What is Osteopathy & Naturopathy?
"To find health is the duty of the doctor - anyone can find disease."
(A T Still, Founder of Osteopathy)
Pain & disease are warning signals, like a traffic light. The body has the key to the answers if only we can learn how to listen to it.
Osteopaths & Naturopaths diagnose the cause of the dysfunction & pain, they work with the patient to attain health through exploring the optimal conditions required to regain health. This education will involve addressing their environment, work, diet, hobbies & mental well-being.
Katie Banfield BSc. (Hons) Ost. Med. DO ND
Registered Osteopath & Naturopath graduated from the British College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1994. Experience to date has included the completion of research projects on Overuse (RSI) Syndrome and the effect of manipulation on chest expansion and PEFR in asthmatics, working within the NHS in the UK and ACC system in New Zealand, giving talks on Osteopathic and Naturopathic matters to interested groups and working in private practice. Uses following modalities in practice:
- Visceral techniques useful for releasing such areas as the gut, lungs and liver.
- Craniosacral for head trauma sustained during birth, falls, congestion of sinuses etc..
- Manipulation affording a quick release of locked and restricted joints where indicated.
- Neuromuscular techniques to re-programme, re-balance and release traumatised tissue.
- Strapping techniques to immobilise ligaments and muscles that need to heal up and to aid rehabilitation of sporting injuries.
- Nutrition essential for the bodies inherent self-healing mechanism, sometimes combined with herbs.
- Postural work taking seating posture in cars, at office or during hobbies such as music playing into account.
- Exercise for specific conditions, with recommendations of other exercise disciplines that may help.
- Hydrotherapy to stimulate, decongest and/or calm an area.
- Dry Needling to ease trigger points with precision, particularly useful with muscle spasms.
Katie’s approach is very much one of working in partnership with the patient to empower them in their quest to achieve health. The treatments are personalised to the individual, bearing in mind each person’s unique constitution, lifestyle and health needs. Most of Katie's patients come via personal recommendation or GP referral.