Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of conditions and is complementary to other medical practices. It works with the structure and function of the body and is based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues functioning smoothly together.

Osteopathy considers each person as an individual, by using a holistic approach to address pain relief with a combination of soft tissue release techniques and sometimes specific adjustments, aiming to improve the mobility of the joints and soft tissues. More gentle approaches such as cranio-sacral osteopathic technique and myofascial release may also be used if applicable. Osteopaths look at identifying the cause as well as solving the problem, and adapt the treatment according to the individual's needs.

Osteopathic training

It takes 4 years full time training to be an osteopath. Once qualified, osteopaths are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council, and are classed as Primary Healthcare Practitioners. This means we are regulated by law. As Primary Healthcare Practitioners we:

Provide preventive care and educate patients on healthy lifestyle choices
Identify and treat common medical conditions
Assess the urgency of your medical problems and direct you to the best place for that care
Make referrals to medical specialists when necessary

Osteopathic treatment

As osteopaths, we treat more than just backs and necks. We are trained to treat the whole body. Whilst the majority of our patients come to us for back pain or neck pain, osteopathy can help with so much more:

Arthritic pain
General, acute and chronic backache
Generalised aches and pains
Joint pains
Lumbago
Sciatica
Neuralgia
Muscle spasms
Frozen shoulder
Elbow problems/tennis elbow
Headaches arising from the neck (cervicogenic)

If you are unsure if osteopathy might be able to help you, use the contact page to send a query and I will respond within 24 hours.

What happens during a consultation?

A case history will be taken, discussing in detail your presenting complaint. We need to know all aspects of your health. You will be asked about your previous injuries, surgery, illnesses, and we will want to know if you’re currently taking any medication. We will carry out a postural assessment and examination of the possible muscles and joints involved. Your range of movement will be assessed so we can see what’s happening in the area that is injured, and in the areas around it. Unless we need further information about your condition we would normally treat you on your first appointment.

What happens during treatment?

Once we have made a diagnosis, and we are satisfied that it is safe to treat you, we can use a variety of treatment approaches. Osteopaths might be renowned for ‘clicking’ but there are many other techniques we use. Treatment techniques and approaches I tend to use are:

Mobilisation
Joint manipulation
Soft tissue/massage
Stretching
Cranio-sacral osteopathy
Medical acupuncture
Taping and supporting joints or injured muscles
Exercise programmes

How long does a treatment take?

Treatment times vary, depending on your individual problem. As a guide, you should allow up to 1 hour for your initial consultation and up to 30 minutes for a follow up appointment.

You may opt for a course of treatments over a period of time and the number of treatments will depend upon the individual and presenting problem. Advice will be given after your initial treatment, as well as recommendations for preventative and maintenance action.