Megan Smart (Collins)

Osteopath

Philosopy and types of treatment used

Megan strongly believes in a holistic approach - integrating postural, ergonomic, physiology, metabolic and general health elements in assessment, diagnosis and treatment. Megan gives priority to diagnosiing the underlying cause of a patient's problem and provides comprehensive information, advice and treatment. In Megan's experience, the more knowledge and understanding patient's have about their pain, the quicker and more effective the treatment and result.

Megan uses a subtle, gentle, yet very effective approach to treating the underlying cause of the problem, and focuses on restoring normal movement, muscle tone, blood flow, venous/lymph drainage and nerve action. Megan uses hands on techniques that enable the body to repair itself naturally, so that it can function at optimum levels. This treatment usually brings about profound changes in the body.

Although immediate pain relief is important, the aim of treatment is to improve a patient's long-term health and wellbeing. No one is too young or too old.

What to expect on your first visit

On your first visit a thorough case history will be taken, where we will ask you about your presenting complaint and how you think it began, as well as your past medical history.

Please bring details of any medication you are currently taking, or have recently been taking and any previous investigations (MRI, X-Ray, Reports etc) related to your current condition. All information is confidential.

The Physical Examination usually involves the osteopath examining your spine, pelvis, abdomen and limbs (depending on your problem). You will be asked to undress to your underwear so you can be examined appropriately. Gowns are available for your comfort and privacy; however, we also ask that you wear appropriate underwear that fully covers you, to avoid any embarrassment.Also, please feel free to bring along a partner or friend, if you would find it more comfortable. A parent or guardian is expected to be present if the child is under 16 years old. The osteopath will examine your standing posture and take you through some gentle movements and special tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.

This will be followed by a full explanation of your diagnosis and treatment plan. Please feel free to ask any questions you have. Every patient and every condition is different in some way, so treatment is tailored to the individual. However treatment will often involve specific massage or stretching of soft tissues (e.g. muscles, tendons & ligaments) and gentle mobilisation of joints, to improve movement and promote healing. Gentle classical & cranial osteopathic techniques may also be used. Advice on exercise, posture, diet, hot/cold and the modification of activities may be given in order to increase the effectiveness of treatment and to prevent recurrence of the problem.

Treatment will ordinarily be given on your first appointment, however if deemed necessary the osteopath may refer you to another medical, specialist or complementary practitioner.

At any point during treatment, should you feel discomfort or ongoing pain, just let your osteopath know. Osteopathic treatments are hands on, however they are designed to relieve rather than aggravate your condition and should not cause undue distress.

Most commonly treated conditions

Many conditions are caused by congestion, decreased blood and nerve flow, decrease nutrition, toxicity and a lack of drainage. Classical Osteopathy, in particular, works using many minor "adjustments" to the body's parts, to achieve physical balance within the whole. This encourages internal changes to the physiology through the blood, venous, lymph and nerve supply. This enables the Osteopath to help illnesses such as:· Asthma & Allergies · Diabetes, Thyroid and Metabolic Conditions · IBS & Gut problems · Liver & Kidney Dysfunctions · Fatigue/Tiredness · Headaches · Skin Conditions · Arthritis & Rheumatism

For instance, a goitre and hypothyroidism can be assisted by improving the venous & lymph drainage, blood & nerve supply of the head and neck. Ensuring that the neck muscles are relaxed and flexible is important to allow drainage. Releasing restrictions in the spine of the upper back, neck and head is important, as they can cause irritation of the nerves, altering the normal nerve action on the thyroid. A properly functioning diaphragm is also important in improving venous and lymph drainage, and nutrition via the supply of oxygen to the tissues.

Babies & Children

It is not necessarily true that children are young and flexible enough not to have physical imbalances in their body. Many problems that a child experiences can be related back to the pregnancy, the extreme stress of birth, injury or illness.

During pregnancy, the way the baby lies in the womb, especially in the later stages, can lead to compressions and strains in the body. These stresses and strains may not resolve naturally and could cause discomfort, irritability, colic, vomiting or problems feeding and defecating.

During birth, as the womb pushes to expel the baby, the baby is subjected to enormous forces, against the natural resistance of the birth canal. In addition to this the baby has to twist, turn and squeeze through the bony pelvis, on its highly stimulating and potentially stressful journey.The baby’s head and the strong membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord are able to absorb most of these stresses. As a result, many babies are born with odd shaped heads, which usually resolve in the first few days, as the baby suckles, cries and yawns. However, sometimes this is incomplete; especially if there have been complications during the delivery, such as the use of forceps, ventouse or manual traction. As a result the baby can become irritable and unsettled (among other things) due to the physical discomfort.

Osteopathic treatment soon after birth is recommended and highly beneficial, as birth misalignment becomes progressively more difficult to correct with time.

Injury or illness can also lead to discomfort and irritability. For instance: a child diagnosed with a chest infection will have difficulty breathing, decreasing the venous and lymphatic drainage, leading to congestion in the lungs and surrounding tissues. There will also be a small decrease in the amount of oxygen absorbed, making the body work harder to get it, causing the rib muscles and diaphragm to become tight or restricted. Osteopathic treatment of an injury or illness will promote good blood/nutrient supply and free drainage of waste products away from the area in order to assist the body heal itself effectively. It will decrease the tensions through the ribs and diaphragm, allowing the child to breath properly and resolve any persistent coughs or breathlessness that may be misdiagnosed as asthma.

Osteopathy can help babies & children with:· Crying, screaming, irritability · Feeding Difficulties & Teething · Colic & Wind · Sickness & Vomiting · Sleep Disturbances · Prematurity · Infections – chest, ear, sinus, urinary tract · Difficulty with defecation · Skin conditions – eczema & psoriasis · Asthma · Behavioural problems & learning difficulties

Women's Health

Osteopathy can assist many of the health issues that women face today, such as period pain, fibroids, cysts, fertility, pregnancy, overdue babies, caesarean recovery, mastitis, breast feeding problems and menopause. The conditions can usually be attributed to a change in the way the body moves and works (structure and function). Osteopaths aim to provide relief and restore normal structure and function where-ever possible. We do this by improving the condition and inter-relationship of muscles, ligaments, bones, blood and nerve supply; venous and lymph drainage.

Pregnancy

Women usually gain weight during pregnancy and go through major postural changes to accommodate the baby, commonly resulting in aches and pains. It can also be very exhausting to carry that extra weight around. Any woman with existing back pain or a history of strains or injury from past accidents or trauma, may find it difficult to accommodate to these changes, and may suffer more discomfort as a result.

A history of coccyx, pelvic or sacral bone trauma can limit the mobility of the pelvic joints (sacroiliac and symphisis pubis) as they move during labour, and thus limit the size of the pelvic outlet, possibly causing more difficulties during birth.

Osteopathy can ensure the mother’s pelvis and low back is structurally balanced, an important preparation for childbirth. Osteopathy can also improve the pregnant woman’s general health and well-being by ensuring the whole body is in balance and working efficiently. This consequently enables the new mum-to-be to enjoy her pregnancy, and improves the birth and recovery process.

We work closely with your midwife, specialist or GP.

New Mum

Caring for your new baby can be a physically and mentally demanding task, especially during the first few months. Your body has had to recover from the postural changes made during pregnancy, the effects of delivery, and to the caring of a wonderful, new addition.

Many new activities also put strain on the body, which may still be under the influence of relaxin. Relaxin keeps the ligaments lax, in turn causing your muscles to work harder. Reaching into a cot, poor nursing and breastfeeding positions, lifting and carrying your new baby place enormous strain on the low, mid and upper back, leading to aches, pains, and even mastitis.

Osteopathy can help to relieve the strains, improve breathing and rib fuction, and re-balance the body. This will ultimately improve nursing positions, breastfeeding and relaxation, to enable you to enjoy your new found motherhood.

Workplace & Posture

Sedentary occupations, such as sitting at a computer or prolonged driving, that involve static positions with poor seating, can place strain and cause restrictions to areas of the spine. Muscle imbalances, such as shortening of the hamstrings from prolonged sitting, may also occur throughout your body.

This can lead to symptoms such as back, neck, shoulder, arm, wrist and hand aches or pains, because your body can no longer adapt to the demands placed on it. Sometimes a minor strain, emotional stress or illness can trigger the pain and symptoms because your body can no longer adapt. If the pain and symptoms have been there for some time, your condition could take longer than expected to heal.

Osteopathic treatment and ergonomic appraisal of your work station will reduce strains and restrictions enabling the body to heal itself. Osteopathy can, therefore, enhance work performance and minimise the likelihood of recurrence.

Sports Injuries

Osteopathy is very beneficial in the treatment of sports injuries, as it identifies and treats the underlying cause and mechanical stressors, whilst improving your function, posture and ultimately improving performance.

Whether it is a chronic or acute problem, evaluation and treatment aim to prevent further injury and rehabilitate through corrective exercises and stretching. The osteopath is motivated to provide a speedy recovery, ensuring your timely return to sporting endeavours, where ever possible.

The osteopath has a detailed knowledge and understanding of the structure and function of the human body, enabling us to identify the problem and underlying cause which may have occurred because of injury or mechanical stress. Assessment of the movements that either caused the injury or are specific to the sport provide a great insight, allowing the osteopath to tailor the treatment and corrective exercises to the individual. This will enable the body to heal itself, thus improving performance and reducing the possibility of further injuries.

Osteopathy is beneficial for many different sports, such as:· Cricket · Cycling · Dancing · DIY & Gardening · Football · Golf · Gym/Weights · Gymnastics · Martial Arts · Rugby · Running · Tennis

Epsom Salts

Epsom salts are a great benefit to help heal the human body, as they improve the removal of toxins and normal waste products, whilst providing the body with essential minerals to improve its function. Epsom salts are readily absorbed through the skin, such as in a bath, drawing toxins from the body, calming the nervous system (as long as the bath is not too hot), reducing swelling, relaxing muscles, and much more.

Epsom Salt consists of a mineral compound called Magnesium Sulfate. Magnesium is a key mineral in the body as it performs a vital role in orchestrating many bodily functions and enzyme action, assists in the elimination of harmful toxins and has a calming effect. Sulphate has been shown to be effective in improving nutrient absorption and toxin elimination, whilst playing a vital role in the formation of brain tissue, joint proteins and proteins that line the walls of the digestive tract and stimulate the pancreas to generate digestive enzymes. Sulfates are extremely difficult to get through food but are readily absorbed through the skin.

Typically the modern diet contains less magnesium than a balanced diet does, being rich in fat, sugar, salt and protein. These same foods actually accelerate the depletion of magnesium from our systems. (http://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/about_starved_for_magnesium.htm)

Researchers and physicians report that raising your magnesium levels may: · Improve heart and circulatory health, reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing hardening of the arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure. · Improve the body's ability to use insulin, reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes. · Flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances. · Improve nerve function by regulating electrolytes. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood. · Relieve stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation. · Starved For Magnesium

How to Use Epsom Salts

BathAdd a cup of Epsom salts to a warm bath and soak for 20 minutes. After the bath, briefly rinse the toxins eliminated from the skin in the shower and towel dry. You will obtain more health benefits if you have your bath just before bedtime.

Cold Compress:In approximately 5 litres of cool tap water, add half a cup of Epsom salts. Soak a face washer or tea towel in the water for about 5 minutes. Wring it out and apply it to the painful or swollen area for 5 to 10 minutes.

Consult your osteopath for further information or instructions.

Caution: Do not take internally, keep out of reach of children, eyes, and open wounds. Store in a sealed container in a cool dry place.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Osteopathy (British School of Osteopathy)

About Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a manual therapy that uses its unique expert skills of palpation and observation to get to the root cause of the problem, pain or injury. Osteopathy sees the body as a global inter-relationship of parts which when disturbed, can cause pain. Osteopaths diagnose using a core set of principles that underlie its philosophy, and use physical techniques to re-balance and support the body in order to harness its remarkable capacity for self-repair.

Osteopaths are experts in the understanding and application of the structure and function of the human body. With low back pain, for instance, an osteopath would assess whether it is the muscles, ligaments, joints, bones, nerves, fluids or organs that are causing the problem, and whether there are problems in the spine above or in the limbs below. Work, sport, posture, daily activities, diet and stress are included in the assessment, treatment and advice.

Osteopathy is a highly effective treatment for pain related to Back, neck & joints; Pregnancy & Fertility; Children & babies; Sports; Headaches; Irritable bowel; Gut problems; Disturbances of the Thyroid, Liver & Kidneys; General health and much more.

There are many different tools that an osteopath can use to provide effective treatment, such as classical, cranial, functional, structural, and visceral. This allows the osteopath to provide individually tailored, gentle, effective treatment to harness the body’s self healing ability.

About Classical Osteopathy

Classical Osteopathy uses a systematic form of diagnosis and treatment called "The Total Body Adjustment", in which the body is treated as a whole every time. There are many minor "adjustments" to the body's parts, to achieve physical balance within the whole, encouraging the free flow of vitality through the blood, venous, lymph and nerve supply. This enables the Osteopath to treat more than just musculoskeletal injuries, allowing them to treat constitutional illnesses such as asthma and diabetes. This form of diagnosis and treatment is closest to the original teachings of Osteopathy by Andrew Taylor Still, and John Martin Littlejohn who considered Osteopathy to be strongly based on the osteopathic principle “ The body has its own medicine chest” (it is able to produce its own medicine to heal itself). It was further developed by the late John Wernham.

To express the traditional, holisitic and individual approach to osteopathy, the term 'Classical' was used. “It differs in technique and practice, concepts, philosophy, and the enormous scope of application. We follow in the pioneering tradition of the early osteopaths with the advantages of a century of research and clinical practice.” (http://www.jwcco.org.uk/what.html).

Classical Osteopathy is very effective at treating the patient from within, from conditions such as the common cold, sinus and chest infections to asthma and eczema, and many diseases which do not respond well to orthodox medicine.

Importantly, our Osteopaths work alongside, and complement, your specialist and GP.

About Cranial Osteopathy

Cranial osteopathy is a refined, subtle osteopathic treatment that encourages the release of stresses and tensions throughout the body, including the head. Cranial osteopaths are trained to feel a very subtle, rhythmical shape change that can be felt throughout the body tissues, similar to a very refined form of breathing. This occurs as nutritional fluid is pumped around the spinal cord and brain and a tiny degree of movement is allowed in the skull and its membranes. This is called ‘Involuntary Motion’ (as it is beyond our voluntary control) or the ‘Cranial Rhythm’. Its existence was described by William Garner Sutherland, and confirmed in a series of laboratory tests in the 1960's and '70's.

The cranial rhythm is an expression of the individual’s state of health and well-being. It guides the practitioner’s mind and hands to re-establish balance and harmony, allowing the body to heal itself. It is a gentle yet extremely effective, whole-body approach and may be used in a wide range of conditions for people of all ages, from birth to old age.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a treatment session?

Treatment sessions vary and generally speaking are 40 mins.

Does it hurt?

Osteopathic techniques are designed to be non painful, however we are working with tissues that have been traumatized or inflamed so some discomfort may occur during the treatment.

Will it be sore after treatment?

It is common to be sore/more sore for around 48hrs after a treatment as we are changing tissue physiology to restore balance to the body. If symptoms exacerbate after that then please call as we will be able to help as necessary.

How many treatments will I need?

This will vary depending upon what tissues are causing your symptoms & the duration of time that the problem has been present. Most simple cases usually take between 4-6 treatments but this can vary as mentioned above. Your Osteopath will discuss this with you once your examination has been completed and a management plan is put into action.
We advise that people have check up’s for the same reasons that your dentist, doctor or optometrist do. Prevention is better than cure, so by having regular Osteopathic treatments your body can function at it’s optimum level, thus contributing positively to your overall health and well-being.

Do I need a referral from my GP?

NO, you do not need a referral from your GP to see an osteopath, however, you may be eligible for osteopathic treatment from medicare under the EPC (enhanced primary care) scheme. To find out more information on this please feel free to contact the clinic.

Will my health insurance cover treatments?

YES. Depending on the health fund you are with and level/type of cover that you have. This will then relate to how much benefit you receive off your treatment. For your convenience, your refund can be processed electronically at the time of treatment.


Links

www.bodywiseosteopathy.com