Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. It is based on the principle that a well functioning body is dependent on both its structure and function working effectively together.

The role of an Osteopath is to try and restore your body to a state of balance through soft tissue massage, joint manipulation and stretching. Osteopaths try to increase the mobility of joints, decrease muscular tension and improve blood and nerve supply to the body, aiding the body’s own healing mechanism.

Osteopaths also provide advice on posture and exercise to aid recovery, promote health and prevent symptoms reoccurring.

Osteopaths treat a wide range of patients which include the young, older people, manual workers, office professionals, pregnant women, children and athletes. Patients seek treatment for a wide variety of conditions, including back pain, repetitive strain injury, changes to posture in pregnancy, postural problems caused by driving or work strain, the pain of arthritis and sports injuries. Osteopathy focuses on the diagnosis, management, treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal and other related disorders without the use of drugs or surgery. 

The most common problems that are treated by an Osteopath include:

• Neck and back pain
• Disc injuries, including sciatica
• Ligamentous Injuries – Ankle Sprains
• Sports injuries -tennis/golfers elbow
• Post-traumatic injuries – whiplash
• Shoulder conditions – rotator cuff syndrome
• Pelvis, hip and leg problems including arthritic and rheumatic pain
• Circulatory issues
• Muscle tension
• Headaches and migraines

Wear some comfortable clothing such as a loose top, tracksuit or shorts and trainers that you feel able to move around in easily.

Osteopaths need to visually assess you in terms of movement and posture, as well as move different areas of your body, so these need to be accessible and visible.

There are some deep tissue massage techniques that can often be quite painful, but the majority of the treatment will not be painful.

We always ensure that any painful technique is practiced within your tolerated levels and you will be asked to let the Osteopath know if you would like them to ease off. If anything in the treatment is too uncomfortable for you then please do inform us.

Our belief is that if you are in too much pain you will not be able to relax and any technique, no matter how useful, will not have the desired effect. It is better for you to be in a relaxed state, that way you will recover more quickly!

If you are self-referring and paying for your own treatment then you do not need to see your GP first.

If you use private medical insurance you may require a GP’s referral, depending on your insurer’s requirement.

You should always check with your insurance company before attending your first session. 

The techniques used by an Osteopath are dependent on the type of condition being treated. By taking a thorough case history and examination an Osteopath is able to determine the main source of the pain. An Osteopath then chooses the most suitable course of action for you, whether that is treatment, referral or exercises to help get you better.

Such techniques include:

• Osteopathic mobilisation & manipulation of joints
• Soft tissue massage
• Ultrasound
• Specific exercise prescription for the prevention & rehabilitation of injury
• Osteopathic assessment & treatment of postural, pelvic & spinal alignment
• Educating/Retraining to prevent recurring injuries
• Lifestyle advice
• Naturopathy
• Rehabilitation post surgery

Yes it is the General Osteopathic Council (GOSc). In order to be able to call yourself an Osteopath, you need to be registered with the GOSc. The name Osteopath is a legally protected name which means that it is illegal to call oneself an Osteopath without being on the register.

The role of GOSc is to protect the public should they have any issues with an osteopath and also provide information about osteopathy. You can find them at www.osteopathy.org.uk

At the first consultation, the Osteopath will compile a full case history of your symptoms, as well as asking for information about your lifestyle and diet. The Osteopath may also observe you making some simple movements to help them make a diagnosis. You will usually be asked to remove some clothing near the area of the body to be examined.

Osteopaths are trained to examine areas of the body using a highly-developed sense of touch, known as palpation, to determine conditions and identify any points of weakness or excessive strain on the body. Osteopathy is a ‘package’ of care that includes skilled mobilising and manipulative techniques, reinforced by guidance on diet and exercise. The Osteopath will discuss with you the most appropriate treatment plan, estimating the likely number of sessions needed to treat your condition effectively. If the Osteopath believes that your condition is unlikely to respond to osteopathic treatment, you will be advised about how to seek further care. Osteopaths are skilled in diagnostic techniques and are trained to identify when a patient needs to be referred to a GP.

The first appointment will involve a full medical assessment with treatment and will take up to 1 hour.  

Following sessions will depend on what your treatment plan requires, however most follow up appointments are 30 minutes. Appointments can be changed or cancelled with at least one full working day’s notice (excluding weekends).

However, if you wish to cancel an appointment within one day’s notice a cancellation fee will be charged. 

This is entirely dependent on your condition and how long you have suffered for. Some conditions may always cause you pain but you may be able to reduce it to a manageable level with treatment. Other conditions may only cause pain for a week or two, depending on the severity. Generally the quicker you seek help following an injury, the faster the speed of your recovery.

You are welcome to bring a companion with you. Please be aware that they will become party to all conversation during the appointment. Anyone under the age of 16 should be accompanied at all times by a parent or appointed guardian.

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