The Osteopathic House

27/08/2025

Huge Welcome to McKenzie who is the new massage therapist at Breeze and The Osteopathic House.
Special promo in September.
£45 for an hours massage.(first massage only)
Swedish, sports and deep tissue.

Excellence in health and understanding of the body.
Time to understand the problem and get in control of it.
Actively involves the patient in treatment.

28/03/2025

Reading a paper from the Lancet on placebo and lower back pain
Did you know for chronic and acute back pain paracetamol , spinal fusion and even having an MRI can make things worse?

16/01/2025

The Path to Freedom from Suffering: Osteopathy and the Four Noble Truths

In a world driven by achievement and material pursuits, many of us find ourselves ensnared in a cycle of chronic pain—both physical and emotional. For countless individuals, this pain becomes a companion, a persistent reminder of unfulfilled desires, unrelenting demands, and unaddressed burdens. But what if there were a way to step off this path of suffering and onto a path of healing and liberation? Let us explore this journey through the lens of osteopathy and the ancient wisdom of the Four Noble Truths.

The First Noble Truth: Recognizing the Reality of Suffering

Life, by its very nature, is marked by suffering. This truth, taught by the Buddha, is a cornerstone of understanding our shared human experience. For those with chronic pain, suffering manifests in the body—a relentless ache, a stiffness that limits freedom, a gnawing discomfort that robs joy from life. As osteopaths, we see this suffering daily in our patients: the weight of a body no longer in harmony with itself.

But to address suffering, we must first recognize it fully. Often, the pain of our patients is not merely physical. It is woven into their lives, a complex tapestry of stress, unresolved emotions, and unfulfilled desires.

The Second Noble Truth: Understanding the Cause of Suffering

At the heart of suffering lies desire. The yearning for security, wealth, recognition, or even the desire to escape discomfort can bind us to pain. Many people work themselves to the point of burnout—physically and emotionally—driven by the belief that they must achieve more, earn more, or acquire more to feel fulfilled. This relentless pursuit often comes at the cost of their health and well-being.

But what drives this need? Do we truly require more things, more recognition, more success. Would our families love us any less if we didn’t provide them with all their desires and wants ? or would a child be far happier with a parent that is pain free, joyous and available to connect with. Or are we seeking to fill a deeper void, a yearning that material gains can never truly satisfy? Chronic pain, tension, and fatigue often mirror this internal struggle, as the body bears the weight of an unsustainable pace and unmet emotional needs.

Osteopathy embraces this understanding. The very word "osteopathy" links "osteo" (bone) with "pathy" (suffering or disease). Our practice recognizes that pathology—dis-ease—arises not in isolation but as a result of a life out of balance. Chronic tension, poor posture, and physical dysfunction are often reflections of deeper imbalances in how we live and what we pursue.

The Third Noble Truth: The Possibility of Liberation

The Buddha teaches that suffering can end. Similarly, osteopathy holds the promise of relief. By addressing the root causes of pain, rather than merely its symptoms, we can free the body and mind from their cycles of discomfort. Through skilled hands-on techniques, we restore movement, improve circulation, and bring the body back to its natural state of balance. This process mirrors the journey of liberation—an opportunity to let go of that which binds us.

Osteopathy is more than physical treatment; it is an invitation to reconnect with oneself. It reminds us that the body is not separate from the mind or spirit. True healing occurs when we align all aspects of our being with the natural rhythms of life.

The Fourth Noble Truth: The Path to Freedom

The Buddha’s Eightfold Path offers guidance to end suffering. Similarly, osteopathy provides a path to restore health and vitality. It begins with a single step—acknowledging the need for change and seeking help. From there, each treatment, each adjustment, each mindful action becomes part of the journey to wellness.



Our role as osteopaths is not just to alleviate pain but to empower our patients to live fully, free from the burdens that hold them back. Healing is a collaboration—a shared commitment to walk the path together.

What Drives Your Desires?

In our fast-paced, achievement-driven world, the desire to be free of pain is universal. But what lies beneath that desire? Is it the wish to move freely, to reclaim joy, to feel whole again? Or is it something deeper—a yearning for connection, peace, or purpose?



Why do we push ourselves to the brink of exhaustion? Is it truly about the rewards we seek, or are we chasing a fleeting sense of worth? Perhaps our deepest desires are not for things, but for a sense of meaning and fulfilment that no material possession can provide.

We invite you to pause and reflect: What do you truly desire? And can you quench that desire without addressing the root of your suffering?

A Call to Action

The journey to freedom begins here. Book an osteopathy session with us today and take the first step toward resolving your suffering. Together, we can uncover the deeper causes of your pain, restore harmony to your body, and guide you on a path of healing and self-discovery.

Your liberation is within reach. The question is: Are you ready to take the first step?

18/12/2024

Huge thanks to our current joint oldest patient. 96 year old lady who made 20 cakes for those she loves. Here is one for the osteo house. Thank you.

04/11/2024

Osteopathy and IBS: Can Osteopathic Treatment Ease IBS Symptoms?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects up to 15% of the population (Canavan et al., 2014), with symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and disrupted bowel habits. As the link between the gut-brain axis, stress, and musculoskeletal imbalances becomes clearer, osteopathy has gained attention as a potential approach for managing IBS.

How Osteopathy Can Help IBS Patients
Osteopathy focuses on reducing physical restrictions, promoting blood flow, and balancing the nervous system to enhance the body’s natural healing. For IBS, osteopathic care may improve symptoms by easing muscle and joint tension around the abdomen and pelvis, promoting stress relief, and enhancing overall gut function.
Research on osteopathy for IBS is still emerging, but studies suggest benefits in alleviating IBS symptoms. For instance, a 2015 study found significant reductions in pain and bloating in IBS patients following osteopathic treatment. Techniques that stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” response) may also help in relaxing the gut and easing symptoms.

Mechanisms of Action
1. Nervous System Balance: Osteopathic techniques can reduce sympathetic overactivity in IBS, supporting a healthier autonomic balance for digestion.
2. Diaphragm and Abdominal Release: By releasing muscle tension around the diaphragm and abdomen, osteopathy may relieve abdominal pain and improve digestion.
3. Improved Circulation and Lymphatic Drainage: Osteopathy boosts blood flow and lymph drainage, reducing inflammation and aiding digestive comfort.
4. Stress Reduction: Osteopathy’s gentle approach can alleviate stress—a common IBS trigger—helping to calm the digestive tract.
Key Osteopathic Techniques for IBS
Osteopaths use techniques like visceral manipulation (gentle organ adjustments), soft tissue release around the abdomen, diaphragmatic release, and sacral manipulation to relieve tension and support better nerve function in the gut.
Conclusion
While not a cure, osteopathy may complement traditional IBS treatments by addressing physical and stress-related aspects of IBS. With a holistic focus on relaxation and structural alignment, osteopathy offers IBS patients a gentle, natural approach to symptom management.
References
• Ford, A. C., Lacy, B. E., & Talley, N. J. (2017). Irritable bowel syndrome. The Lancet, 390(10094), 1670-1680. DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(17)31430-6.
• Canavan, C., West, J., & Card, T. (2014). The epidemiology of irritable bowel syndrome. Clinical Epidemiology, 6, 71-80. DOI:10.2147/CLEP.S40224.

23/10/2024

The power of the stretch. Quick question, how often and how long do you need to stretch for to get a change.
Research shows that with an eight-week stretching program, we start to see physiological changes in muscle length and increased joint movement. The great news is that these studies have also shown an increase in athletic performance at the end of the eight weeks . However, let’s delve into more details about the effects of stretching on muscle architecture and strength:
Healthy adults should do flexibility exercises (stretches, yoga, or tai chi) for all major muscle-tendon groups at least two to three times a week, spending a total of 60 seconds on each stretching exercise. (Harvard Health Publishing).
So when are you next stretching? Answer, lets do a60 seconds NOW>.....

15/10/2024

From Sedentary Strain to Dynamic Relief: Safe Hands Osteopathyathy's Role in Easing the Toll of a Seated Lifestyle"

In the modern age of technology and constant connectivity, many find themselves tethered to a desk or behind the wheel for prolonged periods. The sedentary lifestyle that often accompanies desk work or long commutes can take a toll on the body, leading to discomfort and pain. This article explores the challenges of being seated all day, the impact it can have on our well-being, and how osteopathy emerges as a holistic and long-term self-care solution.

The Toll of Sedentary Living:

Sitting for extended hours, whether at a computer or behind the wheel, can lead to a myriad of physical issues. From the dreaded lower back pain to neck stiffness and weakened muscles, the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle are far-reaching. Prolonged periods of sitting can contribute to poor posture, muscle imbalances, and restricted mobility, negatively impacting both physical and mental well-being.

The Osteopathic Approach: A Holistic Solution:

Osteopathy, a holistic healthcare discipline, recognizes the interconnectedness of the body and aims to restore balance and function. Osteopathic practitioners understand that the effects of a sedentary lifestyle go beyond the immediate discomfort; they delve into the root causes, addressing both symptoms and underlying imbalances.

How Osteopathy Can Help:

Postural Correction:

Osteopaths evaluate posture and identify areas of strain caused by prolonged sitting.
Through manual techniques, they work to realign the spine and improve overall posture.
Mobility Restoration:

Prolonged sitting can lead to reduced joint mobility. Osteopathic interventions involve gentle manipulations to restore joint mobility and flexibility.
Targeted exercises and stretches may be recommended to enhance overall movement.
Muscle Balance and Strengthening:

Osteopathy emphasizes the importance of balanced muscle function.
Osteopathic techniques address muscle imbalances, and practitioners often prescribe exercises to strengthen weakened muscles.
Stress and Tension Reduction:

Osteopathy considers the impact of a sedentary lifestyle on mental well-being.
Manual techniques, including soft tissue manipulation and craniosacral therapy, can help reduce stress and tension stored in the body.
Patient Education:

Osteopathic practitioners educate patients on ergonomics and proper body mechanics to prevent further strain.
They provide guidance on exercises and lifestyle modifications to support long-term self-care.
Long-Term Self-Care: A Osteopathic Perspective:

While immediate relief is often a goal, osteopathy views self-care as an ongoing process. By addressing the root causes of discomfort and providing patients with the tools to maintain their well-being, osteopathy becomes a sustainable and proactive approach to counteracting the effects of a sedentary lifestyle.

Conclusion:

As the demands of modern life keep many of us bound to our seats, the importance of proactive self-care cannot be overstated. Osteopathy stands as a beacon of hope, offering not just relief from the immediate strains of a sedentary lifestyle but a holistic and long-term solution. Through a combination of hands-on techniques, personalized exercises, and patient education, osteopathy empowers individuals to break free from the shackles of sedentary living and embark on a journey toward optimal well-being. In the dynamic dance between body and movement, osteopathy guides individuals toward a future where comfort, balance, and vitality reign supreme.

24/09/2024

Like to share these great tips for runners. ,

In this essential read for runners, we are going to take a deep dive into proper running form and how you can improve your running and lower your risk of overuse injuries.

09/08/2024

Fancy a massage this Sunday. We have two slots left with Kia. It is in our Breeze Health clinic NorthwoodHills. £55 for an hour or £80 for 90 mins.
01923 896655

23/07/2024

Always a New Scientist fan, and some great news for people with back ache. Once we get you better, its time to walk!

People who regularly have lower back pain go longer without the discomfort if they incorporate walks into their weekly routines

09/07/2024

Our Senior Osteopath at Breeze Health. Also at the Osteopath House.

Join expert Osteopath Paul Harrison as he guides you through a comprehensive osteopathy journey in this video. You'll see:Meeting the Patient: Paul warmly we...

09/07/2024

Sad news today. Denis , one of the Combat Medics we treated only 25 days ago has been killed by a Russian military offensive. He gave his life trying to help others. Thoughts are with him and his family, friends, and those that he touched in heart.