What is it?

Osteopathy is a way of detecting and treating damaged parts of the body such as muscles, ligaments , nerves and joints. Osteopathy recognises that pain and dysfunction often occur because a person’s body is not working in the most efficient way and as a result can put strain on the muscles, ligaments and joints.

Osteopathy aims to restore an optimal relationship between different parts of the body through the manipulation of muscles, joints, facia and organs and so eliminate the pain and and dysfunction.

The name “Osteopathy” has created some confusion, leading people to think that an osteopath treats only conditions of the bones. However, Osteopathy recognises the importance of a properly functioning musculoskeletal system for the total well-being of the individual, and it is through these systems that Osteopaths treat conditions of the musculoskeletal system.

For the osteopath, therefore, the physical integrity of the whole body is seen as one of the most important factors in health and disease.

What conditions do osteopaths treat?

• Back pain and sciatica

• Neck pain, tension headaches and migraines

• Shoulder, elbow and wrist dysfunctions such as frozen shoulder, 

• Tennis and golfers elbow and repetitive strain injuries

• Hip and knee pain

• Sports injuries

• Babies with colic or sleeplessness

• Aches and pains in pregnancy. As osteopathy is essentially a gentle, medication free treatment its ideal for treating women during and after pregnancy and babies

Osteopathy can also treat some of the changes associated with osteoarthritis to improve joint mobility and increase tissue circulation. Osteopaths can therefore help to manage many degenerative joint conditions in the hips and knees, particularly in the early stages.

What happens when I visit an osteopath?

On your first visit, just as with any medical practitioner, the osteopath will spend time taking a detailed medical history including important information about your lifestyle and diet. The osteopath will want to know about when the symptoms began and about any factors that affect them. The osteopath may need additional investigations such as x-rays or blood tests. If this is the case, we will refer you to your GP. 

What treatment will I receive?

Osteopaths treat with their hands using a wide variety of treatment techniques aimed at improving joint mobility, reducing muscle spasm and decreasing inflammation. This improves function, promotes fast and effective healing and reduces pain.

Treatment includes a variety of stretching, mobilising and manipulative techniques such as articulation, joint mobilisation and gentle joint manipulation, rhythmic stretching techniques, soft tissue massage, traction as well as the use of ultrasound where appropriate.

These are supplemented with guidance on diet and rehabilitation exercise techniques

Medical Certificates

We are able to issue incapacity certificates which are normally treated in the same way as a GP’s certificate.