osteopathy
ABOUT CHRIS SWAIN
Chris has a general practice and treats all age groups from newborn babies to the elderly and a wide range of conditions. These not only include musculo-skeletal conditions (back and joint pain), but also migraines, IBS, insomnia, ME, asthma, RSI, arthritis, infant colic, and general well being.
Chris has worked at the Osteopathic Centre for Children (OCC) when it was located in Harley Street and has studied cranial osteopathy with one of the most experienced and inspirational practioners, Dr James Jealous director of the OCC.
He also completed a 2 year post graduate diploma in Classical
Osteopathy, having studied with John Wernham who very sadly recently passed away at the age of 99.
Having had the opportunity to study with these two exceptional osteopaths has enabled Chris to bring a unique depth and breadth to his practice, drawing on the lineage of the greats in Osteopathy. This experience is further enhanced by his own practice and studies in yoga and other traditions. He is qualified as a shiatsu therapist and has studied Thai massage in Thailand. 
WHERE CHRIS PRACTICES
Yogahome
11 Allen Road
Stoke Newington
London N16
Tel: 020 7249 2425
8 Selborne Road
Hove
East Sussex
BN3 3AG
Tel: 01273 711 244 / 0776175 4994
ABOUT OSTEOPATHY
Osteopathy aims to restore the body's natural healing ability by using manual treatment techniques, such as mobilization, manipulation, massage, and cranial-sacral, combined with lifestyle and dietary advice. Treatment is suitable for everyone from babies to older people.
Osteopathy does not involve the use of drugs or surgery, although in some cases osteopaths may work alongside other healthcare professionals, such as GP's, where such interventions and referrals may be required. This may include obtaining an X-ray or MRI scan.
CONDITIONS COMMONLY TREATED
- Back and neck pain
- Joint pain and arthritis
- Sciatica
- Headaches and migraines
- Stress and fatigue syndromes
- Sports injuries and tendon strains
- Whiplash
- Postural problems
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Infantile colic and glue ear
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM AN OSTEOPATHIC ONSULTATION AND TREATMENT
When you first visit an osteopath you will be asked a number of questions to ascertain your medical history as a thorough case history is taken. This will be followed by an assessment of the mobility of your body in which you will be asked to perform a series of simple movements. There may also be a need to take nerve reflexes or similar clinical tests.
During the examination any points of strain, postural imbalance, weakness or specific injury will be identified. The musculo-skeletal assessment will be considered alongside lifestyle factors such as work and leisure activities to enable a diagnosis to be made and a treatment plan determined.
Osteopathy is a non-invasive treatment. The practitioner will use their hands to palpate the body to discover areas of discomfort and to carry out treatment.
Following treatment it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Advice will be given regarding posture, exercise and a healthy diet as well as the avoidance of things which may be damaging. The prognosis and expected duration of treatment is also discussed.
HISTORY OF OSTEOPATHY
Osteopathic medicine was developed by Andrew Taylor Still in 1874 when he established a college at Kirksville Missouri in America. Still was already a practicing doctor as well as a preacher, engineer who invented agricultural machinery and a frontiersman in the 'wild west'. In many ways the principles of osteopathy can be traced to his multi-faceted character.
He had been a doctor on the battlefield and had seen more men killed by the 'heroic' drug based medicine then used, using substance like mercury, than in actual fighting. He had also seen the death of his wife and children from diseases like meningitis, which left him disillusioned by traditional medicine. He combined the structural concepts of engineering with his in-depth knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the human body to develop a system of medicine he named 'osteopathy'.
He saw the human body as being capable of curing itself and it was the duty of the physician to remove any impediments to the health function of each person. He promoted healthy lifestyle, nutrition, abstinence from alcohol and the use of manipulative techniques to improve physiological function. His approach was a 'drug free' medicine. The name 'osteopathy' comes from his reasoning that the bones (osteon) and skeleton were the starting point from which he was to ascertain the cause of pathological conditions.
THE KEY PRINCIPLES OF OSTEOPATHY
- The body is a unit
- Structure governs function
- The body has the inherent capacity to defend and repair itself
- The body possesses self-regulatory mechanisms
- When normal adaptability is disrupted, or when environmental changes overcome the body's capacity for self maintenance, disease may ensue
- The movement of body fluids is essential to the maintenance of health
- The nerves play a crucial part in controlling the fluids of the Body
Photographs by K&mpfner
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