Osteopathy is described as a way of detecting and treating
parts of the body such as muscles, ligaments, nerves and
joints which are damaged or not functioning. When the body
is balanced and efficient, just like a well tuned engine,
it will function with the minimum of wear and tear, leaving
more energy for healthy living.
Osteopaths develop a very high standard of hands on skill
(palpation) which they apply in a variety of subtly
different techniques that help free the body to move and
with less impaired function. The application of the above
definition by skilled osteopaths in clinical practice does
at times produce astounding results, especially when
osteopathic functional and cranial techniques are applied
Osteopaths are often associated with back care and
manipulation of the spinal joints which has been shown to
be a very effective element in treating back pain. However,
Osteopathy also helps with symptoms across the whole body
and is not a quick fix method for acute back pain. A
careful case history is taken followed by an examination
and treatment.
There are many slightly different approaches in
musculo-skeletal health between professions such as
osteopaths and physiotherapists as well as between
therapists of the same training. Osteopathy applies
implicitly the tenet that the body is a unit. This means
that if a patient presents with a shoulder pain David wont
just look at the shoulder but will want to examine whole
spine and legs and feet as part of a postural assessment.
Shoulder pain can sometimes occur because of a foot knee
hip problem not just a local shoulder injury or impairment.
Finding the cause of a muscular pain that offers the best
results.
David de Andrade does not use laser, ultrasound, or
electrotherapy. Instead he prefers to apply his hands-on
palpation skill at treating patients. The osteopathic moto
is "Safe in our Hands" David is enthusiastic about
osteopathy and a multi-diciplinary approach to health, as
such he encourages patients to see other practitioners
where appropriate such as podiatrists, physiotherapists,
acupuncturists, dentists, and of course GP's. Where
possible he contacts other practitioners who are treating
the same patients to enhance a co-ordinated
approach.
A course of osteopathic treatment will usually be a minimum of three treatments (including the initial consultation and assessment). If the osteopath believes that a longer course is needed they will inform the patient and work with them to find the best possible option to support the patients recovery and injury management. At Colne osteopathy patients are encouraged and supported to be participants in their recovery. Once a course of treatment is complete patients sometimes elect to return for maintenance treatments of either osteopathy or sports massage. This can be a relaxing and therapeutic way of reducing the risk of a reoccurring injury.