Peri Phokou

Osteopaths at Peri Phokou are happy to treat patients with any condition 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.

Migraine

The most common kind of debilitating headache is the migraine which inflict a very intense pain for a period varying from minutes to many hours. In the UK it is understood that almost eight million people have suffered from migraine attacks. Some only rarely but for a minority it can be a regular cause of disabling pain substantially impacting work and family life. Whilst the cause is not well understood doctors note the correlation between attacks and an imbalance of the hormone serotonin. As serotonin can constrict veins and arteries the imbalance can cause the vessels to be become engorged which is the source of the pain. Triggers can again vary but include stress, bright lights, hormonal imbalances (often caused by the menstrual cycle) and even various food types. Cranial osteopaths frequently treat migraine sufferers by working gently to promote improved level of drainage from the veins of the head and neck as well as working to reduce muscle tension at the base of the skull.