The Whole Path Wellness Center Tim Hulbert

Structural therapies work within the framework of the body to help ensure that freedom of movement is kept or regained, and that a person has the optimum mobility levels and quality of life.

The Benefits of Structural Therapies
All structural therapies aim to improve the way that the body moves, so that movement becomes easier, posture is improved, and pain is minimised or eradicated altogether.  The actual structure or framework of the body is being worked upon.  As well as working on the body, structural therapies also work on the mind, as they understand that the body and the mind work together.

Undergoing treatment with a structural therapy is beneficial as movement, balance and coordination are all improved.  In fact, the key benefit of a structural therapy is the regaining of the freedom of movement.  Movement may have been previously restricted due to stress, tension in the body, injuries, illnesses, or incorrect body posture or movement.  Structural therapies aim to track down the source of restriction or pain and eliminate it.

The philosophy of Osteopathy is to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. It places emphasis on the relationships between the body's structure, framework and function, teaching the appreciation of the body's ability to heal itself.
Acupuncture is a system of healing that focuses on improving the overall well being of the patient. Health problems are treated by the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points. Originating in China, these points have been mapped out over two thousand years and have more recently been confirmed through electromagnetic research.

Traditional acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (energy), also referred to as Chi and Xue (blood) through distinct pathways or meridians that cover the body. Acupuncture, that is inserting special needles into acupoints, stimulates and enhances the free flow of Qi, therefore regulating the harmonious energetic balance of the body. This consequently relieves pain and restores health.

Conditions Treated with Acupuncture
The list of conditions commonly treated with acupuncture is extensive and includes:

Allergies / Asthma
Arthritis / Joint Problems
Back Pain
Bladder / Kidney Problems
Constipation / Diarrhoea
Cough / Bronchitis
Dizziness
Drug Addiction / Smoking
Fatigue
Gynaecological Disorders
Headache / Migraine
Health Maintenance
Heart Problems / Palpitations
High Blood Pressure
Immune System Deficiency
Knee Pain / Neck Pain / Stiffness
Pain Relief
Paralysis / Numbness
Pre-Menstrual Syndrome
Sciatica
Sexual Dysfunction
Shoulder Pain
Skin Problems
Sports Injuries
Sprains and Strains
Stress / Anxiety
Tendonitis
Weight Control
Chronic Fatique Syndrome
Acupuncture Treatments
The location of the points selected, the nature of the problem, the patient's size and age and the acupuncturist's style are all factors that will determine how deep the needles actually go. Acupuncture needles are usually inserted from 1/8 to 1 inch in depth. The patient will feel some cramping, heaviness, distention, tingling, or electric sensation either around the needle or travelling along the energy pathway. However the pain level is considered mild. During the treatment the patient will need to uncover the area on which they will be worked and will usually lay on a massage table. The number of treatments required for healing varies depending on the duration, severity and nature of the complaint.


Feldenkrais
Feldenkrais is a method that is recognised for its ability to improve posture, flexibility, coordination, self-image, and relieving muscular tension and pain.  It is based on the principles of physics, biomechanics, and a complete understanding of human development.   Feldenkrais uses gentle movement and directed attention to both improve movement and enhance the functioning of the body.  Anyone can use the Feldenkrais method and it can be done in private lessons or as part of a group class.

Why See an Osteopath?
The most common complaints for which patients consult Osteopaths include back and neck pain, sciatica, headaches, pains in peripheral joints such as shoulders, knees and ankles, tendinitis and muscle strains, work-related and repetitive strain injuries, and sports-related injuries. Other conditions for which Osteopathy can play a significant role in reducing the severity of symptoms include asthma, gynaecological dysfunction, arthritic conditions and chronic fatigue.

When visiting an osteopath for the first time, a full case history will be taken as well as an examination. This generally requires the removing of some clothing and the performance of a simple series of movements.

The Osteopath will use a highly developed sense of touch, called palpation, to identify any points of weakness or excessive strain throughout the body. Osteopathic treatments are tailored to the requirements of the individual patient, and techniques are selected which are appropriate to the patient's needs. For some acute pain, one to two treatments may be all that is necessary. Chronic conditions may need ongoing maintenance averaging six to eight sessions.

Osteopaths work with their hands to perform such treatment using a variety of techniques:


Massage and stretching techniques
Articulation techniques – passive joint mobilisation
Muscle energy techniques – releasing contracted muscles by working against resistance
Counterstrain techniques – counter stretching restricted joints and muscles whilst in position of comfort in order to achieve release
Functional techniques – gentle joint mobilisation
Manipulation
Visceral techniques – management of conditions affecting internal organs involving gentle and rhythmical stretching of the visceral areas