What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a way of detecting and treating damaged parts of the body such as muscles, ligaments, nerves and joints. When the body is balanced and efficient it will function with the minimum of wear and tear.

Matt Stanford BSc Hons Oststrong>

I qualified from the London School of Osteopathy and I am registered, as is required by law, with the General Osteopathic Council. I am also a member of the British Osteopathic Association. I treat safely and effectively using a range of techniques that are appropriate and comfortable for my patients. Patients often report an increased feeling of relaxation after a treatment.

What do osteopaths treat?

Osteopathy is best known for back and neck pain, acute and chronic backache, generalised aches and pains, arthritic pain, joint pains, headaches arising from the neck, lumbago, sciatica, muscle spasms, inability to relax, rheumatic pain, minor sports injuries and tensions. Feel free to phone and ask how osteopathy may help you.

Sports injuries

I treat a great deal of sports injuries and osteopathy is excellent at speeding up the healing times of injuries ,sprains and strains. Preventative advice is also very important for active sports people. Football, rugby, cricket, running, skiing, tennis, golf and martial arts are just some of the many sports that my patients compete in and come to me for treatment. If you have any questions about a particular injury and whether I can help give me a call.

Stretching Advice

I give stretching advice tailored to your particular needs to help correct postural imbalances and to prevent the likelihood of injuries.

Exercise Advice

Exercise advice can be given to help reduce any muscular imbalances which may be contributing to joint problems and to ensure you are training correctly. I also work in local gymnasiums and can recommend local personal trainers to help with your exercise plan.

What happens in a treatment session?

When you come for your first consultation I will take details of your symptoms and ask about any previous musculoskeletal problems. I will also ask some questions about the state of your general health. To see the sort of questions you will be asked please have a look at this questionnaire. I will then look at your posture and see how you are able to move the injured area, this may be standing or lying down if this is more comfortable for you. After a relaxing treatment I will then give you any advice which is necessary and this may include stretching and exercise advice. Please note that treatment is possible through light clothing.

Explanation of your problems

It is very important that you understand why you may be experiencing pain and how long this may be likely to last for. Sometimes osteopathy can not help patients and if this is the case I will explain other courses of action to be taken and help you to contact other healthcare professionals and if necessary with your permission write to your GP to request further scans or investigations.

Yoga, Pilates and core stability

Core stability exercises are excellent for helping patients with low back problems and I can help you to learn these exercises during treatment sessions. I also have links with local pilates and yoga teachers who I can liaise with should you wish to attend one on one or group sessions.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is important to ensure long term improvements to patients health. This can take the form of exercise and stretching advice during treatment sessions, appointments with myself purely to concentrate on exercises or referral to personal trainers, yoga and pilates instructors.

Can my GP refer me?

Many GPs work alongside or even employ osteopaths in their practice. Osteopathy is now acknowledged by GPs as being safe and effective in the area of back pain. It is advised as part of a management plan including exercise and painkillers. (Search on google for UK Back pain Exercise And Manipulation randomised trial for more information.)

How much does it cost?

Patients are charged £35 for a first consultation which usually lasts about one hour and any subsequent sessions cost £30 each and last forty minutes. I aim to treat patients honestly and compassionately and to get them better as quickly as possible.

Before you visit Active Life Osteopathy

If you wish you may fill out the following questionnaire which you can email directly to me or bring it with you to your first appointment to allow more time for your treatment , or you can just have a look to see what kind of questions you will be asked. [CLICK HERE]

Contact Details

Registered Osteopath:	Matthew Stanford
Qualification:	GoSC Registered, BSc Hons Ost
Contact Number:	01892 543033
Mobile Number:	07990 854429
Address:	The Hawthorn Clinic Subud House 14 Culverden Down Tunbridge Wells TN4 9SA
Email Address:
URL:	www.osteopathtunbridgewells.co.uk
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