Dr. Annette Richardson Osteopath

To create the most effective treatment, osteopaths look at the person as a whole, addressing the cause, not just the symptoms. Osteopathy may stimulate the body’s own self healing process in order to return to optimal health. The emphasis is on the interrelationship of your body’s structure — such as muscles, bones, joints, nerves, etc., — and its function — such as breathing, circulation, digestion, metabolism.
Osteopathic treatment uses a variety of techniques such as stretching and massage for the general treatment of soft tissues along with mobilisation of specific joints. Due to its gentle approach, osteopathy can be used in people of all ages, including infants, children, adolescents, pregnant women and the elderly.

OSTEOPATHY IN CHILDREN

In children, osteopathy may help with neuro-musculoskeletal problems in all ages as it recognises the particular stresses on the body that children experience when growing from a babies to teenagers. Common presenting problems are from growth, posture, scoliosis, development, learning, after a fall or accident, or after being unwell for return of optimal health. Osteopathic care is safe, gentle, non-invasive and effective-all without the use of drugs or surgery. It can assist the young body to adapt to growth related changes, helping your child grow into a healthy, young adult.

OSTEOPATHY IN PREGNANCY

The health of your body is particularly important during pregnancy, labour, birth and post natal care. Osteopathy may assist pregnant women in achieving and maintaining their physical health, and is a safe, gentle and effective therapy for both mothers and babies.

During pregnancy, your body undergoes a tremendous amount of changes, both physical and hormonal. As your pregnancy progresses, the extra weight causes a shift in your body’s centre of gravity, and your supporting ligaments also soften. These factors create stress within your body, and common presenting problems include; back pain, sciatica, insomnia, swelling, shortness of breath, high blood pressure and fatigue. Osteopathy can offer advice and treatment to utilise during your pregnancy to help assist and minimise these issues.

OSTEOPATHY IN BABIES

Osteopathy uses both safe and gentle techniques to support the healthy growth and development of your baby both in the womb and following birth. Osteopaths commonly treat infants with; growing pains, musculoskeletal problems, constant crying, and feeding difficulties. Strains from birth are commonly treated when caused by prolonged labour, quick delivery, difficult presentations ( breech, transverse, posterior) and assisted delivery (forceps or ventouse).