Using the principles of osteopathy, a very wide variety of conditions can be helped, including: Aches and Pains; Back Pain/backache; Strains and Sprains; Muscle Tension/Spasms/Cramp; Rheumatism; Arthritic Pain; Circulatory Problems; Digestion Problems; Neuralgia/Sciatica; Stress/anxiety/tension; Sports Injuries.

Clients also bring a wide variety of general health problems, such as:
Asthma; Glue ear; Menstrual Problems (e.g. period pain); Headaches and migraine; Frozen Shoulder; Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Clients present many other conditions. However, each case is unique, so we advise to discuss your particular situation with the osteopath to find out if osteopathy is for you.

Areas of special osteopsthic interest offered at The Hale Clinic:

Paediatric and anti-natal Osteopathy
A pregnant woman will experience many physical, hormonal and emotional changes during and after pregnancy. Her body weight will increase and the ligaments will loosen, affecting her centre of gravity and subsequently her posture. This will have a direct impact on her muscles and joints and the rest of the body, such as the digestive system, diaphragm and internal organs. These changes may cause discomfort, dysfunction and pain to the expectant mother.

Osteopathy provides a non-drug alternative to alleviating these symptoms, easing a mother’s journey through this important period of her life. Osteopaths specialising in pregnancy are highly skilled practitioners, whose primary concern is the safety of the mother and her baby. They are well trained in subtle techniques that are beneficial during and after the pregnancy.

During pregnancy osteopathy can help with:
• Nausea, Indigestion, Heartburn, Constipation
• Symphysis Pubis Disorder (SPD)
• Varicose veins and Haemorrhoids
• Neck and Shoulder tension,
• Back, Pelvic or Sciatic Pain
• Breathlessness
• Headaches
• Postural Imbalances
• Coccydenia (Painful Coccyx)

After giving birth, an osteopathic check up is recommended for both the mother and baby. An osteopathic treatment can be useful for conditions such as: Post Partum Strains, Positional Upper Back Discomfort/Pain from nursing, Painful or Dislocated Coccyx, Stress and Incontinence.

Visceral Osteopathy
Visceral Osteopathy is the treatment of the viscera or the organs in the body such as the stomach, small and large intestines, liver, lungs, kidneys, and gall bladder.

The treatment is designed to improve the functioning and well being of these organs. A stressed lifestyle, poor diet, shock, anxiety, surgery, spinal disorders, poor nerve supply, lymphatic congestion and chemical abuse are amongst some of the causes for the malfunction of the viscera.

Some of the conditions treated are: Digestive disorders and abdominal discomfort; Constipation; Irritable bowel syndrome; Post operation trauma; Respiratory and breathing problems; Structural and spinal pain; Sluggish liver and gall bladder; Kidney malfunction; Lowered immunity and debility; Toxic overload. Visceral manipulation was developed and researched by the French Osteopath Jean Pierre Barral over many years.

At optimal health the relationship between the organs of the body and the rest of the body is stable, but when an organ cannot move in harmony with the surrounding viscera due to poor tone, adhesions or displacement it may in turn cause other organs and structures to malfunction. The result is disruptive fixed points of tension that give rise to chronic irritation and a potential for chronic disease and dysfunction. The treatment is gentle and non invasive taking into account your individual needs and sensitivity.