Bridge To Health

The following notes are for general guidance when you come to see us for osteopathic or massage treatment. If you have any specific concerns please speak to us prior to your appointment. You are most welcome to bring someone with you to the appointment - partner, parent or friend.

Although we aim to respect patient modesty at all times, be aware that clinical treatment methods may on occasion feel invasive, so please wear appropriate underwear for examination and treatment of your spine and other relevant physical areas.Alternatively, you can bring light, flexible clothing such as leggings and a sports top.

Osteopaths are skilled at preventing back pain from becoming a long-term condition. We use joint mobilisation and manipulation, and soft tissue massage to realign joints, stretch muscles and release tension. We treat the specific areas of pain but also their underlying causes. We will also give you tailored exercise, postural and lifestyle advice.

Sciatica is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve stems from the spinal cord and runs from the lower back to the feet. We treat sciatica with joint mobilisation and where indicated with joint manipulation, and soft tissue massage to release the pressure on the sciatic nerve. We may also give you tailored advice on the best way to sit, stand and sleep, exercise and lift heavy objects.

Shoulder pain problems are often complex and may take a long time to resolve. We use massage and stretching techniques to reduce tension in tight local muscles and gradually improve the movement in your shoulder. We may also realign the joints and massage the muscles in your neck, upper and mid back and shoulder blade area if we judge they contribute to your shoulder pain.

We will look at the patient as a whole, assessing the mobility and function of the hip but also examining the lower back, pelvis and other lower limb joints. We also conduct orthopaedic tests to assess the behaviour of the hip and surrounding muscles and joints that may also be implicated. We will gently traction and mobilise the hip joint and massage the hip muscles to reduce tension and improve joint function.