Claire Padgham - Structural & Cranial Osteopath

mmonly treat, in alphabetical order; starting with Adults, then Babies & Children, and then Pregnancy.

------------------------------------------Adults--------------------------------------------------
Back Pain
Back pain is the most common complaint we are consulted with, it is very successfully treated and usually resolved with 2-3 treatments. It can be felt as pain in the low, mid or upper back and can refer pain to the legs, buttocks, groins, arms or can be felt in the ribs and chest. Very often the patient will be out of alignment. If you have been told your pelvis is out of line it is a term used to describe a restriction of movement in 1 or more joints in the low back causing it to malfunction as a whole. It is often accompanied by or can even be caused by muscular tension, spasm and imbalance. Back pain can also be described as sciatica whereby the sciatic nerve is pinched referring pain into one hip, buttock or leg. The sciatic nerve can be pinched in the low back and/or in the buttock under the piriformis muscle. Some patients may have had an MRI scan confirming he/she has disc bulges in the back. Often these bulges are not extensive and not the main cause of pain. If you have had confirmation of disc bulges please ensure you tell your Osteopath as it will be taken into consideration during the treatment protocol. If you have a copy of the MRI scan report please bring it with you. Some disc prolapses are extensive enough to be considered for surgery. It is then advisable to get a referral from your GP to a specialist as soon as possible. In the mean time you should consult an Osteopath for an assessment of your posture and treatment of any other dysfunction in your body. Breathing Problems
Osteopathic treatment of people with asthma, bronchitis, chest infections or bronchiolitis is aimed at improving the function of the ribs, chest and lungs. Dizziness
There are many causes of dizziness. Patients who have been diagnosed with conditions such as Vertigo, Menieres and middle ear infections very often report great relief of symptoms. Ear Infections
Ear infections can be exacerbated by lack of drainage from the head into the neck. An osteopath would work to maximize this drainage usually by working on the head and neck. Headaches/Migraines
Headaches and migraines are treated very successfully with structural and cranial osteopathy. Some patients suffer with headaches and migraines for years having consulted neurologists to find there is nothing abnormal detected. Osteopathy would look to treat the cause which could be anything from a dysfunction in the neck to an imbalance in the cranium itself. IBS
Relief of IBS symptoms is reported as a result of treating low back pain or a twisted pelvis. Osteopaths would also examine and treat the bowel/intestines directly. Joint Pain
There are many techniques that can be applied to joints to improve their function and mobility. Low Back Pain
Low back pain is the single most common complaint we are consulted with, often referring pain into the hip, buttock, leg or foot. It very successfully treated and usually resolved within 2-3 treatments. Most commonly a straight forward pelvic misalignment. If you have been told your pelvis is out of alignment it is a term used to describe a restriction of movement in 1 or more joints in your low back causing it to malfunction as a whole. It is often accompanied by or can even be caused by muscular tension, spasm and imbalance which will also be fully assessed and treated. Sciatica is also a term used to describe low back pain whereby the sciatic nerve is pinched and pain is referring into one leg. Neck Pain
Neck pain can be felt as pain specifically in the neck or it can refer pain into the shoulder and arm. It is commonly aggravated by movement of the head, neck and shoulder. If left untreated the pain can be relentless and very persistent over time or may be something that regularly reoccurs. Another kind of neck pain is chronic neck pain that is often described as a constant tiredness or tightness across the top of the shoulders. A common finding is in both cases are restricted joints and tight muscle in the neck and upper back (thoracic spine). Once treated, moving properly and functioning correctly the patient reports instant relief. Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is a painful inflammatory condition of the foot that can affect anyone from elite athletes to elderly people. If it is a long standing complaint or has occurred more than once it could be caused by a dysfunction elsewhere in the body such as the pelvis. An osteopath would assess and treat the whole body including the sight of pain and the cause. It is normal for a patient to consult us having unresolved plantar fasciitis (pain under the foot). He/she would have rested only for the pain to return as soon as they return to normal activity. This is because the malfunctioning pelvis is causing the exact same stresses on the lower limbs as soon as he/she start to use it again. Pelvic Misalignment
The most common symptom of pelvic misalignment is low back pain, however it can cause groin, knee or foot pain (plantar fasciitis) caused by the constant adapted imbalanced pressures being put on the lower limbs during walking and running. If you have been told your pelvis is out of line or out of alignment it is a term used to describe a restriction of movement in 1 or more joints in the back and/or muscular tension and imbalance causing it to malfunction as a whole. This is extremely common and very easily treated. It can also cause pain further up the back, even as far as the neck. Piriformis Syndrome
Piriformis Syndrome can be felt as pain the low back, buttock and various parts of the leg and foot. It is a diagnosis for the cause of sciatica (pain caused by sciatic nerve impingement) when the spinal nerve roots are normal. The sciatic nerve passes under or between the fibers of the piriformis muscle in the buttock and is a potential site for sciatic nerve impingement. Osteopaths find this is rarely the sole cause of pain and will be accompanied by a pelvic or lumbar facet joint dysfunction. Tinnitus
Tinnitus/ringing in the ears can be caused by a dysfunction in the head and/or neck and will be assessed structurally and cranially. Here is a testimonial from one of our patients here at Osteopathic Care who was suffering from tinnitus....I went to go see Claire at Osteopathic care in Bishopstown for the first time not really knowing what to expect. I was suffering from a really sore right shoulder, back and neck as well as ringing in my right ear known as tinnitus which had been ongoing for months. After the first visit the immediate and intense pain in my back and shoulder felt 100% better. By the second visit my neck was no longer hurting me constantly and the ringing in my ear was gone! I was very impressed and am very happy I picked up the phone to make the first appointment. TMJ Dysfunction
TMJ pain can be felt as pain during and after eating or just spontaneous shooting pain in the jaw. There are many treatments of TMJ dysfunction such as jaw splints, pain killers, surgery and implants. The TMJ Association recommend that you avoid treatments that cause permanent change to your bite and jaw such as crown work, positional splints, bridge work, orthodontics or surgery. TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint. The joints consist of the temporal bones in the skull and the mandible (jaw bone) each side of the face. Osteopathic assessment and treatment of TMJ dysfunction includes very gentle and precise assessment of the TMJ itself and all the joints and muscles in close proximity and/or influencing it such as the occipitoatlantal joint. Patients report anything from a good improvement to complete resolution of pain. If you have received or are receiving any of the interventions mentioned. Please do still come for a consultation as we may still be able to help. Sciatica
Sciatica can be felt as pain in the low back, buttock and various parts of the leg and foot. It is a term used to describe a set of symptoms caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve can be irritated by inflammation, a facet joint dysfunction in the spine, a disc bulge or it can be pinched under a tight piriformis muscle in the buttock. A facet joint dysfunction accompanied by muscular tension and imbalance can cause the whole pelvis malfunction. If you have been told your pelvis is out of line it is a term used to describe a restriction of movement in 1 or more joint in the low back causing it to malfunction as a whole. In the mean time you should consult an Osteopath for an assessment of your posture and treatment of any other
dysfunction in your body. Shoulder Pain/Problems
Shoulder pain is often aggravated by arm movement such as reaching overhead. Pain between the shoulder blades or across the top of one or both shoulders and sometimes going down the arm is more likely a dysfunction in the neck or upper back. This pain can be constant or aggravated by movement of the head and neck. A full osteopathic examination will involve assessment of the muscles and joints in the shoulder, neck and back. If we feel your complaint will be best helped by someone else or needs further investigation we will refer you to the necessary professional free of charge. Sinusitis
Sinusitis can reoccur after several courses of antibiotics. In this instance the patient should be checked by an osteopath to increase drainage from the head and face.

---------------------------------Babies and Children-------------------------------------------

There is a small amount of movement that exists in the infant skull to permit the baby's head to adapt to the forces of labour. The infants head may not fully recover from the distortion of a forceps or suction delivery, a caesarean section, a slow labour or simply a natural birth. This may cause compression of any one of the cranial nerves. There are 12 cranial nerves responsible for vital functions in the body such as digestion, peristalsis (muscle contraction in the gut), smell, taste, sucking, chewing, vision and balance. The cranial approach to treatment is very gentle and works in a way that encourages the tissues to ease and release themselves rather than applying force. Babies often enjoy treatment and may fall asleep during or after. Birth Trauma
Babies who have suffered birth trauma can often spend the first few weeks sleeping allot. After a few weeks they may then present with symptoms of trauma. If you know your baby has suffered a traumatic birth it would be good to get him/her checked for any strains that may present themselves in the future. Breathing/Chest Problems
Osteopathic treatment of children with asthma, bronchitis, chest infections or bronchiolitis is aimed at improving the function of the ribs, chest and lungs. Colic
Early signs of colic are a very flatulent (farty) baby and explosive stools. Loud gurgling sounds might be heard from the abdomen, the stomach might appear bloated and the baby may arch his/her back or bring his/her knees up during a colic attack. The baby may cry inconsolably for several hours or may just appear wrestless and uncomfortable in milder cases. Possible causes and common osteopathic findings during examination of babies with colic are tensions of the diaphragm, retained moulding pressure in the cranium from the uterus during pregnancy or from birth; causing compression of the vagus nerve to the stomach and/or a stress response of the brain increasing activity of the gut. Infants delivered by forceps or ventouse are particularly vulnerable to these pressures. Babies born by emergency caesarean section may have been stuck in the birth canal for some time and they are vulnerable to all types of moulding compressions in the same way as a baby born vaginally. Babies born by elective caesarean section are vulnerable to the same pressures of the uterus in the last few weeks of pregnancy and there may also be and over-reactive nervous system leaving a sense of shock due to the sudden nature of the birth. Quick deliveries may also cause a degree of irritation and overstimulation of the nervous system that persists long after birth. Osteopathic treatment of babies is very gentle and works in a way that encourages the tissues to ease and release themselves rather than applying force. Babies often enjoy it and may fall asleep during or after. The muscles in the wall of the gut itself can also be treated to relax them. Recent research has demonstrated that osteopathy is highly effective in treating colicky babies (Hayden.C. and Mullinger B. 2006). Results showed that infants cried less and showed a significant improvement to hours of restful sleep. Constipation
Constipation is reported by parents as irregular bowel movments that cause distress in the build up to a bowel motion and pain and pushing during. Once the bowels are empty the baby or child then appears more relaxed but the cycle starts again. Often stools are of normal consistency. There is no single prescribed osteopathic treatment or technique for treating babies and children with constipation We work with the whole body to release tensions and stresses wherever they are found. The gut itself can be treated to relax the muscles in the wall of the gut thus improving motility, and relaxing tensions in the body improves the regularity and ease of bowel movements. Osteopathic treatment of babies and children is very gentle and works in a way that encourages the tissues to ease and release themselves rather than applying force. Babies often enjoy it and may fall asleep during or after treatment. Congestion
Retained moulding from birth can impair growth and drainage of the sinuses and bones of the face causing congestion. Coughs – Recurrent or Chronic
Some babies and children are very susceptible to chest infections and coughs. They may not be able to fully expand his/her lungs and osteopathic treatment to improve chest function is beneficial in reducing the frequency and severity of chest infections. Crying Irritable Baby
Some babies need to be constantly rocked and held. They may be uncomfortable or have a feeling of pressure in the head when they are laid down. Ear Infections
Compression of the bones around the ears can cause narrowing of the Eustachian tube that drains the ear leaving them vulnerable to repeated ear infections. Eczema
Patients have reported an improvement to eczema after osteopathic treatment. Releasing physical and emotional stresses in the body may boost the immune system. Feeding Difficulties
If there are mechanical stresses through the head, face and throat, feeding may be tiring for the baby. Also the nerves to the tongue may be irritated as they exit the skull making sucking more difficult. Immunity
Physical and emotional stress of any kind may deplete the immune system. Learning Difficulties
Osteopathic treatment often helps a child to calm down, sleep better and sit still for longer increasing concentration and therefore learning. Parents have reported sudden improvement to speech after osteopathic treatment. Plagiocephaly/Flat Head Syndrome
All babies with asymmetrical heads should be checked by an osteopath as early as possible. Treatment may produce dramatic changes to the shape of the head if carried out soon after birth. When the child is older the shape may persist but once moulding stresses are released the bone will continue to grow unimpeded. Reflux (silent)
Reflux is when the valve at the entrance to the stomach fails shut off properly allowing some of the stomach acids into the lower part of the oesophagus causing symptoms of heartburn. It is often accompanied by spitting up small or sometimes large amounds of semi-digested milk. When it is not accompanied by spitting up it is termed silent reflux. Parents will often report babies grimacing and crying while feeding or within the first 20 minutes of feeding. Some babies spontaneiously gag and empty reach. If the diaphragm is distorted it can disrupt the function of the valve. Diaphragm distortions can be caused by lying awkwardly in the womb or by pressure put on the shoulders or rib cage during delivery. Using gentle osteopathic techniques it is possible to release these distortions thus improving the function of the valve and and usually helps the reflux to resolve. Reflux due to Pyloric Stenosis
This has to be corrected by surgery. Sinus Problems
Can be caused by lack of drainage from the head and neck. Sleep Disturbances
There are many causes of sleep disturbance. Osteopaths will examine for potential pressures on the central nervous system causing the child/baby to be in a persistently alert state. Speech Difficulties
Parents have reported sudden improvement to speech after osteopathic treatment. Torticollis
Torticollis or wry neck often accompanies an asymmetrical head. Babies prefer to look in one direction and seem uncomfortable/unable to look the other way. Parents can help at home and will often be receiving physio therapy. You should also seek the help of an osteopath to put the babies head and neck in the best possible condition for recovery. Wind
Trapped wind can be very painful for babies. Babies can be anything from very distressed to just showing signs of discomfort and wrestlessness. Possible causes and common osteopathic findings during examination of windy babies are tensions of the diaphragm, retained moulding pressure in the cranium causing compression of the vagus nerve to the stomach and strain on the umbilicus. Osteopathic treatment of babies is very gentle and works in a way that encourages the tissues to ease and release themselves rather than applying any force. Parents often report their baby is much easier to wind and are more comfortable and settled after osteopathic treatment.

---------------------------------------Pregnancy------------------------------------------------

Breech Babies
Osteopathic treatment of women carrying babies in the breech position works to gently release any imbalance and tightness in the uterus and pelvis to create space for the baby to turn his/herself. Heart Burn
The diaphragm is under more stress and tension with a growing baby underneath it. Releasing pressures on the lower oesophagus can help symptoms of heartburn. Low Back Pain
Low back pain in pregnancy can simply be caused by the extra weight and changes the body has had to go through in order to adapt. Osteopathy works with the body to help it adapt to those changes more easily. Low back pain can also be caused by a pelvic dysfunction causing extra pressures on the joints of the spine and pelvis. Morning Sickness
Patients have reported some relief of morning sickness after receiving cranial osteopathy. Rib Pain/Breathing Difficulties
Rib pain is a common complaint in pregnancy. This is due to lack of space under the ribs as the baby gets bigger and can be treated to improve function and increase space. Symphysis P***s Dysfunction
SPD is most commonly felt as pain over the p***c bone. It can be caused by a general misalignment of the pelvis involving the sacroiliac joints at the back. Pregnant mothers report a huge improvement to discomfort after treatment.