The Heath Osteopathic Practice

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The Heath Osteopathic Practice

Reducing pain and stiffness in muscles, joints, bones and ligaments by using osteopathy techniques

Treating a wide range of health complaints using osteopathic techniques, naturopathy, cranial osteopathy, as well as taping, postural and exercise advice.

31/08/2026

Cranial Osteopathy for children and adults
Cranial Osteopathy is a very gentle form of osteopathic treatment, during which the osteopath uses very light pressure. It can be helpful for people of all ages but because it is so gentle and subtle is especially suitable for babies. The skull is made up of 26 small interlocking bones. During the birth process the soft bones in the baby's skull overlap to make the head smaller. Some babies are born with odd shaped heads but this is usually undone through the processes of feeding, crying and yawning. Sometimes this moulding is retained.

Osteopaths believe that the structure of the body is related to its ability to function. Therefore if the framework of the body is unbalanced then its functioning will be impaired. Osteopaths look at the whole picture and will take into account many factors when making their assessment, which includes looking at past trauma, family history and their environment.

Make an appointment to see an osteopath at https://heathpractice.com

28/08/2026

Symphysis P***s Dysfunction
During pregnancy the body produces a hormone called Relaxin which prepares the body for giving birth by making the ligaments more stretchy and elastic. This causes the p***c bone to move anteriorly (forwards) or laterally (sideways). This can lead to pain in the p***c bone, in the back, in the hips and legs. It is quite common with about 1 in 5 pregnant women suffering from some pelvic pain. It fully resolves after childbirth in the majority of cases. It is important to get help early on to prevent the pain becoming too severe.

An osteopath can help by assessing the position of the pelvic girdle in order to correctly diagnose the problem. Exercises to strengthen the core muscles and stretch tight muscles, can help, as well as gentle mobilization of the joints involved. Women are advised to make certain adaptations to reduce the pain. It is helpful to sleep on one’s side with a pillow between the knees and to keep the knees together when getting in and out of the car or out of bed. Women are advised to carry on exercising where possible and without causing too much pain. It is better to walk with small steps and to avoid exercise such as swimming breast stroke. Avoid carrying heavy objects and doing vigorous manual work. Avoid standing for too long. Women may be advised to wear a maternity belt to give their pelvic girdle extra support.

Book an appointment at https://heathpractice.com

27/08/2026

Pregnancy
Women’s bodies are wonderful at adapting to the changes in structure which affect the female body during pregnancy. The hormone Relaxin, which is produced by the placenta during pregnancy, increases the elasticity of the ligaments and soft connective tissue. This increases the flexibility of the spinal and pelvic joints and allows for the expansion of the surrounding ligaments in preparation for the delivery of the baby. Some women do experience pain and discomfort in their back, groin, buttock or leg, often called sciatica, which osteopathy can help with.

Osteopaths can help with advice regarding posture and exercise during pregnancy. Osteopathy can also help to ease the other effects of pregnancy such as heartburn, indigestion and constipation. They can advise about positions during labour to prevent back problems later on. It is advisable to return for a check-up for the baby and mother following the delivery. Women may experience pain and discomfort post-natally. This may be due to their position whilst feeding and carrying the baby. Osteopathy can help to reduce this and exercises can help to retrain the muscles and ligaments.

Book an appointment at https://heathpractice.com

26/08/2026

Postural Strain
Many of us sit at computers for long stretches every day at work and recently more so at home. Many of us are sitting in cramped conditions with unsuitable chairs and desks or tables, or sitting on the sofa with our laptop. It is difficult to think about your posture when you are concentrating on your work or we may not know what the best posture is or how to improve it. Poor posture and lack of exercise can lead to aches and pains in our necks, shoulders, jaws and backs and to headaches. If you are sitting in one position for a long time it can lead to a disruption in the flow of blood to the muscles leading to tightness, painful trigger points and general discomfort.

Osteopathy can help by relieving tension and reducing pain in the muscles by using a combination of massage, muscle stretching and muscle energy techniques. There may be restrictions in joint movements in the spine and in other joints which can be reduced by mobilisation and manipulation.

Osteopaths can also give advice about improving posture at work, home and in the car and moderating your work environment to reduce postural strain. They can also offer advice regarding what type of exercise would help and how to modify them if they may be contributing to the problem. Taping can help by improving our proprioception so that we can feel what a good posture feels like.

Book an appointment at https://heathpractice.com

25/08/2026

Tennis Elbow or Lateral Epicondylitis
This is the development of pain in the outer edge of the elbow on the bone and often referring down the muscle towards the wrist. There is pain on lifting and gripping objects and extending the wrist. Although it occurs in those who play tennis and squash, but generally not professionals, it can occur in other people especially cooks, writers, carpenters, painters, cleaners and road workers, due to overuse. Golfers Elbow is a similar condition but affects the inner part of the elbow.

It is thought to be caused by microtrauma of the common extensor tendon where it joins the elbow. It is more common in the 35-55 age group affecting men and women equally and tends to affect those starting to play tennis later in life or in those not used to, much exercise.

It is advisable to moderate the activity which provoked the pain or in some cases give it up, until the pain has gone. It is helpful to do stretches into the forearm muscles and strengthen them as well as improving technique, general fitness and core strength. Choosing the right size racket is obviously important too.

An osteopath can do some deep tissue work into the area and manipulative work into the elbow as well into the cervical and thoracic spine which can help. Putting ice onto the painful spot on the elbow and wearing a special Lateral Epicondylitis band around the arm just below the elbow,relieves some of the tension in the muscle and reduces pain. These can be bought in many pharmacies.

Book an appointment at https://heathpractice.com

24/08/2026

Exercise

Exercise is important for everyone, regardless of age, health or fitness. It’s important to do a variety of types of exercise as they provide different functions. Exercise can also help your mental health as it produces endorphins which make you feel happier and joining classes or gyms can help reduce feelings of isolation. It may help you to lose weight when combined with eating a healthier diet.

Balance is important and improving it will help to prevent falls by strengthening one's core muscles. Dancing, pilates, yoga and tai chi can help.

Flexibility can be improved with stretches, pilates, swimming and yoga. Stretching muscles can help them to become healthier and function more effectively.

Strengthening muscles and joints can be helped with weight training, martial arts, pilates, walking, climbing and running. It can help to reduce the likelihood of getting osteoporosis and help to reduce postural strain.

Aerobic exercise or endurance training can help to strengthen the heart and reduce your blood pressure through swimming, running, cycling and exercise classes.

You can do exercises at home, walking instead of using transport or using escalators and lifts. Even housework and shopping are a form of exercise.

If you have aches and pains and are not sure if you should exercise, see an osteopath who can reduce your pain and stiffness and advise about what sort of activity would be helpful. They can prescribe exercises for you.

Book an appointment at https://heathpractice.com

23/08/2026

Low Back Pain can be helped by doing this exercise, called the bridge. It increases core stability and strengthens back and abdominal muscles, which help to support the spine. If you are not sure if this will help you, check with your GP or make an osteopathy appointment at https://heathpractice.com

22/08/2026

Spinal stenosis

This condition occurs when the spinal canal, nerve root canals and/or intervertebral exits from the spine becomes narrow or reduced due to arthritic changes, disc prolapses or from damage to the spine through accident or by degeneration. It causes back pain, leg weakness, tingling, and leg pain in one or both legs. It tends to get worse when standing or walking and can be relieved by sitting.

Osteopathic treatment can involve postural advice to reduce lordosis (curve) in the lower back and exercises to increase mobility and strengthen the back.

Book an appointment at https://heathpractice.com

21/08/2026

Facet irritation of the lumbar spine can cause sciatica

This can occur after a sudden twisting movement when parts of the spine come out of alignment. Often people don't remember how or when the pain came on and it may have resulted from a series of movements which eventually result in irritation in the spine. There may be a referral of pain down the back of the leg.

Osteopathic treatment usually involves mobilisation and manipulation to re-align the spine and exercises and postural advice to prevent it's recurrence.

Book an osteopathy appointment at https://heathpractice.com

20/08/2026

Sciatica can be caused by Piriformis syndrome

The piriformis muscle is one which runs in a transverse manner across the buttock from the sacrum (or tail bone) towards the back of the hip. In some cases the sciatic nerve is located between the piriformis muscle and can be impinged causing pain and numbness in the buttock and radiating down the leg. This can occur when the piriformis muscle is very tight.

Osteopathic treatment involves assessment of the body as a whole and rebalancing structures, where possible. It may also involve deep massage into the affected muscles to reduce tightness and muscle energy techniques to increase muscle flexibility. Exercises may be prescribed to enhance the treatment.

Book an osteopathy appointment at https://heathpractice.com

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Tuesday	09:00 - 20:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 20:00
Thursday	09:00 - 20:00
Friday	09:00 - 17:00

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https://heathpractice.com/

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