Osteopaths at Dartford Osteopath are happy to help patients with any treatment listed above.

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.

Digestive Upset

Patients with chronic digestive discomfort frequently resort to Gaviscon or other over-the-counter drug remedies to ameliorate their conditions as they arise. But the root cause can be effectively addressed by osteopathy. There are many nerves at the base of the spine connected to the rib cage and the diaprhagm. If the diaphram is excessively tense these nerves are unable to function properly which is a common cause of chronic digestive issues. By releasing this tension, cranial osteopaths are often able to dramatically reduce the pain and discomfort. The muscular tension may be the result of stress or other emotional blockages. As a result the treatment needs to be very gentle to help remove the stress and free-up the body's own healing capablilites. Exercises to help reduce stress in the first-place and manage it down may also be recommended.