What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is an established system of diagnosis and treatment. Osteopaths help people of all ages who suffer from pain, tackling complaints ranging from sports and work related injuries to arthritis, sciatica and general musculo-skeletal disorders. Treatment can be helpful whether the injury or discomfort is recent or long-term. Osteopathy works to improve mobility whilst reducing inflammation, stiffness and pain. Although many of the problems dealt with relate to the spinal column, osteopaths treat any problems with muscles, ligaments and joints throughout the body.

An osteopath, recognising that much of the pain and disability we suffer stems from abnormalities in our body’s structure and function, works with the body’s natural healing ability to treat these debilitating conditions and restore the body to a healthier state. Aftercare advice on posture, activity, exercise, diet and lifestyle are all designed to encourage better health and a pain free body.

What can I expect when I see an Osteopath for the first time?

You will be asked questions about your personal medical history, whether you have suffered any physical traumas to the body, (such as accidents or injuries) and about your current health problem.
You will normally be asked to remove some of your clothing (depending on the area of your specific problem) so that observations and assessments can be made. The osteopath will then apply a highly developed sense of touch to identify any points of weakness or excessive strain, or to locate the areas of specific injury.
You may also be asked about your lifestyle, your work and leisure activities. These procedures give the Osteopath the necessary information to determine a suitable treatment plan, which is specific to your particular condition.
Your Osteopath should make you feel at ease and tell you what is happening throughout your consultation. He/she should also be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Generally, your first appointment will also involve osteopathic treatment, in the form of massage, manipulations and/or electrotherapy.
After your treatment you may be given advice on exercise, stretching, posture and diet. This is designed to accelerate your healing and ensure that your condition can be prevented as much as possible in the future.

Who and what do Osteopaths treat?

Because each patient is considered individually according to his or her specific health condition and way of life, Osteopathy can treat a wide range of people and problems.

Common problems dealt with daily by osteopaths:

Lower back pain

Neck tension

Pain and stiffness

Frozen shoulder

Tennis Elbow

Repetitive Strain Injury

Osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Osteoporosis

Work related problems

ME & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Muscular Sclerosis

Sciatica

Sports injuries

Undiagnosed muscle pain and fatigue

• Lower back pain is a very common problem that brings people to see an Osteopath. Most back pains result from mechanical disturbances of the spine such as postural strains, joint stiffness and immobility and spinal disc injuries. With its comprehensive approach to healthcare, Osteopathy is a particularly successful solution to these complaints.

• Many women are working mothers and trying to combine both these aspects of their lives can give rise to a number of problems. Pregnancy and childbirth puts undue strain on the whole of the spine and this can lead to tension headaches, lower back pain, shoulder and neck tension and in some cases, quite debilitating musculo-skeletal problems. Osteopathy can help women adapt to these changes and give them the tools to avoid future pain and discomfort.

• The workplace is responsible for many conditions that the osteopath may treat. Working at a computer or jobs which require heavy lifting and carrying, can give rise to disorders of the muscles, tendons and joints, particularly in the back, arms and hands. Again the Osteopath can treat these conditions and give remedial advice and preventative exercises.

• Pain-killers are not the only solution for the aches and pains associated with ageing. For more permanent relief it is necessary to eliminate the underlying causes of pain, a job for which the osteopath is specifically trained. Osteopathy can also help to reduce pain and stiffness in the less acute stages of arthritis.

Appointments available at both Menai Bridge and Deganwy Quay

Therapists

Joyce M Griffiths DO Registered Osteopath

Joyce has been an osteopath since 1980. As an active member on the board of directors of the British Osteopathic Association and its predecessors, Joyce has pioneered the development and acceptance of the osteopathic profession in North Wales, the United Kingdom and in South Africa over the last two decades. Prior to becoming an osteopath she was a successful businesswoman, owning and developing a chain of retail outlets in Southern Africa and the south of England. At LEAF Ltd Joyce is the Managing Director with particular responsibilities for PR and marketing.