Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment which lays its emphasis on the mechanical structure of the body. Treatment methods are principally manual, using the hands to improve mobility, drain inflammation, or stabilise an area, depending on the diagnosis. Any problem within the mechanical framework of the body can have a knock-on effect on the organs within. Maintaining a healthy framework can help with such diverse conditions as asthma, digestive problems and period pain.

Typical problems that patients say Osteopathy has helped with include:-

• Back and neck pain
• Headaches
• Spinal problems
• Arthritic pain
• Joint problems
• Sports injuries
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Postural problems (including during pregnancy)
• Childhood problems

Osteopaths use their hands both to investigate and to treat the underlying causes of pain. All osteopaths
are registered with the General Osteopathic Council. Every patient is assessed individually and, providing osteopathic treatment will be safe and appropriate, an individual treatment programme is devised. In most cases improvements are seen within three treatments.

The over-riding principle of Osteopathy is that our bodies normally fix themselves.  If we cut ourselves, the cut gradually heals; if we get an infection, we feel ill for a while but then we recover.  So the aim of the Osteopath is not to cure you - your own body does that itself - but to remove those barriers that are stopping your body from putting itself right. 

Another principle of Osteopathy is that the body is a single unit - all its parts are connected to each other and influence one another.  Although we talk about individual "systems" of the body, this is for our convenience in teaching and study; no "system" can exist on its own and they all influence each other.  This is why the Osteopath may end up working on areas of the body that appear to be completely unconnected with your problem - the aim is to enable you body to get on with putting itself right.