Osteopathy
Osteopathy can help muscle, joint, ligament, tendon, and nerve problems. If you are not sure whether osteopathy can help you, then please contact us either by email enquiries@ambaclinic.co.uk or by phone on 01582 591 544 and we can let you know.
An osteopath can treat whatever a physiotherapist treats and will often treat other conditions too. There is quite often confusion between the difference between a chiropractor, osteopath and physiotherapist. A very loose summary is:
- An osteopath uses a very much hands on approach and will treat the whole body; a hollistic approach
- A physiotherapist tends to favour exercises and electrotherapy
- A chiropractor will often concentrate on the spine and uses more manipulations/clicking techniques.
This is a very general description because all these therapies tend to overlap these days with therapists from the different disciplines using each others' ideas. No one therapy is proven to be better than the other because each individual patient will suit a particular therapy and therapist.
At Amba Clinic, a combination of hands on, manipulation, and exercise is considered to be important with the aim to help the patient towards recovery. Advice is also given as to how you can help yourself if the problem was to arise again.
"A hands on approach" means using massage, stretches and mobilisation techniques to help reduce pain and increase mobility and therefore overall comfort. Manipulations (the famous clicking technique) is a common technique used by osteopaths but it is only used if appropriate and with permission. Some patients are sore for up to a couple of days after treatment whereas others will feel the benefit immediately or at a later stage.
Sports Therapy/Injuries
Sports Massage
Sports massage helps to remove tension within those areas of tight muscle. The pressure applied is deeper than a typical beauty therapy massage yet it is still relaxing with the bonus of feeling more mobile and free afterwards.
Traditional Chinese philosophy states that in order for the body to be healthy, there has to be a balance of energy around the body. The energy, Qi ("chee"), flows through channels beneath the skin and if its balance is disturbed, then illness can occur. Energy can be disturbed by a number of factors including emotional such as anxiety, anger, or grief. Also from things such as poor nutrition hereditary factors, infections and trauma.
Treatments involves inserting very fine needles along the energy channels. This stimulates the body's own natural healing process and creates a balance of energy promoting good health.
Acupuncture will try and help with conditions such as:
Emotional/Mental: Stress, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, insomnia.
Children's Health: Glue ear, recurrent colds/infections, digestive disorders.
Muscular/Neurological/Skeletal/Vascular: Back pain, sciatica, knee pain, asthma, headaches/migraines, sports injuries, digestive disorders.
It can also help with male and female health issues. The acupuncturists here have a special interest in infertility and also facial rejuvenation/cosmetic acupuncture.
Facial Re-Vitalisation Acupuncture (FRA)
Also known as Cosmetic Acupuncture, Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture’s (FRA) intention is to delay the signs of aging. By treating areas on the face and also by treating the underlying causes of a person’s particular manifestations of aging, the treatment seeks to nourish the patient both inside and out.
FRA works by mobilising blood and lymph around the body, in particular the face. This is believed to improve muscle tone, tightening of the skin, collagen production and blood circulation to the face to improve the complexion in the head and neck area.
FRA aims to help with deep wrinkles, and bags under the eyes, sagging, puffiness, drooping eyelids, double chin, large pores, fine lines, dry skin and acne.
Contra-indications to FRA:
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is contraindicated for some pituitary disorders, heart disorders, diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, individuals who have a pacemaker or who have a problem with bleeding or bruising, or who currently suffer from migraine headaches. Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture should not be done during pregnancy, during a bout with a cold or flu, during an allergic attack or during an acute herpes outbreak.
A therapy commonly used in hospitals across China Tui Na is believed to be beneficial with regards to treating long term musculo-skeletal problems. Treatment is usually carried out over clothing. Occasionally oils, balms, and creams are used for painful and chronic problems. Often described as being strong, deep and effectual, Tui Na is perfect for stubborn deep tissue problems and sports injuries.