Osteopathy is not painful and is commonly very relaxing. Patients do, however, occasionally describe a ‘good pain’ whilst working on areas particularly tight and needing more profound work. This will always be well within your pain threshold.
It is common to feel a little achy for up to 24 hours following treatment as the joints and muscles adapt to being released and adjust to a better posture. This is normal and considered a joyous process. During this time, you are advised not to do too much exercise or strenuous activity to allow the body time to release fully.
Techniques you may experience at Barnes Osteopaths:
Cranial osteopathy, which is very gentle indeed and involves holding a part of the body (often the head or the sacrum), allows the body to resolve old tension patterns and restricted movement patterns. This approach is well recognised now as suitable for all ages, including newborns, children, and all stages of pregnancy.
Other techniques include:
- The gentle, rhythmic movement of joints, known as articulation, helps improve the range of motion in the joints
- Soft tissue techniques, which can feel similar to massage but are always specific to certain muscles, tendons or ligaments to change or relieve tensions in particular areas rather than a routine-based massage that you might have experienced in the past
- Unwinding and gentle release techniques can be performed on all soft tissues, including the supporting structures of organs, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints.
- Manipulation of joints, often with an audible click, is from time to time appropriate. This pain-free technique is only undertaken with a full explanation and the patient’s consent.
