Osteopathy - Godalming Holistic Centre, Godalming, Guildford, Surrey

Case History: Janet 'slipped disc' or disc bulge

Janet came to me with severe sciatica which she had had for two weeks. She had been prescribed anti-inflammatories from her GP but was still in considerable pain. I diagnosed a disc bulge pressing on the nerve roots of the sciatic nerve with associated inflammation and muscle spasm. The first treatment was to get the compression off the disc using an antigravity piece of equipment called an Inversion Table. This holds you firmly at the ankles and then you gently tip backwards until you are hanging in an inverted position usually around 45 to 75 degrees. I also gave Janet a homeopathic remedy for spasm. Janet responded well and was actually pain free until the following morning then the pain returned but was not as great as before. Over the following weeks Janet came in twice a week for Inversion and also I used the BEMER3000 - a pulsed electromagnetic device, as well as specific homeopathic remedies to assist healing. In just under 8 weeks on this treatment Janet was able to return to work and was pain free.

Janet's comments:

I feel that using the inversion table did help in my therapy, ultimately allowing me to return to work quicker than if I had just `rested' my back. On using the inversion table for the first time it felt strange, but I soon got used to the sensation of tipping up to the varying degrees directed by Clare. In fact, I actually began to look forward to going on it, knowing that each time it was used, the pain never seemed to return as bad as before.

To improve the functioning of the body by allowing freedom of movement of the joints and muscles
To improve the symmetry of the body, in order to improve the function (but not just for the sake of achieving symmetry)
To allow all the nerves freedom within the tissues to send signals correctly (a ‘trapped’ nerve causes pain and other problems)
To allow blood vessels freedom within the tissues to allow a good blood flow to all areas (poor blood flow creates areas which are prone to disease and problems)
To allow the lymphatic vessels freedom for the flow of lymph to drain the tissues (blockage of the lymphatic vessels increases the likelihood of pain, disease and other problems in the area)

Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment aimed at allowing the body to move freely and without pain. It is the most popular form of Natural Medicine in the U.K.

Osteopathy is about helping the body to be balanced and symmetrical and to be able to function normally. We make sure that there are no restrictions to the blood and nerve supply in the spine not just in cases of back pain but also for problems in the limbs and organs.

Osteopaths aim to remove the cause of the problem as well as alleviate any symptoms.

I help people with any type of physical ache or pain. Four out of five people get backache during their lifetime, so this is the most common reason for making an appointment to see an osteopath. However, I treat people who have problems in any part of the body at all! Examples of the types of conditions which people often consult me with are, ‘trapped nerves’ such as sciatica, backache, sports injuries and whiplash. I also treat problems that occur in the face, head or jaw such as migraine and chronic headaches. Knee and leg, wrist and arm injuries such as sporting injuries or repetitive strain problem are also treated. What is less well known is that we also treat the organs such as the bowels, stomach, liver and other organs. Digestive problems are particularly amenable to osteopathy.

A typical treatment may involve massage to relax tight muscles, mobilisation to free restricted joints and other pain free techniques to allow the subtle re-balancing of tissues. I sometimes use a gentle technique known as cranial osteopathy - see the cranial osteopathy page for more information. Treatment usually makes you feel relaxed. I also use an electronic device called an InterX which is excellent for reducing inflammation and pain. It is fantastic for helping sports injuries to heal much more quickly than usual as well as all types of acute pain such as ‘slipped discs’ and sciatica. See the InterX Therapy page for more information about this technique. My unique approach is to help you understand how the problem came to be there in the first place and help you to ensure it doesn’t return.

The first part of the consultation is devoted to developing a thorough understanding of your problem. You will be asked detailed questions about your problem and also about your general health and past medical history. I will ask you to remove your outer layers of clothing (ideally to underwear although I can adapt the treatment if this is a problem) so I can see and feel the problem area. The second part of the session will involve starting treatment.

I continue to give osteopathic treatment to you in the session, in addition as the problem improves I can teach you about how to prevent the problem recurring and can help you notice if there are any ways that you use your body which cause the problem. If I feel you would heal more quickly I may recommend herbs, supplements, homeopathic remedies or dietary changes.

No one is too old or too young for osteopathic care. Osteopathy can assist women with any discomforts during pregnancy. Many common problems in babies and children can also benefit from osteopathic treatment. Examples include, childhood ear and chest infections, allergies, sinus problems, ‘growing pains’ and many others. I may also prescribe herbs or other remedies to assist with these types of conditions (see my Naturopathy page for more information about this).

No - You can just ring us and make an appointment. You can ask your Doctor to refer you if it is required by your private health insurance.

Training is a four year full time course leading to an osteopathic degree. We have to register with our governing body called the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). It is illegal for someone to claim to be an Osteopath unless they are registered with the GOsC (just as doctors have to be registered with the General Medical Council).

Aloe Vera
Uses: Soothes skin problems