Northern Osteopathy

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What Is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a drug-free, natural and highly effective system of healthcare with an established and recognised approach to diagnosis and treatment. It is a hands-on therapy used to detect and treat damaged parts of the body such as muscles, ligaments, nerves and joints, enabling the body to function effectively and without pain.

Osteopaths work with their hands in order to relieve soft tissue strains, muscle spasms, general imbalances and tension within the whole body. The circulatory system is of utmost importance for osteopaths and focusing on fluid dynamics and drainage mechanisms is essential as this improves the whole health of the body.

Treatment can involve hands-on manipulation of joints, bones, ligaments, connective tissue, muscle and tendons, cranial osteopathy and acupuncture. It may also include nutritional advice, remedial exercises and relaxation techniques.

Osteopathy tries to look at the cause of the injury and not just at the immediate symptoms which is one reason why it is so effective at resolving long term/chronic aches and pains which keep reoccurring as well as more immediate/acute strains.

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Who can benefit?

THE WHOLE FAMILY
The holistic approach and gentle treatments used in osteopathy have been proven (and demonstrated) to be one of the most effective and economical forms of healthcare available. In particular regards to musculoskeletal disorders, it is also considered to be the best - making it an ideal form of treatment for the whole family.

BABIES AND CHILDREN
Paediatric Osteopathy is a specialised area of osteopathy that can be used to treat babies and children of all ages - from toddlers through to teenagers - for a wide range of conditions such as pre- and post-natal strains, traumatic births, falls, childhood and teenage muscular pain and discomfort caused by rapid growth, postural and physical imbalances or sports injuries.

OVER 60'S
Osteopathy is particularly suitable form of treatment for aged people as the techniques used are gentle and non-invasive and they have been found to be extremely beneficial in helping to improve the quality and range of motion in joints throughout the body and the function of the nervous system, as well as improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.


ATHLETES
Osteopathy is a widely used and recognised form of treatment amongst those professional athletes. Osteopathic treatments can assist with prevention of injury as well as treatment of many common sporting injuries, including neck and back strains, shoulder, elbow and wrist injuries (such as tennis or golf elbow), hip, knee, leg, ankle and foot injuries.

PROFESSIONALS
The constant demands of a busy lifestyle can have a direct impact on our sense of vitality and well-being. Many professionals spend hours everyday in their cars and at their desks, leading to a whole host of serious health-related problems. Osteopaths can offer effective treatment for issues such as back and neck pain and RSI, as well as providing advice on exercise, posture and diet.

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Treatment and Techniques

GENERAL OSTEOPATHIC TECHNIQUE (GOT):

This complete body treatment involves the continual and rhythmical mobilisation of the soft tissues (muscles, tendons & ligaments) in each part of the body, in a well-defined order. This is aimed at removing the stiffness and articular blocks that prevent good circulation of fluids and free impulses of the nerves, as well as breaking down fibrous/scar tissue, improving joint range and quality of motion and improving lymphatic drainage - all of which help to promote the whole body's self-healing potential.

COUNTERSTRAIN

In this technique, the osteopath will identify a point of maximum pain, called a tender point. Then, whilst monitoring the tender point, the patient will be placed into a maximally relaxed position for about 90 seconds, before slowly returning to a neutral position. The success of this treatment is evaluated by reassessing both the tender point and any accompanying loss of range of motion.\

MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUE (MET):

A technique that is widely recognized as an effective approach to the treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunction, MET is a manipulative treatment in which a patient, on request, actively uses his or her muscles from a controlled position and in a specific direction against a distinct counterforce.

HVLA MANIPULATION

High Velocity Low Amplitude manipulation is aimed at putting a quick stretch through a joint capsule, effectively “gapping” the joint space. In the process the familiar “popping” sound may be elicited. The response is generally an improved range of motion in the joint aided by localised muscle release, thought to be activated by local spinal reflexes. We find that many people love or hate this style of technique. Love, because of its often-quick effectiveness, hate because of its perceived abruptness and fear of risks. We do evaluate each and every patient, and the appropriateness of each and every technique we perform. We value your consent and trust at every stage of treatment.

FUNCTIONAL

Functional osteopathy is a very gentle, hands-on approach that involves the patient performing a number of specific actions whilst working with their body's natural movement patterns.

Particularly beneficial when dealing with complex injuries received through trauma (such as a car crash), this treatment can help ease pain, improve movement and give a feeling of 'release' for the body from any stress or tension that may be felt.

CRANIAL OSTEOPATHY

Cranial osteopathy is a refined and incredibly effective type of osteopathic treatment that works by feeling for the very subtle, rhythmical shape of change - known as involuntary motion - that is present in all body tissues.

Because only a very gentle manipulative pressure is needed when encouraging the release of stresses throughout the body (including the head), this technique is extremely effective in treating a wide range of conditions in those of all ages, from newborn babies who have experienced a traumatic birth, right through to the elderly.

CRANIAL OSTEOPATHY IS PARTICULARLY USEFUL WHEN TREATING THE FOLLOWING:

Expectant mothers experiencing low back and leg pain, tension in the neck and shoulders, headaches, Pubis Symphysis Disorder, nausea, indigestion, heartburn, varicose veins and swollen legs.

Babies who cry excessively, are very fractious, have feeding difficulties, sickness, colic, wind, sleep disturbances, constipation, infections and are teething.

Child and teenagers who have chest infections, glue ear, sinus or breathing problems, behavioural problems, hyperactivity, headaches, aches and pains, asthma and eczema.

Older people who may be suffering from osteoporosis, arthritic conditions, muscle strains and sprains.

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Who we are

DR. SWEATAL SHAH (OSTEOPATH)
B.SC. (HONS)
OSTEO. MED, ND

Following her training at the British College of Osteopathic Medicine in London, Sweatal spent six years in osteopathic practice as well as teaching at several prominent osteopathy colleges in the UK.

Having relocated with her family to Perth, Western Australia, Sweatal, who is also a qualified Naturopath, continues to work with a wide range of patients at her Joondalup practice.

Her highly personalised treatments combines structural and cranial techniques together with rehabilitation, exercise and nutrition.

Having had a previous career as a Montessori School Teacher and with two young children of her own, Sweatal has a special interest in the care and treatment of both pregnant women, post natal mothers, babies and children of all ages.

To find out more, please visit our Website

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