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Practitioner: Scott Tracey, M.A. B.Sc Ost (Hons) Registered Osteopath

Scott Tracey is a fully qualified and G.O.s.C. registered Osteopath.  He undertook a full time 4 year course at the European School of Osteopathy where he was trained in classical, modern and contemporary osteopathic theory and techniques.  He continues to augment and develop his training with C.P.D. courses and seminars and is also trained in cranial and visceral osteopathic technique.

Osteopathy in the cranial field

Cranial osteopathy is a refined form of osteopathy which differs greatly from what most people would consider osteopathy to be.  Although usually associated with treatment for babies and children, it is equally of benefit to adults also.  It is an extremely gentle form of treatment which applies the principles of osteopathy but without the classical manipulation techniques ('popping' or 'clicking' or articulation).  Although usually called 'cranial technique' its principles can be applied to the whole body through gentle, steady alignment of connective and soft tissues.  Patients normally find the treatment deeply relaxing in addition to relieving any aches or pains they may have.

What should I expect during a cranial treatment?

Generally the treatment is quiet and relaxing.  Controlled, steady pressure is applied to different areas of the body to induce relaxation and alignment of related tissues.  It is an opportunity to gain awareness of your body and of how different parts relate to each other.  Usually through, developement, occupation, hobbies, etc the body forms habits of use, which form patterns of movement.  With prolonged use these muscular and joint patterns may become overused or misused and lead to aches and pains.  As the body is guided back into alignment, it allows the patient to become aware of how the tension patterns are affecting their whole posture and give the patient time to reflect on how the patterns may be formed and how they might alter them to regain control over their habits.  There is no need for immediate discussion as self-reflection and self-awareness is a key component in maintaining a good posture and muscular relaxation.

Often as patients regain alignment or mobility to misused parts of their body it will feel strange or unusual due to their pattern of movement being changed.  This is to be expected and is a good opportunity to gain self-awareness of how we habitually use our body in everyday life.  Although it is difficult to describe these sensations, it is useful to discuss these with your osteopath as they may be able to provide an interpretation.  Often an explanation of how you might have developed your posture can help you maintain and control it better for the future.

VISCERAL OSTEOPATHY

"Before completing my training, I never gave thought to the internal organs affecting posture or pain I felt in muscles or joints.  After studying the anatomy and physiology of the body, the relationship of how what's on the inside of our bodies may affect the outside, is often a 'missing link' to long term problems which haven't resolved with conventional musculo-skeletal treatment."

Visceral technique is not a separate discipline but it is a specialised area of study within osteopathy.  It has always been considered within the osteopathic framework however more recently it has become more recognised in being able to provide a more holistic approach to the body.  Essentially the same principles are applied to the visceral structures of the body, i.e. lungs, stomach, intestine, liver, etc, as the rest of the body.  Using gentle and specific amnipulation it may provide relief from postural complaints, minor digestion and circulatory problems, as well as general stress or tension.

Visceral osteopathy is not used to directly treat pathologically affected organs.  A full case history will be taken to ensure appropriate and safe treatment.  An osteopaths training involves medical screening which means if the patient's symptoms are not suitable for osteopathic treatment, they will be referred to their G.P. for further investigation.

Osteopathic Combined Massage

Using a combination of traditional massage techniques, lymphatic drainage, trigger point therapy, connective tissue massage, skin rolling, percussive techniques and fascia release; osteopathic massage can be used for sports injuries (minor), bachache, muscle spasm, neck or shoulder tension - or simply for relaxation.

A combined application of the above techniques allows an effective and controlled system of relaxing tension in muscle groups and relieving area of pain.  Although it may be applied to the whole body it is not a 'general' massage.  Each person has a unique muscular and posture pattern.  Osteopathic training allows diagnosis of specific areas and muscle groups to be treated for that individual.  If appropriate, western sytle acupuncture may be used to enhance the treatment.  Oils are not used and joint manipulation is not part of this treatment.

Prices:

First appointment (¾ hour) £40
Follow-up appointments (¾ hour) £35