What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that uses a combination of hands-on treatments and exercises to help restore, improve, and maintain physical function.

The overarching principle of osteopathy is to find the underlying cause of the patient’s problem, rather than simply treating the symptoms. We are specialists in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, and will aim to optimize functioning to help maximize your mobility and well-being. Osteopathy appointments typically involve a combination of joint articulations, soft tissue techniques, cranial osteopathy techniques, and exercises.

Baye also has a significant interest in functional movement rehab! By using very specific strengthening and mobility exercises, she aims to retrain the nervous system and restore optimal biomechanics to enable the body to function the way it was designed to. This is often how we can get to the root of the issue and minimize recurrent problems.

 It is also very effective as a preventative therapy, you do not have to be in pain to see an osteopathic practitioner. We can work to ensure the body continues to function optimally, maximize performance, and minimize the risk of injury and/or pain.

Here are few things that we commonly treat:

  • Acute sports injuries

  • Back pain

  • Neck pain and whiplash

  • Headaches and concussions

  • Joint pain - knee, ankle, shoulder, etc.

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Sciatica and other nerve impingements

  • Joint replacement surgeries (pre/post-op)

  • Tennis or golfer’s elbow

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Postural problems

  • And more!

Paediatric Osteopathy.

Babies can benefit from osteopathy too! Occasionally the birth experience, whether simple or complicated, can cause tension or imbalances in their little bodies that can lead to a variety of symptoms:

  • Reflux, colic, gassiness or excessive wind - can be caused by tension through the abdomen and digestive system.

  • Constipation - can similarly be caused by tension in the digestive system, but can also result from tension in the pelvis.

  • Feeding difficulties (bottle or chest-fed) or excessive nose congestion - can develop from tension in the jaw, neck, or face typically following long deliveries.

  • Flat Head Syndrome - which is an asymmetry in a baby’s head shape, and can be due to position in pregnancy, birth, or a baby’s preference to lie on one side.

  • Torticollis - which is a relatively common condition whereby a baby finds it difficult or painful to turn their head in a particular direction, and can be the result of a twisting in the baby’s neck due to their positioning in the womb or following a difficult birth.

These symptoms can be helped by osteopathy - both cranial techniques as well as gentle articulation of the joints and muscles. Most babies find cranial osteopathy so soothing, they just fall asleep! But sometimes they can find it a bit uncomfortable, so we will always work around the baby and parent to make sure both are as comfortable with treatment as possible!

Cranial Osteopathy.

Cranial osteopathy is an extremely subtle but highly effective technique, appropriate for all ages. It works deeply with the fascia to reduce tension and restore equilibrium within the body and can be used either by itself or alongside other techniques.

In adults, cranial osteopathy is effective for helping with

  • Any musculoskeletal issue

  • Headaches and concussions.

  • Calming the nervous system during acute pain or injuries

  • Helping with the stubborn pain that just won’t seem to get better no matter what you do!

In babies, it is the primary technique used to treat their little bodies (please see above). While children can often be treated as little adults depending on their age, so we would use a combination of cranial and more structural techniques.