Harpenden Osteopaths-Hatfield

Osteopaths at Harpenden Osteopaths-Hatfield see patients with many different conditions, two of the more common complaints are discussed below

Whiplash

Whiplash injuries are frequently the result of a road traffic injury. As a vehicle comes to a sudden stop the head is thrust backwards at great velocity like the end of a whip. Whilst associated with car accidents, whiplash can occur on fairground rides and even from a simple fall. The result may be damage to neck and back discs, joints, ligaments and nerves. The sensitivity of the neck is such that whiplash symptoms can effect all of the body both physically and psychologically. The osteopathic approach is to work these injuries very gently over a number of sessions to carefully treat the tissue and joints. Soft tissue massage techniques will be used to soften the muscle before gentle manipulaiton or articluation techniques are performed in an attempt to restore natural movement ranges.

Edema

From an osteopathic perspective edema - or an abnormal concentration of fluid in any part of the body - is most frequently the result of a blockage of the body's normal absorptive flows which may be caused by a trauma or by post-operative scarring for example. The danger is the viscious cycle whereby edemas cause further blockages to blood vessels and nerves which impedes their function giving rise to tissue congestion exacerbating the problem. The recommended treatment for edema is to restore free movement to the lymphatice drainage system via gentle manipulation or massage. The intended effect is improve circulation, increased resorption, and a system that can naturally heal itself.