Rowland Benjamin (Osteopath)

Osteopathy is the treatment of muscle and joint problems, such as chronic or intermittent pain with hands-on manipulation. On average it takes me three visits to fix one problem and most patients do not need ongoing treatment. Advice may be given on work habits, posture, stress and exercise. The first visit includes a case history, examination and treatment and takes 30 minutes. At the end of this visit the patient is given a treatment plan and some idea of the total length of the treatment. To determine the cause of an illness a case history is necessary. The physical examination includes a searching palpatory investigation, with X rays, pathology tests, orthopaedic and neurological tests. Osteopaths use palpation to test for restriction or excess motion at joints. Changes to skin, muscle can also be identified by palpation. The patient’s information, the clinical examination, observation, and palpatory findings together assist in the formulation of a diagnosis.