure the treatment is targeted to you.
Osteopathic techniques are typically gentle. It’s very possible you may feel some soreness or stiffness after treatment (similar to post-exercise soreness), but this usually passes within 24–48 hours. However, your osteopath will always work within your comfort level.
We recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You may be asked to remove some layers so your osteopath can examine or treat the affected area.
We also offer massage from our Haywards Heath clinic – click here or get in touch to book a session.
Get in touch
For more information on any of our services or to request an appointment with our team, get in touch today on 01444 441 160 or use the contact form below and a member of the team will get back to you shortly.