Osteopathy brings a structural approach to healing. While the patient’s symptoms are considered, the whole body is assessed, alongside various aspects of the patient’s lifestyle, Treatment is given not only for the presenting problem but also advice on future prevention.

Where does osteopathy come from?

Osteopathy as a system of manipulation was devised by Andrew Taylor Still in America, in the mid 19th century. Disillusioned by orthodox medicine at the time, he theorised that if you maintained adequate blood supply to the body’s organs then a state of dis-ease could be prevented. Hence, his system of spinal manipulation to maintain blood flow and restore normal tissue function.

What can osteopathy treat?

Osteopathy can treat patients with a wide range of musculo-skeletal disorders, ranging from peripheral problems such as knee or wrist dysfunction, to the more common complaints of low back and neck pain. For example:

Pain
Neck and back problems
Sciatica/trapped nerves
Other joint pain
Traumatic injury
Over-use syndromes
Headaches

Pregnancy
Back pain
Digestive upsets
Oedema

Respiratory
Asthma
Sinusitis

Systemic disorders
Constipation

The initial consultation involves a thorough case-history, followed by a structural examination, testing various muscles and joints.

A working diagnosis is made, based upon the findings of this examination and treatment usually consists of a combination of soft tissue massage and gentle joint manipulation.

Initial consultations and subsequent appointments both last about 30 minutes.