Osteopathy

Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a method of evaluating, examining and treating people with a wide range of health problems. Osteopaths use a combination of mobilising, stretching, targeted deep tissue massage and manipulation of a person’s muscles and joints to improve function, relieve pain and aid recovery.
The body has the natural ability to maintain and repair itself, an osteopath will try and work with the body to aid this process promote restoration of normal function. The principle of osteopathy is that the body is a unit and therefore how one part functions effects all other systems therefore the wellbeing of an individual relies on the way that bones, muscles, ligaments, connective tissue and internal structures work with each other.

An osteopath will take the time to understand their patient, and their unique combination of symptoms, medical history and lifestyle. This helps to make an accurate diagnosis of the causes of the pain or lack of function (rather than just addressing the site of the condition), and from that, to formulate a treatment plan that will achieve the best outcome.

Osteopathy works well and may complement other medical interventions including physical therapy, surgery and prescribed medication.

The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) advises that GPs can safely refer patients to an osteopath for treatment. Osteopathy is available on the NHS in some areas of the UK however there are no restrictions regarding who can see an osteopath, you don’t need a GP referral and we treat everyone – children and adults.