What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. It works with the structure and function of the body and is based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues functioning smoothly together.
To an osteopath, for your body to work well, its structure must also work well. Osteopaths work to restore your body to a state of balance, both physically but also mentally, where possible, without the use of drugs or surgery. We use physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension, to enhance blood and nerve supply to tissues and to help the body's own healing mechanism. We prescribe exercise to help maintain these corrections.
What to Expect?
Consultation
The initial consult consists of taking a full medical history. The osteopath will ask about your symptoms, general health and any other medical care you're receiving before carrying out a physical examination.
Assessment and Diagnosis
With your consent, you'll probably be asked to remove some clothing in order to be examined, and you may be asked to perform simple movements. Osteopaths are trained to identify when a patient needs to be referred to a GP or requires further assessment, such as imaging or blood tests, to help diagnose the problem.
Treatment and Advice
You will be able to discuss whether osteopathy can help to resolve the problem and, if so, what that treatment programme should involve. This may include massage, osteopathic manipulation and exercise prescription.