Osteopathy

There are around 4000 registered Osteopaths in the UK providing and estimated 6-7 millions patient visits per year for examination, treatment and advice. Osteopathic medicine is also use widely in Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand. The origins of Osteopathy lay in the USA in the 1870s and the success of the profession rests with the millions of patients who have received treatment over the last 140 years.  

A baby has to cope with the stresses of birth, and a toddler stumbles and falls on their way to learning how to walk and play. The school child carries heavy school bags, whilst the student spends long hours hunched over the laptop peering at low level screens. Driving to work and long hours at a desk increase the pains begun as a student. Sports people push their bodies to the limit and over-stretch their ligaments and tendons. In old age our joints stiffen and our circulation slows. These are the types of activities that lead to long or short term discomfort and pain which an osteopath can alleviate.

Osteopathy recognises the importance of the link between the structure of the human body and the way it functions. Osteopaths focus on the body's skeleton and joint function along with the underlying muscles, soft tissue and internal organs.

Osteopaths consider each person as an individual. Utilising a highly developed sense of touch, they identify problem areas of the body. Using gentle stretching and mobilising techniques as well as manipulating joints, an osteopath works with the body to create the perfect conditions to facilitate the healing process.
Treatment usually consists of a combination of soft-tissue releasing techniques, and some specific adjustments affecting joints and soft-tissues (muscles, tendons and ligaments). Advice can also be given on self-help treatments.