Osteopathic treatment encompasses many techniques. The aim of the treatment is to restore the normal function of your body. This is done by improving the function of the tissues of the body through the blood flow and the nervous system. The main treatments are: Manipulation of joints – one of the main aims of osteopaths is to restore the normal function of joint  mobility. Often the joints are not moving through their full range of motion. Osteopaths use their skilled hands to restore joint mobility by putting a small movement through the joint. This causes the joint to gap slightly, which then causes waste gases to form in the joint fluid which escapes to produce the well-known “click” sound. This helps to relax muscle spasm and pain. Soft tissue massage – often muscles are tight and produce pain. Massage helps to reduce this tightness and improve blood flow in the muscles. Gentle releasing techniques – our osteopath will use his highly developed sense of touch, called palpation, to identify any points of weakness or excessive strain throughout your body. By movement of the joints, muscles and tissues, the osteopath can help to release these areas of impaired function. Cranial osteopathy or cranio-sacral techniques – These are also very gentle movements to the tissues of the body that the osteopath makes. These allow fluid movement to occur through the tissues to maximase function and the bodies capacity to heal. Hydrotherapy - use of hot and cold water packs to manipulate the blood flow to aid healing and normal function. Exercises - to strengthen muscles or improve mobility. They are an important part of your treatment for your recovery and long term improvement.