Treatments

Physiotherapy | Osteopathy | Acupuncture | Massage | Podiatry/Chiropody |
Homeopathy | Chinese Medicine | Aromatherapy | Pilates | Buteyko

The following treatments are available at the clinics indicated by the following abbreviations:
B= Breakspeare A = Abingdon O = Oaktree

Physiotherapy (B,A & O)

A CHARTERED PHYSIOTHERAPIST treats injuries and diseases by correcting and improving the body’s own natural healing mechanisms. A wide variety of techniques are used to help muscles and joints work to their full potential.

These techniques include:

MANIPULATION
MOBILISATION
MASSAGE
EXERCISES
ACUPUNCTURE
ELECTROTHERAPY

Osteopathy

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a distinctive and complete system of health care, which aims to establish the source of and solution to a wide range of bodily problems. It focuses on the musculo-skeletal system (joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia), and considers the links between all structures and organs in making up a fully functioning body.

Osteopathy deals with problems relating to all parts of the body, although it is best recognised for its ability to alleviate back and neck difficulties.

Osteopathy is applicable to all age groups, from babies to the elderly, and you can have beneficial effects on almost all types of injury and pain, from trauma and sporting causes, to those related to posture and work (both sedentary and active).

Initial Consultation

On a first visit, the osteopath endeavours to establish a clear picture of the individual. This is achieved by taking a thorough case history. Giving the patient a chance to tell their “story”. It would also include medical history, lifestyle and anything else that may be pertinent to the presenting symptoms. This is followed by medical testing and examination of relevant systems, and a complete osteopathic examination, based on an expert knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology. Ultimately leading to a diagnosis and explanation of what is going on.

Consideration will be given to your individual needs and abilities, and appropriate advice may be given at this time. This may include remedial exercise advice, dietary and lifestyle suggestions or if appropriate, referral to a more suitable specialist (G.P podiatrist, Pilates etc).

Examination and Treatment

Joints and tissues are examined for their quality of movement and texture, for evidence of inflammation or misalignment, which may be responsible for stiffness, immobility or pressure on nerves, causing pain. Treatment involves a wide range of manipulative techniques, including gentle or deep massage, joint articulation and muscle stretching. “Thrust” techniques may sometimes be employed to realign skeletal structures, or alleviate built-up pressure in localised areas of the body.

Acupuncture for pain relief (A & B)

Increasingly, Chartered Physiotherapists are finding ACUPUNCTURE an effective complement to their established skills. Chartered Physiotherapists are in a unique position of being able to combine ACUPUNCTURE with other natural treatment methods, such as exercise, manual therapy and relaxation techniques. It is often worth trying ACUPUNCTURE for conditions that have not responded well to orthodox medicine.

Conditions that may be helped by Acupuncture

Back and neck pain
Acute chronic injuries
Muscle and joint problems
Headaches
Sports injuries
Arthritis and rheumatism
Pain, nausea and dizziness
Neurological conditions

Massage

Massage (B)

Sports massage has five main benefits: • Maintains the entire body in better physical condition. • Prevents injuries and loss of mobility. • Cures and restores the mobility to injured muscle tissue. • Boosts athletic performance and endurance. • Extends both the good health and duration of your athletic career.

Podiatry/Chiropody

Under Construction

Homeopathy (B)

Homeopathy is an established form of alternative or complementary medicine that can work well on its own or alongside conventional medicine in chronic and acute illnesses.
 
While conventional medicine focuses on treating symptoms, homeopathy treats the whole person – both mind and body - and by doing so aims to strengthen the whole system. It is a system of medicine that is gentle, yet effective, and can produce powerful and lasting results. Homeopathic remedies are made from a wide variety of plant, animal and mineral sources, and prepared in a particular way called potentisation.

Like cures like

This principle states that a substance that causes a set of symptoms when given to a healthy person can relieve the same symptoms when caused by disease. Homeopaths view symptoms as a manifestation of the body’s attempts to heal itself. By using the principle of “like cures like” homeopathy supports this action rather than blocks it.

Just a little = a potent mix

The other key homeopathic principle is that of serial dilutions. The process of repeated dilution and succussion is called potentisation, and the more a remedy is potentised, the higher the homeopathic dose.

What to expect

Homeopathic treatment requires a realistic timeframe, and everyone is different. Generally, short-term problems respond rapidly and will only need one or two appointments. Patients with chronic problems should expect to come for between three and eight sessions. Approintments are usually at monthly intervals.

For more information about homeopathy, what to expect at the consultation and the length and cost of appointments please visit: www.cotswoldhomeopath.co.uk

Remedial Massage (A)

Remedial massage is useful for treating strains, sprains, backache, painful joints and many other types of conditions. It is deep tissue massage that removes blockages and damaged cells after injury and encourages more complete healing.

Indian Head Massage (B)

Indian Head Massage is an ancient Indian form of massage for head, shoulders, face and back.  The therapist will use a range of different movements including the application of deep kneading and compression movements over the neck, shoulder and scalp areas.  In addition the therapist will also gently stimulate and stroke pressure points on the face.

Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine) (B)

Chinese Medicine is complementary to orthodox medicine and can be particularly successful at treating chronic conditions.

Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach to health where mind & body are treated as one. During consultations, the practitioner uses various diagnostic techniques coupled with interview to establish the cause of illness and to prescribe an appropriate blend of treatments.

Aromatherapy (B)

Aromatherapy combines therapeutic massage and essential oils to promote relaxation, physical and emotional well-being. • Therapeutic Massage • Lymph Drainage Therapy • Indian Head Massage • Aromatherapy Bespoke Product Range

Pilates (A & B)

The Pilates method of exercising offers a way to tone your body, improve fitness, calm your mind, and bring your body into proper alignment. It is especially beneficial to people who suffer from lower back problems helping to improve lower back stability.

The Physiotherapy and Pilates Centre at Abingdon has a fully equipped studio where Helena Bradwell, the Pilates teacher offers sessions both individually and in groups after an initial private assessment.

Buteyko

Surveys in the UK in the last 20 years have shown that one in three people now have serious allergies and the UK has the highest rate of Asthma in Europe with 12 million working days lost to the condition. Many people’s lives are dramatically affected by poor health, limiting their activities and life choices.

How does Buteyko help?

The Buteyko Institute Method is a system of breathing retraining based on the work of Professor Buteyko from Russia and may give improvement to conditions exacerbated by hyper ventilation or over breathing.

More than 40 years of research have shown that the Buteyko method restores normal breathing patterns and encourages optimum health and alleviation of symptoms.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials have shown a 96% reduction in reliever medication and 49% reduction in steroids after a three month period.

They also showed an improved quality of general health and relaxation, a decrease in allergies, greater quality of sleep patterns and increased energy levels and immune systems. There was also a 30% decrease in the breathing rate and 70% decline in initial symptoms.

Buteyko often helps to reduce breathlessness and has been used by athletes to improve sport and fitness performance.

Individual Program

Promoting optimum health and well being.

The initial step to restoring your health and reducing symptoms is to complete a questionnaire about your symptoms and a consultation on you general health and the benefits that Buteyko can give you. If applicable a course will be scheduled and tailored to your specific symptoms, age and lifestyle.

Is the course suitable for me?

Courses are suitable for everyone, from children as young as three and adults of any age. Courses are held on an individual or small group basis with the emphasis on personal attention. Each course is completely safe and any reduction in medication is with GP approval and will give you a greater understanding of your condition and how to restore healthy, normal breathing patterns. There are follow-up consultations to ensure good progress.

Many health conditions may be improved with Buteyko.

• Allergies
• Asthma / breathlessness
• Anxiety / Stress / Depression
• ADHD/Hyperactivity / Learning Difficulties
• Blood Pressure
• Chronic Fatigue
• COPD / Emphysema / Bronchiectasis
• Digestive Disorders
• Dry Skin & Eczema
• Excessive Mucus production
• Hayfever
• Light-headedness & dizziness
• Panic attacks
• Poor concentration & memory recall
• Rhinitis / Sinus problems
• Sleep apnoea & snoring

PRICES

Prices for the treatments are available on request. Please contact the relevant clinic.

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