Warminster Osteopathic Clinic

What are orthotics?

An orthotic is an externally applied device used to modify the structural and functional characteristics of the neuromuscular and skeletal system. The orthotics used at the Clinic are specialised insoles for shoes which change the position of your foot in your shoe, to correct postural and gait abnormalities.

Orthotics are an essential part of ensuring good posture whilst on your feet - whether you are standing still, walking about or taking part in sport. The positioning of your foot influences not only the biomechanics of your foot, ankle, knee and hip, but can also have a profound effect on your overall body posture and spinal mechanics. It is therefore important that you are getting it right!

What happens in an assessment?

Osteopaths are expert in assessing foot structure and function, and in understanding how this can affect other areas of the body. Within an hour, it is usually possible to carry out a thorough biomechanical assessment of the foot and its effect on the lower limb, pelvis and spine, and then custom-fit a pair of heat-mouldable orthotics.

Foot inversion is a very common finding, and not only puts additional pressure on the structures of the foot and ankle, but the subsequent rotation of the knee and hip can cause chronic or recurrent pain in these joints and the muscles around them, as they struggle to work efficiently at abnormal angles.

If your joints are already showing signs of wear and tear (as in osteoarthritis), any extra strain on the joint and supporting tissues from foot inversion can cause more pain, and accelerate any deterioration.

What is osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment designed to identify and treat the causes of pain within the musculo-skeletal system of the body. A gentle form of treatment, osteopathy can benefit most types of aches, pains and strains in people of every age.

Who recognises osteopathy?

Osteopathy is the first complementary therapy to have undergone statutory regulation by Parliament. This gives an osteopath similar status to a doctor or dentist and guarantees a patient the equivalent high level of protection.

How does osteopathy work?

An osteopath will have undergone an extensive, four year, degree level course, including in-depth study of the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the body. This knowledge enables an osteopath to analyse your symptoms and diagnose your problems using a variety of clinical skills, backed up, where necessary, by x-rays and other tests.

During the examination you may be asked to perform a variety of movements in different positions to allow a full assessment of muscle and joint interaction and their likely impact on the rest of the body’s structures.

Your nerves and circulation may also need to be evaluated by using traditional medical techniques. Sometimes you may be referred back to your GP for further tests or to a hospital consultant for their opinion. When a full diagnosis has been made your osteopath will explain the problem and then suggest a treatment plan.