What is osteopathy?

"Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. 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.

To an osteopath, for your body to work well, its structure must also work well. So osteopaths work to restore your body to a state of balance, where possible without the use of drugs or surgery. Osteopaths use touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension, to enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues, and to help your body’s own healing mechanisms. They may also provide advice on posture and exercise to aid recovery, promote health and prevent symptoms recurring." (GOsC 2014).

Who and what do osteopaths treat?

Osteopaths’ patients include the young, older people, manual workers, office professionals and sports people. Patients seek treatment for a wide variety of conditions, including:

• generalised aches and pains
• joint pains including hip and knee pain from osteoarthritis
• arthritic pain
• general, acute & chronic backache, back pain
• mechanical neck pain
• headache arising from the neck (cervicogenic) / migraine prevention
• frozen shoulder / shoulder and elbow pain / tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) arising from associated musculoskeletal conditions of the back and neck
• circulatory problems
• cramp
• digestion problems
• joint pains, lumbago
• sciatica
• muscle spasms
• neuralgia (nerve pain)
• fibromyalgia
• inability to relax
• rheumatic pain
• sports injuries and tensions.

If you are unsure whether osteopathy is the right treatment for your specific complaint, feel free to contact me here for free advice.

How many treatments will I need?

Sometimes only a few treatments are needed, other people may take benefit from regular treatment every few weeks to help keep everything working.

Is osteopathy regulated?

Yes, "all osteopaths in the UK are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). Osteopaths are required to renew their registration each year. As part of this process, the GOsC checks that osteopaths have current professional indemnity insurance, remain in good health and of good character, and have met mandatory continuing professional development requirements. The title 'osteopath' is protected by law. It is against the law for anyone to call themselves an osteopath unless they are registered with the GOsC, which sets and promotes high standards of competency, conduct and safety." (GOsC 2014).