Susie Wanford Osteopath M.Ost, DO

Osteopaths are probably best known for the effective work we do to help people with back and neck pain. There are various causes of back pain including:

• muscle spasm or strain following a minor injury
• nerve pain (inflammation or compression) including sciatica with referred pain felt in the buttocks and/or legs
• osteoarthritis (known as spondylosis when in the spine) which can lead to restrictions and inflammation
• tension, which can ascend to cause headaches
• and of course more.

 It is important to get to the bottom of the initial cause and any maintaining factors. I look at the whole body, how well you are able to move, and gently but effectively work towards restoring you to your 'normal'.

Occasionally even our little ones need a little helping hand. The mechanics of birth can sometimes lead to strains through baby's bodies that can cause discomfort and them seeming to be very unsettled.  They may seem uncomfortable when laid flat or have trouble turning their head to a particular side. This can lead to latching problems in breast feeding babies. As well as having experience feeding my own babies, I have undertaken training to be a breast feeding peer supporter which I find really useful for helping mums with any feeding issues.

Older children can often partake in vigorous activities or sports that might strain a muscle or ligaments. Gentle osteopathy treatment can help to speed up the recovery process.

Our bodies experience significant postural changes while pregnant and carrying our growing babies. This can put huge strain on certain muscles and ligaments and commonly leads to pain and discomfort in the back and pelvis. 

Once we have had our babies, our bodies then have the job of adapting back to normal, whilst also under the strains of carrying our babies in our arms, poor feeding postures and lack of sleep. Osteopathy can help to provide relief through these stages of our lives.

Looking for relief from those general aches and pains? Suffering from frequent morning stiffness? Often put down to age, sometimes due to the onset of osteoarthritis, but manual therapy such as osteopathy can really help to reduce these uncomfortable symptoms. 

All sports people know that it is important to look after their body to optomise performance. Certain sports can also take their toll on particular areas of the body. For example golfers frequently suffer with back pain due to repetitive twisting to the same side, as well as golfer's elbow.  Osteopathy can help and also assist with recovery from minor sports injuries and muscle or ligament strains.

Osteopathy can also help to improve performance. I have treated cyclists, golfers, swimmers, runners, squash players, archers, footballers, and more. Balancing the posture can relieve tension in tight muscles that may have been reducing mobility and restricting full range of movement.

Not feeling quite right or do you just enjoy a regular treatment every few weeks or months to keep you pain free?
If you need some routine maintenance, I'm here to help. We can work to improve posture and structural balance. Keep you moving comfortably and pain free. 

Most patients will report really enjoying their sessions and how they feel afterwards. Many also report sleeping very well the night after a treatment.