About Osteopathy

Osteopathy is an established, recognised system of diagnosis and treatment that lays its main emphasis on the structural and functional integrity of the body.

Osteopathy adopts many of the diagnostic procedures used in conventional medical assessment and diagnosis. Its main strength, however, lies in the unique way in which the patient is assessed from a mechanical, functional and postural standpoint and the manual ‘hands on’ methods of treatment applied to suit the needs of the individual patient.

Osteopaths use a wide range of gentle manipulations, depending on your age, fitness and diagnosis. Treatment is different for every patient but may include techniques such as different types of soft tissue massage and joint articulation to release tension, stretch muscles, help relieve pain and mobilise your joints. Sometimes, when we move joints you may hear a ‘click’. This is just like the click people get when they crack their knuckles. We often discuss stretching and strengthening exercises that you can do to improve your posture as well as ergonomics in the workplace and everyday life.

Osteopathic treatment does not target just your pain but treats the parts of the body that have caused the symptoms. Osteopaths have a holistic approach and believe that your whole body will work well if it is in good structural balance. Sometimes problems with your feet (fallen arches for example) can cause problems further up in your legs, hips, pelvis and back. We liken this to driving with the tracking out on your car!

All Osteopaths are Registered with the General Osteopathic Council (http://www.osteopathy.org.uk) and the British Osteopathic Association (http://www.osteopathy.org).

We don't just treat backs....

Some of the things that Osteopathy can help with are listed below:

Aches & Pains, Arthritic Pain, Back Pain, Digestion Problems, Fybromyalgia, Frozen Shoulder, Joint Pains, Muscle Spasms, Muscle Tension, Rheumatic Pain, Sciatica, Sports Injuries

Visiting an Osteopath

At your first visit, we will take a detailed medical case history and you may be asked to undress to your underwear so that a detailed structural and functional assessment can be made. You are more than welcome to bring someone with you to the consultation and any subsequent treatments.

We will discuss our findings with you and let you know what our aims and objectives will be for your Osteopathic treatment plan. Osteopathy is 'patient centred' which means that the treatment is geared to you as an individual. The number of treatments needed varies depending on the patient and the symptoms. We will be able to give you a good idea of how many visits you will need after your initial consultation.

Do I need to be referred by my GP?

You don't need to be referred to us by your GP unless you wish to claim the cost of your treatment from a private health insurance scheme.

We work with BUPA, AXA PPP, Aviva, WPA, Simply Health, Cigna, Standard Life and all other health insurers. Please contact our head office prior to your treatment so that we may assist you in the claims procedure.