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Active Health Clinic 0207 486 8141 www.activehealthclinic.com The Active Health Clinic is located within John Bell & Croyden, Londons Landmark Pharmacy & Healthcare store on Wigmore Street.. We have been established for over 12 years and during that time have helped a great many people who both live and work in the area. Osteopathy is available every week day. Osteopaths are used to helping people with a variety of conditions such as back pain, sports injuries, repetitive strain injuries, neck pain and head-aches, to name a few. Principal Osteopath Claire Cheetham, and all Associate Osteopaths are fully qualified and experienced practitioners who are registered with the General Osteopathic Council. The practitioner: Claire Cheetham BSc (Hons) Ost Med, DO, ND, qualified in 1994 from what is now the British College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM). She renewed her link to education and has been both a Senior Lecturer and Senior Clinic Tutor to undergraduate osteopaths and a Trainer in patient handling techniques, display screen equipment (DSE) use, manual handling and ergonomic risk assessment, including placements to council care workers and NHS staff. She is an elected member to the board of the General Osteopathic Council and continues to lecture on subjects such as ergonomics and risk assessment. Claire is fully registered with the General Osteopathic Council.
What is osteopathy? Is it new? Although osteopathy has grown in popularity in recent years, it is almost as old as modern medicine. It began in the U.S.A. in 1874, and found its way to Britain in the early part of the 20th century. Osteopathy is considered to be complementary, and not alternative to conventional medical care. It is classed as ‘primary contact’, so referral by your doctor is welcome but not essential. However on some occasions the best course of action may be to refer you back or to your doctor. Osteopathic treatment is not widely available under the N.H.S. and the cost of treatment varies. Many private health insurance companies cover treatment, sometimes on condition that the G.P. has made the referral. Who regulates osteopaths? Since May 2000 it has been against the law for anyone to use the title “osteopath” unless they are registered with the General Osteopathic Council. To be registered, osteopaths need to have completed either a four-year full time or six-year part time osteopathic medical degree.
The General Osteopathic Council
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What to expect Examination and treatment Initially an accurate diagnosis is the prerequisite of successful and safe treatment. On a patient’s first visit, a diagnosis is reached by taking a detailed case history, which includes the present complaint and past medical history. A thorough physical examination will follow during which you will normally be asked to remove some of your clothing. If necessary further tests such as x-rays, blood and urine analysis could be required in some cases, depending on the condition. When the osteopath has made a diagnosis and is satisfied that osteopathic care is required, this will be explained to you and, and with your agreement, treatment may begin. If osteopathic treatment is unsuitable then you will be advised of this and if necessary may be referred to an alternative practitioner or your doctor. Patients have the right to stop examination or treatment at any time should they wish to. Treatment is based on individual needs. Techniques which may be used include methods for stretching tissues, passive repeated joint movement, and manipulative techniques to restore mobility and function to a joint. Active movement of muscles against resistance may also be used to restore joint movement, quality and range. Nutrition, hydrotherapy, ergonomic advice and specific exercises will commonly be included in the advice given to you by your practitioner. What do we treat? * sciatic pain Cost of treatment first visit, consultation and treatment: £65 Osteopathy and pregnancyOsteopathy is a gentle way of helping the body adapt to the changes which take place during pregnancy. The safety of mother and baby is the osteopath’s first concern. Other symptoms are common during pregnancy such as heartburn, indigestion, constipation and pain in the buttocks, groin or leg, and osteopathy can also help ease these side-effects. Osteopathic treatment is also of great value after pregnancy when the mother’s body seeks a return to ‘normal’ state. Lower back pain and neck pain is very common in new mothers, due in part to the postural stresses involved with the care of young babies and children.
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Osteopathy for babies and children
The small amounts of movement that exist in the infant skull permit the baby’s head to adapt to the forces of labour. Occasionally the head may have difficulty in recovering from this distortion. This and other mechanical strains experienced during labour may result in changes in function either in ability of the baby to move the neck or arms properly or other problems such as colic or feeding difficulties. The osteopathic treatment of children and babies is extremely gentle and may bring about significant improvement. As children grow, other problems may become apparent, such as glue ear, asthma and co-ordination difficulties or in older children, growing pains, sports injuries and postural problems. Osteopathic treatment may significantly alleviate these conditions and will include advice on other factors which may aid recovery such as changes to daily environment, diet and exercise.
Parents can be reassured that the osteopath will always advise referral to a paediatrician, your doctor or another health professional if considered necessary.
Common conditions
Arthritis 1. Osteo-arthritis is the commonest form and is often called ‘wear and tear’. It usually affects a specific area such as hips, knees or spine. Common symptoms include pain, stiffness and restricted mobility, but these may all be eased by osteopathic treatment. 2. Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease which affects the whole body and not just the joints. It can be similar to osteoarthritis in that it causes pain and stiffness, but can result in quite severe joint deformity. It commonly affects more than one joint and is bilateral, (both sides of the body). Osteopathy may be helpful at certain stages of this condition, but treatment is generally less effective than in osteoarthritis.
Back pain Trouble with your back can cause a variety of other symptoms such as pain in the buttocks, legs or groin. Leg pain is often called sciatica, and can be caused by pressure on specific nerve roots. Back problems account for over 50% of cases seen by osteopaths, and can disturb the mechanical function of the whole body, leading to pain in the neck, shoulders and head. Back pain is often caused by specific injury, but can just as commonly be caused by other conditions and diseases which can give symptoms of back ache, such as kidney disease, psoriasis or arthritis. The osteopath will advise you on whether you are suitable for treatment and may refer you to another health professional if appropriate.
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