Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. Osteopathy works with the structure and function of the body. It is based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on the body’s internal organs, circulation, digestion and lymphatic systems all functioning efficiently together.

Osteopaths use touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension, to enhance blood and nerve supply to tissues, and to reconstitute your body’s own healing mechanisms.

At OM in Dalston, Hackney, E8 we also provide advice on posture, exercise and nutrition to aid recovery, promote health and prevent your symptoms recurring.

A gentle form or treatment, osteopathy can benefit most types of aches, pains and strains in people of every age, from babies to elderly.

Osteopathy and babies

At OM we have experience in treating babies and children at all stages of development. An osteopathic assessment of baby after birth can help identify potential problems resulting from the traumatic transition from life inside to the outside world.

A long delivery process, a caesarian or the use of forceps/ventouse, can induce tensions within baby’s physiological system, and, if not addressed, these functional tensions may lead to issues, such as difficulty feeding, colic, reflux, disturbed sleeping pattern, difficulty passing wind and many more.

Osteopathy uses gentle techniques including Cranial Osteopathy in order to help restore balance within baby’s body, relieving mechanical strains that may have remained from birth or delivery, and so prevent the development of future disorders.

Osteopathy and women’s health

At OM Hackney E8, we are highly experienced in women’s health, pregnancy and pre/postnatal treatments and rehabilitation.

The hormonal and chemical changes endured by women can be both complicated and life-altering so little surprise then that many women at some point in their lives experience difficulties with the natural biological rhythms. Osteopathy has been shown to have a positive effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, the body’s internal process that keeps the female reproductive system balanced.

Osteopathic treatment can target various health issues including PMS, irregular, heavy bleeding or lack of bleeding, menstrual cramping, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, infertility and menopausal distress.

For more information please visit our Women’s Health or get in touch with us.

Cranial Osteopathy

Cranial osteopathy is a subtle yet profound approach that uses gentle, almost imperceptible, manipulations of the head, and the rest of the body, to promote health and help patients reconnect with themselves.

Through a refined sense of touch and the deep listening of bodily tissues, osteopaths direct their treatment in a path indicated by the same tissues. Indeed, core to osteopathy is the principle that the body possesses an inherent knowledge and drive for health which, in states of dis-ease, is weakened or sub-optimal. It is the role of the cranial osteopath to provide a space for this inner intelligence to express itself and allow it to return to its full function.

During a session, the patient remains clothed and is asked to rest and unwind as the osteopath lightly moves their hand-contact along areas of the body that feel of relevance.

A sense of safety is priority in order to reach some of the states often perceived during a cranio osteopathy session such as a deep state of embodiment, the release tissue tensions and restrictions, or emotional insights or releases.

Osteopathy can also help with:

•  Sports and soft tissue injuries

•  Pregnancy and post natal aches and pains

•  Women’s health issues

•  Tension headaches and migraines

•  Stress, anxiety and sleep issues

•  Back, neck and shoulder pain

•  Nerve irritation or "trapped nerves"

•  Digestive problems