NAUGHTY but NICE!
HYPOTHETICAL CASE: Jack is seven. He likes nothing better than making mischief! Jack's mum describes him as a lovely boy, kind and
generous, though she is worried about his lack of sleep, and his inability to sit and relax like other children.
Jack is always constipated.
He finds it difficult to concentrate, and his teachers describe him as hyperactive, and have asked the local
authority's Educational Psychologist to see him.
He has a brother and sister, both younger, who take up a lot of mum's time. Mum is worried that Jack is not
getting the attention he needs, but he can be disruptive to his siblings. She has heard something about Cranial
Osteopathy in the internet forum she visits and has come to see if the Osteopath can help.
The Osteopath asks all sorts of questions: about her pregnancy with Jack, his birth and any other significant
medical history in his 7 years. She also asks about Jack's diet and digestion, his sleep pattern, and his
behaviour.
The Osteopath suggests that it would be wise to see the Educational Psychologist, as Jack's behaviour is
sometimes extreme, but also that she may be able to treat him to improve his digestion by allowing the abdomen
to relax.
The Osteopath makes a series of gentle, rotational movements with Jack's hips, knees, ankles, feet, and the arms
too. Some gentle pressure on the abdomen relieves the areas of tension which seem to contribute to his
constipation.
Jack is placid throughout the treatment and seems happy to come back.
The next week the Osteopath repeats the treatment, and Jack falls asleep. Whilst he is in this relaxed state the
Osteopath checks for any signs of pressure or restriction of the normal micro-movements the bones of the skull.
She gently feels around Jack's head and neck, using the very subtle method of Cranial Osteopathy.
The front of Jack's head is very hard and restricted, where it should be flexible and mobile in a child of this
age. The Osteopath explains that this area is related to the part of the brain which regulates behaviour and
encourages this area to soften and move within its normal range. Jack is still asleep.
On the 3rd visit, another week later, Jack's mum says that she has noticed he is more relaxed, and occasionally
will sit on his own and play. This didn't happen before. Jack has also been sleeping right through the night on
several occasions, and both mum and dad feel better for this.
Dad has come along to see what happens during treatment and offers his own version of events.
The Osteopath explains that she will not be able to solve all of Jack's difficulties, but that she may be able
to support them, as and when necessary.
Jack's parents decide to bring him next half-term and have also asked about his sister's eczema.
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A PAIN IN THE BACK
HYPOTHETICAL CASE: Mark, 32, is a self-employed builder. He experienced severe back pain
for the first time last week. He's always had a little aching after long days at work, but when he lifted his
daughter out of the bath that day, pain shot all the way down one of his legs and his back has been hurting ever
since.
He is self-employed and has lost over £800 in income over these 5 days off work.
A neighbour told him an Osteopath might be able to help, and he has come for his first appointment today.
Thankfully, the Osteopath explained that nothing serious had happened, as there was no evidence of a nerve
problem - a slipped or prolapsed disc was unlikely.
It seems that the main problem is Mark's unrelenting work schedule. In trying to earn more, Mark has had no days
off in the last month, working extra Saturdays and doing-up his own house on Sundays. His back has had no
opportunity to rest and recover from all the lifting - not to mention the stress that this lifestyle brings. His
muscles have tightened causing his pain.
The Osteopath advises Mark to try to take a break from work at the weekends; perhaps pursuing some other
activity like swimming that will support his back but not cause any additional strain. Relieving stress is an
important factor in general health and enhancing recovery, so a country walk with the family might be good for
everyone.
Gentle osteopathic treatment alleviates Mark's back pain within a couple of treatments and he is back to normal
activity within a week.
Mark was worried about the cost of treatment, but the Osteopath recommended a Cash-plan scheme to help with
costs, and now that he is back at work he is earning again.
He works alternate Saturdays, swims twice a week now, and takes his daughter on a Sunday too. He has decided to
visit the Osteopath 3 times a year to avoid the severe problem and any more time off work.
More about the conditions we treat
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