A little bit about osteopathy

Despite the name, osteopathy isn’t just about bones – osteopaths deal with a lot more than that!  By considering bones, muscles, joints, nerves and blood supply, osteopaths are able to diagnose and treat a wide range of problems.  Osteopaths consider that the overall wellbeing of a patient depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and other connective tissues functioning smoothly together.

By assessing the structure and function of the body (including your posture and movements) I aim to identify and address the underlying cause of your problem rather than just treating the symptoms.  This approach helps reduce the likelihood of problems reoccuring.

Osteopath examining spine

Does it work?

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends manual therapy (such as osteopathy) alongside exercise as a treatment option for low back pain (with or without symptoms of sciatica) and as an option for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Around 30,000 people see an osteopath every working day in the UK, and in a survey commissioned in 2015 by the General Osteopathic Council, 96% of patients expressed confidence in osteopathic treatment and advice.

What does treatment involve?

Treatment may include physical manipulation, stretching, or massage to increase the mobility of joints, relieve tension, and enhance the blood supply to tissues which can help your body’s own healing mechanisms.  I may also recommend exercises for you to perform at home, or offer advice on postural or lifestyle changes that can be made to assist with healing and prevent problems returning.

Osteopath treating hand

Is it safe?

Although there may be some minor soreness after osteopathic treatment, serious reactions or problems are extremely rare.

What can osteopaths treat?

While osteopaths are probably best known for treating back pain, osteopathy can potentially help with a lot of other conditions as well, including: neck pain, migraines (and some other types of headache), joint pain (including arthritis pain), nerve pain, sports injuries, muscle spasms or cramp, sciatica, lumbago, many cases of frozen shoulder or tennis/golfer’s elbow and of course general aches and pains. Generally speaking, if it hurts I can take a look at it for you, and you can be confident that if it isn’t suitable for osteopathic treatment I will give you the advice you need on obtaining appropriate treatment elsewhere.

Is osteopathy suitable for my problem?

Please contact me and I will be happy to speak to you to find out whether I may be able to help.