OSTEOPATHY

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment suitable for a broad range of individuals and medical conditions. Osteopathic care is delivered through a range of interventions which include manual therapy, exercise therapy, health management advice and if necessary appropriate onward referral. Most people consider osteopaths as ‘back specialists’, however they treat all areas of the body from feet and knees to shoulders and elbows, even the jaw – TMJ.

Osteopathy treats musculoskeletal aches and disorders, such as:

Neck, Back & Pelvis
Headaches (cervicogenic), Migraine prevention, Digestive problems
Hips, Knees & Feet
Shoulder and Arm ( i.e. problems arising from associated musculoskeletal conditions of the back and neck)
Calf & Hamstring pain

Osteopathy can also be used to treat:

Activity related pain for minor injuries e.g. dance specific, sport specific, occupational
Assisting in maximising full potential in performance i.e. co-ordination and balance
Improving Posture and General mobility (range of movement)

Osteopaths work to restore your body to a state of balance, where possible without the use of medication or surgery. By using a wide range of techniques including massage, joint mobilisation, physical manipulation, and stretching, this breadth of approach allows them to focus on every patient’s precise needs.

What to expect on your first visit:

Your first appointment will involve a detailed confidential case history that includes questions about your medical history and lifestyle as well as your symptoms. This is to enable making an accurate diagnosis and suggest appropriate treatment. All of your information will be kept confidential in compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

Once the history is complete a physical examination follows. In some cases the examination may require you to move around, or to remove surface layers of clothing to assist in establishing a clear and thorough diagnosis, so please wear clothing/underwear you are comfortable in (e.g. shorts or sports bra).

Once a diagnosis is established and discussed, treatment can proceed (with your consent) and the number of treatments required will be discussed.

In most cases treatment begins on your first appointment, however sometimes you may require further tests first e.g. blood tests/scans, or referral to a GP/other health care professional.