What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a unique system of clinical diagnosis, treatment, prevention and rehabilitation, primarily of musculo – skeletal problems of the spinal and peripheral joints, ligaments and muscles.

When the body is balanced and efficient, just like a well tuned engine, it will function with the minimum of wear and tear.  Osteopaths seek to restore the optimal functioning of the body and aid its intrinsic ability to heal.

Osteopathy recognises that much of the pain and disability we suffer stems from abnormalities in our body’s structure and function.  The main aim of Osteopathic treatment is the reduction of pain and facilitation of healing.  Treatment involves gentle, manual techniques – easing pain, reducing swelling and improving mobility.  Osteopathic treatment is suitable for the whole family, including elderly, children and babies.  Osteopathy is patient-centred which means that the treatment is geared to you as an individual.

What can Osteopathy treat?

General aches and pains including postural changes due to pregnancy and chronic illness

Joint, Rheumatic and Arthritic Pains including hip and knee pain from Osteoarthritis

Backache, Back pain, Lumbago and Sciatica

Neck pain, Headache and Migraine prevention

Nerve pain (Neuralgia)

Fibromyalgia and Chronic pain conditions

Frozen shoulder, Shoulder and Elbow pain including Tennis elbow or Golfers elbow

Circulatory problems, Cramps, Muscle spasms and Inability to relax

Digestion problems

Sports Injuries

In babies and children, many infancy and childhood conditions may be helped

Did you know?

Each year, Osteopaths in the UK treat over 6 million people suffering from a broad range of muscular and skeletal problems.

To qualify, an osteopath must study for four to five years for an undergraduate degree. This is similar to a medical degree, with more emphasis on anatomy and musculoskeletal medicine and includes more than 1,000 hours of training in osteopathic techniques. 

By law, osteopaths must register with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). It is an offence for anyone to call themselves an osteopath if they are not registered. The British Medical Association’s guidance for general practitioners states that doctors can safely refer patients to osteopaths.  The General Osteopathic Council regulates, promotes and develops the profession of osteopathy, maintaining a statutory register of those entitled to practice osteopathy. 

Osteopaths are statutorily regulated health professionals and form an integral part of primary care teams.  Only practitioners meeting the highest standards of safety and competency are eligible for registration.