Osteopathy - Mandy Banton
Mandy Banton, Registered Osteopath, trained at the London School of Osteopathy, graduating with first-class honours. Her diverse interests include ergonomic and sports injury rehabilitation and the antenatal and postnatal care of mothers and their babies.
Mandy practices both structural and cranial osteopathy, as well as medical acupuncture. She is currently undertaking the Sutherland Cranial Osteopathy programme of postgraduate training. Mandy is registered with the General Osteopathic Council and she is a member of the British Osteopathic Association and the British Medical Acupuncture Society.
Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a system of manual medicine that focuses primarily on the musculoskeletal system. Using many of the diagnostic approaches applied in conventional medicine, osteopaths try to establish the structural cause of physical symptoms and use techniques to restore the optimal function of the body without the use of drugs or surgery.
Osteopathic evaluation involves observation and testing according to biomechanical principles – looking at the inter-relationship between all the different parts of the body to understand the patient’s unique physical make-up. Osteopathic diagnosis considers whether any medical conditions, previous injuries or surgery or ergonomic factors could be causing physical symptoms.
Osteopathic treatment aims to relieve pain, improve function and promote healing, as well as reducing the likelihood of problems recurring. It includes:
- Soft-tissue massage
- Joint mobilisation
- Subtle connective-tissue and fluid balancing techniques
- Postural and breathing exercises
- Lymphatic drainage
- Stretching
Cranial Osteopathy
Cranial osteopathy is a gentle form of osteopathy, based on the principle of structural integrity common to all osteopathic approaches. It seeks to work with the rhythmic flow of the cerebro-spinal fluid through the cranium (skull) and spine.
It requires a refined sense of palpation (touch) to detect disruptions in what we call the 'cranial rhythm' and subtle adjustments to release them. Some of these disruptions are apparent in the minute movements normally found at the sutural joints in the cranium. Others are found in the muscles at the base of the skull and the diaphragm.
The cranial osteopath places their hands on the head, spine and feet and encourages a profound relaxation in the patient as their muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons let go of deeply held strain.
This allows the 'cranial rhythm' to re-establish itself and the body’s self-healing mechanisms to take effect.
The cranial approach is particularly suitable for babies, children and mothers, but is also suitable for many patients as an adjunct to structural osteopathy.
Regulation and Professional Standards
Osteopathic training entails a four-five year BSc Honours degree programme with extensive clinical training from the outset. Osteopaths are also committed to lifelong learning through a system of mandatory continuing professional development. It is a criminal offence in the UK, liable to prosecution, to describe oneself as an osteopath unless registered with the General Osteopathic Council.
The General Osteopathic Council regulates the profession of osteopathy, maintaining a statutory register of those entitled to practice osteopathy. Only practitioners meeting the highest standards of safety and competency are eligible for registration. Proof of good health, good character and professional indemnity insurance cover are also a requirement.
For more information please go to the excellent General Osteopathic Council website: www.osteopathy.org.uk
What to Expect of an Osteopathic Consultation
When you come for an osteopathic consultation, you will be asked to complete a short health questionnaire. This information will help Mandy to understand the background to your problem and to form a diagnosis. Mandy will then ask you about your symptoms and their history in some detail. Following this, there will be a musculoskeletal examination which will involve an observation of your posture and simple movements. Mandy may also take your blood pressure and test reflexes, joint mobility and muscle strength.
Mandy will then discuss the diagnosis with you and answer any questions you may have about your prognosis. She will discuss a treatment approach with you and ensure that you understand and consent to the osteopathic care proposed. Also, if for any reason Mandy believes that you will not benefit from osteopathic treatment, she will explain why and recommend alternatives.
For the purposes of examination and treatment it may be necessary to remove some clothes to examine the symptomatic area, e.g. the low back or the legs. However Mandy always ensures that her patients feel very comfortable and that modesty is maintained. Any patient may bring a chaperone with them. Please note that all under 18s must attend with a chaperone.
You may wish to discuss osteopathic approach to your symptoms in advance of making an appointment. If so, please contact Mandy on 07913 564 314 or at osteopath@saxifrage.plus.com