Littlejohn Osteopathic Clinic

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a treatment that focuses mainly on the structure of the body ie: bones, ligaments, tendons, nerves, muscles and organs.  The aim is to have the body in balance and functioning correctly so it can work to maximum efficiency.

Pain or discomfort is a warning sign that the body is not functioning normally.  An osteopath will assess the patient to find and treat the cause of pain.  In order to restore normal function, the osteopath uses a system of manual treatment to give relief or improvement to conditions in people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. A variety of approaches can be selected and used in treatment, such as, cranial osteopathy, visceral soft tissue techniques and spinal manipulation (where necessary). 

Osteopaths are health professionals and work with other registered practitioners, specialists, and radiologists in order to provide an expert service for the patients.  We are able to register and treat ACC claims.

Cranial Osteopathy

Cranial osteopathy is a gentle non invasive approach for treating a wide range of conditions.  For example it can be used for treating babies with sleeping difficulties, colic, favoring the head to one side, feeding difficulties, excessive wind and mis-shapened head and colic.  Further more it can also be effective for the treatment of children and adults for conditions such as, headaches/migraines , neck and back pain, developmental delay, glue ear and ear infections, asthma, TMJ (jaw problems) and hyperactivity.       

The Clinician requires a high level of skill and experience, and a fine sense of touch to diagnose and treat, when using cranial osteopathy.

The osteopath uses their hands to feel and monitor the subtle rhythmic motion throughout the body, that is referred to in cranial osteopathy. They are interested in the  frequency, amplitude, and symmetry of this motion. Lack of symmetry in the cranial system for example, will not indicate what the problem is, but will show where it is located. Once located, the osteopath will evaluate the problem in order to form a diagnosis. If  tensions that cause  modified cranial symmetry can be released,  then  tissues can return to normal, and the condition improves.

Although this is a very simplistic account of what is a highly complex process and system, the aim of this brief is to provide some insight into treatment when using osteopathy in the cranial field. 

Visceral Osteopathy

Osteopathic visceral manipulation is a form of manual therapy that focuses on the internal organs.

The organs have an inherent pattern of movement which is essential for their healthy function.  This movement can be restricted by tension in the area, surgical scars, adhesions,  injuries, structural misalignment, poor posture and illness.

Restricted movement of the organs creates a cascade of effects throughout the body which not only results in poor organ performance, but also gives way to functional and structural problems throughout the body.

The osteopath evaluates and treats the dynamic motion of our organs, by using the hands to release tension around the structures that support the organs ie: suspensory ligaments, fascia and muscles.

The aim is to restore normal movement and therefore promote normal organ function.

This gentle form of osteopathic treatment has a global health benefit for our bodies which may include improved posture, reduced pain and optimal bodily functions.