Structural Osteopathy
The structural osteopathy that Matthew practices focuses on looking at the entire body and not simply treating the presenting problem. By looking holistically at all the factors contributing to the body’s state of disturbed health Matthew will help restore balance to the body relieving your pain and allowing you to function normally.
Matthew often starts treatment by releasing and relaxing tight muscles and gently articulating stiff joints. Some patients benefit by having their joints manipulated - the ‘clicky’ work -this can lead to a quicker recovery from pain and will be discussed with the patient before being administered.
After taking your case history and examining you Matthew will explain his findings to you so that you understand why you body is not healing and discuss treatment options that will help your condition. He will also give advice and exercises to allow you to take control of your pain.
Cranial Osteopathy
Cranial osteopathy is a very gentle, safe and effective way of releasing stresses and strains held within the body. Matthew has trained to feel subtle rhythms within the body and gently release these strains in adults and youngsters. Patients often feel a deep sense of relaxation and calm with less anxiety, pain and tension.
Cranial osteopathy is used to treat a variety of conditions including headaches and neck tension caused by restrictions in the joints and muscles. Treatment can also help fractious and irritated babies by calming the nervous system and releasing tension held within the body following birth.
The birth process can place a huge strain as the baby passes through the birth canal which may lead to further complications if left untreated. Many babies have unevenly shaped heads after birth and this generally improves with time. However, the moulding process can at times be incomplete and some gentle cranial treatment can help undo the strains that have built up during the birth process. Feeding problems can be caused by tension held within the body and treatment can have a calming effect on the irritated gut and help ease discomfort, nausea and constipation.
Generally a short course of treatment is required to release these tensions held within the body and typically you should see an improvement in your baby within a few days of the initial session.
Acupuncture
Dry needling/acupuncture can be used as a stand- alone treatment or in combination with other osteopathic techniques. Acupuncture is one of the safest forms of treatment you can choose. Some people use acupuncture for support throughout their pregnancy. Elite athletes also can benefit from acupuncture. Many people that Matthew treats benefit from acupuncture for painful conditions such as osteoarthritis of the hip and knee, headaches caused by muscular tightness and lower back and neck pain.
Evidence of acupuncture’s effectiveness is growing. A large systematic review concluded that acupuncture was effective for chronic pain, osteoarthritis, back pain, neck pain, headaches and shoulder pain.
Acupucture needles are so fine that most people dont feel them being inserted. Its normal to feel a mild tingle or dull ache as the needle is adjusted. Many people feel deeply relaxed during the treatment.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is an evidence-based, effective, non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing and improve symptoms in the muscles, tendons and soft tissues. The shockwaves are mechanical and not electric and work by increasing blood flow to the injured area. This stimulates the body’s own natural healing response.
Shockwave has been used effectively to treat stubborn conditions such as plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis, knee pain and muscular pain. Achilles Tendonitis and plantar fasciitis are common injuries often occuring as a result of mechanical stress to the calf muscles and tendons on the sole of the foot.
Tendonitis in the knee and achilles is common in long distance runners, football, rugby, cricket and tennis players. Inflammation in the tendon can cause a sharp pain when both load bearing and a throbbing pain at rest. Tendon pain in the leg and foot can prevent normal weight bearing and effect your ability to exercise or simply walk without discomfort.
The low energy sound waves penetrate deep into the tendons, increasing blood flow to the area. This speeds up the body's healing process.
Shockwave therapy is a proven effective treatment supported by medical literature.
