Osteopathy is a well established system of diagnosis and manual treatment that is recognised by the British Medical Association. It is a way of detecting and treating damaged parts of the body such as muscles, ligaments, nerves and joints

When the body is balanced and efficient, just like a well-tuned engine, it will function with the minimum of wear and tear, leaving it more energy for living.

"to find health should be the object of the practitioner, anyone can find disease"
a.t. still

Who is it suitable for?

Osteopathy is suitable for all ages – from newborn to the elderly. Osteopaths are trained to recognise and treat a wide variety of conditions including:

what to expect

On your first visit a full case history will be taken as well as an evaluation of your physical condition. Your posture, movement of the joints and muscle tone will be assessed and appropriate tests may be taken (such as reflexes and blood pressure).

A broad range of osteopathic techniques can be used from gentle cranial work to firmer manipulation and soft tissue techniques, appropriate to the needs of the patient.

 what do I need to wear

Usually you will need to get undressed down to your underwear and if you prefer a gown is available. You will be made to feel comfortable at all times.

about the practitioner

Simon Perks: BOst

Simon studied at the British School of Osteopathy and is trained in a wide variety of techniques including cranial osteopathy. Having trained initially as a specialist ski boot fitter and in making orthotics for skiing, it was whilst working in France and following a skiing accident that he became a convert to Osteopathy.

He has lived in Totnes from the age of 11, and came back to live here with his family, his wife Jaqui who teaches Pilates at thepractice, and his 2 children – Isobella (8) and Oscar (5).

As required by law, Simon is registered with the General Osteopathic Council and is fully insured.

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what will it cost?

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Osteopathy for Pregnancy >
Osteopathy for Babies >
Osteopathy for Children >

Click on the above to go straight to the area that interests you.

Osteopathy for Pregnancy
Pregnancy produces the largest postural change that a woman’s body will undergo.  Osteopathic treatment through pregnancy is a wonderfully gentle way of helping the body adapt to the changes which are taking place.
Advice from your osteopath can help you to change your posture and learn to use your body correctly through pregnancy.
Osteopaths can also help to ease other side effects of pregnancy such as heartburn, indigestion, constipation, pubic symphysis diastasis and pain in the buttock, groin or leg (commonly called sciatica).
 
Osteopathy for Babies
The small amounts of movement that exist in the infant skull permits the baby’s head to adapt to the forces of labour.  However when birth is complicated by being unduly slow or fast, or when other complications occur such as the need to forceps delivery, the infant head may not fully recover from the distortion.  This may result in subtle changes in function leading to problems such as feeding difficulties, colic and disturbed sleep patterns. 
The gentle skilful application of osteopathic treatment by an osteopath can often bring about a significant improvement in these distressing conditions. These are best treated at an early stage to avoid future problems.

Osteopathy for Children
As children grow older, problems may become apparent which may have arisen because of earlier strains or as a result of trauma such as knocks on the head or falls.  Recurrent infections in the nose and ears (glue ear) may be due in part to restrictions in the small yet important movements between the various bones of the growing skull.

Many osteopaths consider that mechanical stresses on the body can be an important factor in cases of developmental delay such as delayed speech, educational difficulties and problems with co-ordination and physical development that have no particular medical diagnosis.  Such children often make better progress once osteopathic treatment has been started.

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what to expect after treatment?

You may feel tired after a treatment – this is normal.  It is a good idea to try and avoid undue stress or rushing about on the day of a treatment and to avoid strenuous exercise for 2-3 days after treatment – if possible.   

You may be more aware of your symptoms for 2-3 days after treatment, you may notice old symptoms reappear temporarily, and very occasionally a new symptom may develop due to the whole body responding to treatment especially with chronic conditions. These are all normal treatment responses, but if after 2-3 days you are concerned about how you are feeling, or if you have any questions before that, please do not hesitate to contact Simon.

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