Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a well respected clinical discipline that seeks to improve individual health and mobility through the skilled application of manual (‘hands-on’) techniques. By helping the way the body moves, Osteopaths can relieve a wide variety of pain conditions, assist successful recovery from injury and surgery, increase joint flexibility and reduce the physical effects of stress.

Osteopathic treatment comprises a wide range of hands-on techniques intended to stretch and ease stiff ligaments, muscles and other soft tissues throughout the body’s framework, to improve blood circulation and to assist the natural movement of joints.

The Osteopaths’ Act in 1993 established Osteopathy as a statutory self-regulating profession and accorded Osteopaths the status of ‘primary care practitioner’. The General Osteopathic Council upholds rigorous standards of training and practice and protects the title ‘Osteopath’ from being used by any practitioners who are not fully qualified and registered. www.osteopathy.org.uk

Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the skilled use of very fine needles to reduce pain and promote a greater sense of well being. Originating from the ancient Chinese system of medicine, acupuncture is no longer considered to be merely ‘alternative’ but is now widely incorporated into conventional pain-management programs in western hospitals.

Scientific research has established that through stimulating the nervous system, acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins (our body’s natural pain-killer) in parts of the brain and spinal cord. For this reason acupuncture is a gentle and remarkably effective way of relieving many types of soft-tissue pain and accompanying problems such as muscle tension and joint stiffness.

The form of acupuncture practiced at the Holmesdale Clinic is correctly known as ‘Western Acupuncture’ or ‘Dry Needling’ since it is not based upon the traditional Chinese philosophy. Instead it is administered solely according to modern medical understanding of pain and neurology.

If prescriptive medication has failed to ease your pain, or your condition is too sensitive for hands-on treatment, acupuncture may be exactly the right approach for you.

Like many people, you may be reluctant to consider acupuncture due to a fear of needles, but be assured - we have 5 years experience in following the highest recommended standards of best practice to ensure your safety and comfort. www.medical-acupuncture.co.uk


Your first consultation
In a relaxed and friendly discussion you will be asked to share all the relevant details of your complaint. A physical examination of the relevant regions of your body will be conducted. Usually this will be sufficient for diagnosis but in some cases further tests (such as scans or blood tests) may be required before treatment can commence.

If the treatment we offer is not best suited to your condition you may be advised to see your doctor or pursue other forms of treatment.  Our priority is to get you more comfortable as soon as possible, so every effort is made to commence treatment during your first consultation.


And Treatment...
You will find that treatment is gentle and carefully tailored to the needs of your condition. Sometimes it is a little uncomfortable but most patients find it very relaxing. It may be necessary to prescribe specific exercises for you to do and you will receive advice about factors that cause or aggravate your problem, such as your working posture or stress.

At the Holmesdale clinic we believe that in most cases it is sufficient to treat only until symptoms are clearly improving. Once the healing process is well underway, in our experience most people can make the final steps to full recovery without needing further assistance. We are committed to minimising the problem of practitioner-dependence by avoiding unnecessary treatment.