At Bidwell we welcome patients are of all ages; from newborns to the very elderly. We treat a hugely diverse range of health problems, in addition to the ones more associated with Osteopathy involving the neck, low back, joint pain and injuries.
Osteopathy is primarily a holistic, gentle, ‘hands on’ approach to diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of structural and mechanical dysfunctions of the body.
One of Osteopathy's core principles is that structure ( anatomy of the body) governs function (physiology of the body). The emphasis of our ethos is the restoration of an integrated, and healthy equilibrium between the two. We use gentle palpation ( touch) to read the tissues of the body, assess all skeletal joint mobility, muscular flexibility and connective tissue function.
Then, based on our thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology, we gather all the clinical information to form a diagnosis, and prepare a treatment plan that is suitable to the individual.
Osteopathy incorporates techniques like stretching, gentle pressure, and active resisted movements, to help restore a better structural balance and function. Our holistic approach focuses on identifying the origin of your problem, rather than just treating your symptoms.
The body naturally desires to be in a healthy balanced state, and constantly strives to achieve this optimum. Our treatment approach is aimed to support and encourage this process and promote healing.
Your first visit
At your first visit your Osteopath will take a dedicated case history, focusing on your current complaint. They will ask you, to describe in as much detail as you can, your symptoms, your general health, and any previous health issues that you may have had, be it a physical trauma, or emotional or psychological stress, of any kind, that you feel relevant, and that you feel comfortable sharing with us. This will help us piece together your individual’ life story’ and what has brought you to see us.
Things to remember to think about before your first appointment.
Giving us as much detail and accurate information, as you can, really helps us build a clear picture of you, and helps us ‘work out’ what may be underlying your symptoms, and have led to the problems you are experiencing.
Have you had any accidents (broken bones, whiplash car incidents, falls) operations or illnesses?
When did your symptoms start?
How is your general health?
Are you taking any medications?
Has there been a sudden change or a stress in your life over the last few months etc?
Have you found things that have helped you so far? Do you have any relevant imaging (MRI or X-rays) that might be helpful to us?
Your Osteopath will then examine your posture and mobility, both standing and lying down, and perform any relevant clinical tests such as testing reflexes or taking your blood pressure. We then use gentle hands on palpation (light touch) to examine individual joint mobility, and assess the health of all tissues ( bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles, fascia etc).
We gather all the information together from these assessments, to form a diagnosis, which we will discuss with you prior to proceeding to treatment. We will then explain what we think may be causing your presenting symptoms, and propose a suitable treatment plan that will support the best route to correcting your situation.
If there are ever concerns that you may need other forms of medical intervention or healthcare, then your Osteopath will explain this to you, and then write to your doctor, or to the appropriate healthcare practitioner with their clinical findings.
The ethos of our practice is based on a gentle sensitive approach, with good clear communication, to the best of our ability, at all times.
Please call our friendly reception on 01803 865356 if you would like to make an appointment, or talk to one of the osteopaths to see if we can help you .
