A baby has to cope with the stresses of birth, and a toddler may have frequent ear and/or chest infections. The school child carries heavy school bags, whilst the student spends long hours hunched over the laptop peering at low level screens. Driving to work and long hours at a desk increase the pains begun as a student. Sports people push their bodies to the limit and over-stretch their ligaments and tendons. Others who may be less inclined to sporting activity, tend consequently to be less physically active and often notice over time a decline in their suppleness. We instinctively feel that our recovery from injury or exercise takes longer and aches and pains sometimes linger longer than we would wish. In old age our joints stiffen and our circulation slows. These are the types of activities and physical changes that lead to long or short term discomfort and pain which an osteopath can help to alleviate. It can help to put you back in charge of your own body and maximise your optimum range of movements and flexibility, to leave you either free of pain altogether, or with as little discomfort as any longer term condition permits.

Your body has taken care of you over all these years, maybe now is the perfect opportunity to take some care of it!

So how does Osteopathy work and how may it help me?

Osteopathy recognises the importance of the link between the structure of the human body and the way it functions. Osteopaths focus on the body’s skeleton and joint function along with the underlying muscles, soft tissue and internal organs.

Osteopaths consider each person as an individual. Utilising a highly developed sense of touch, they identify problem areas of the body. Using gentle stretching and mobilising techniques as well as manipulating joints, an osteopath works with the body to create the perfect conditions to facilitate the healing process.
Treatment usually consists of a combination of soft-tissue releasing techniques, and some specific adjustments affecting joints and soft-tissues (muscles, tendons and ligaments). Advice can also be given on self-help treatments.

What happens during an initial consultation and treatment?

On your first visit, a full medical case history will be taken. An examination will be carried out (you may be asked to remove some clothing for this. There is a private, screened changing area within the consultation room); and you may then be asked to perform a few simple movements so the osteopath can assess the problem.

The osteopath will use their highly developed sense of touch called palpation to assess areas of weakness, tenderness, restriction or strain within your body.
The osteopath will make a diagnosis and discuss it with you and if osteopathic treatment is suitable it will be offered to you. Treatment will be aimed at helping to restore normal joint stability and function.

Osteopaths usually start any treatment by releasing and relaxing muscles and stretching stiff joints, using gentle massage techniques, rhythmic joint movements and muscle release techniques. The osteopath may also carry out manipulation using short, quick movements to spinal joints. Other techniques may also be used depending on your problem.

Treatments usually last up to half an hour, and normally between 2 and 6 sessions are required. Many patients decide that they would like to have periodic preventative treatments to avoid recurring problems.

What we treat:

sciatica

back pain

whiplash injuries

acute low back pain

sports injuries

chronic low back ache

tension headaches

frozen shoulders

neck pain

joint problems

shoulder pain

disc injuries

migraines

osteoarthritis

spinal curvature

stress
...and more

What is Cranial Osteopathy?

Cranial Osteopathy is a branch of osteopathy that concentrates on the fine movements of the cranial bones. The brain is immersed in a fluid called Cerebro Spinal Fluid (CSF) which bathes the tissue in and around the brain, in what is termed a semi-closed system. This bathing process is vital to tissue function as it helps nourish and maintain brain tissue health.

In the early 20th century, academics believed that there was no movement at the 'cranial sutures' (the strong joints holding the bones of the cranium together), despite osteopaths' belief that they could palpate some movement. This movement was further researched by prominent osteopaths who linked the movements to CSF fluctuations. Now however science has demonstrated that movements are produced between the cranial bones, giving cranial osteopaths further supporting evidence for their theories.

The importance of this movement is that any stasis, or locking of cranial joints will affect the flow of CSF, and therefore the health of underlying brain tissue. This can eventually manifest itself in terms of illness, or neurological problems. Through subtle and gentle techniques an osteopath can facilitate the movement between cranial bones, and thereby re-establish normal cranial rhythms, allowing the body to restore normal health.

Be assured, there are no expensive 'tie-ins' for blocks of treatments!

You only pay for the treatment you need. We aim to meet your needs in the shortest time possible, without compromising on care. You are kept informed of your treatment and progress, and any remedial exercises that you may be advised to undertake are fully explained to you. Interested? Please select Dave Munnings, Osteopath on this on-line booking system to reserve your appointment. Please allow one hour for your first vist to facilitate the initial consultation and treatment.

Fees: fees are based on £40.00 for the intial consultation/treatment. Follow up treatments are usually for half an hour @ £30. There are discounts available for students with a student card (Currently £10 off for each treatment).

Parking

Please allow time for parking if you arrive by car. We have limited parking for three cars along the right side of the Hi-Q building (Adjacent to the wooden fence). During busy periods you may need to use on or off street parking nearby. Voucher parking is available along Wincheap. Vouchers are available from most local news agents.

Dave Munnings is happy to discuss any queries you may have by telephone on 07917 679210 or via e-mail : davidmunnings@googlemail.com