As is the case with visiting the dentist, having a routine treatment on a regular basis each year is an important way of maintaining your health and wellbeing. Invariably, this ends up being less expensive and less of a waste of their time in the long run. Osteopathic treatment is not recommended for people with severe osteoporosis, broken bones or bone cancer, although they can benefit from gentle assistance with other difficulties such as muscular tension or postural problems. Similarly, people with inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can be treated during the non-inflammatory stages of the disease. Osteopathy can also help considerably with discomfort both during and after pregnancy.
Gentle manipulation can also be very rewarding for young babies and elderly or frail patients.
Professional treatment should not cause side-effects. You may, however, feel sleepy after treatment or have a temporary aching and tenderness in the muscles or joints for the following day or so. This is perfectly normal. It may be advisable to avoid strenuous activity just after treatment although gentle exercise is usually beneficial.