Osteopathy is a hands-on approach to the assessment and management of musculoskeletal problems, with the aim of understanding how different parts of the body may be contributing to your symptoms.
At Encourage Movement, treatment is not based simply on where you feel pain. I look at your symptoms alongside your movement, physical activity, lifestyle and individual circumstances to develop an approach that is appropriate for you.
What I Can Help WithI work with a wide range of musculoskeletal problems, including:
Back and neck pain
Shoulder and arm problems
Hip and pelvic pain
Knee and leg problems
Ankle and foot problems
Sports and activity-related injuries
Muscle and joint pain
Recurrent or persistent musculoskeletal problems
Movement restrictions and stiffness
Problems related to changes in activity or training
Assessment
Your first appointment begins with a detailed clinical assessment. This includes discussing your symptoms, relevant medical history and what you want to achieve, followed by an assessment of movement and physical function where appropriate.
The aim is to develop a clear understanding of your problem and identify the factors that may be contributing to it.
Where appropriate, I may also consider how your work, exercise, sport, previous injuries, surgery or daily activities may be influencing your symptoms.
Movement & Applied Functional Science
My training with the Gray Institute in Applied Functional Science has strongly influenced the way I assess movement and approach rehabilitation.
Rather than looking only at an isolated joint or painful area, I consider how the body works as a whole and how movement, physical demands and individual circumstances may be contributing to a problem.
This movement-based perspective helps me understand how someone moves in real-life activities and sport, and allows rehabilitation to be progressed towards the movements and demands that are meaningful to the individual.
I use this knowledge alongside my osteopathic, sports rehabilitation and physiotherapy background to develop a clinical approach that is both individualised and focused on function.
Treatment
Treatment is tailored to your individual presentation and may include hands-on osteopathic techniques, soft tissue work, medical acupuncture, mobility work and other appropriate approaches.
Treatment is only one part of the process. Where appropriate, I will also provide advice and exercises to help you understand and manage your symptoms between appointments.
Rehabilitation & Movement
For many musculoskeletal problems, improving how you move and gradually rebuilding physical capacity is an important part of recovery.
My background in sports rehabilitation, physiotherapy and Applied Functional Science allows me to integrate treatment with exercise and movement-based rehabilitation when appropriate.
This may include improving mobility, strength, coordination, control or tolerance to activity, depending on your needs and goals.
Who I Work With
I work with people of different ages and activity levels -from those experiencing everyday musculoskeletal pain to runners, cyclists, dancers and competitive athletes.
You do not need to be an athlete to benefit from an active, movement-focused approach. The aim is always to understand your individual problem and help you progress towards the activities that matter to you.
Assessment. Treatment. Rehabilitation. A plan that fits you.
