Frequently asked Questions
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathic medicine, which incorporates Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), is a fully recognized diagnostic and therapeutic system founded by Andrew Taylor Still MD in 1874.
The general Osteopathic council describes osteopathy as:
"Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical 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.
Osteopaths work to restore your body to a state of balance, where possible without the use of drugs or surgery. Osteopaths use touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension, to enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues, and to help your body’s own healing mechanisms. They may also provide advice on posture and exercise to aid recovery, promote health and prevent symptoms recurring."
Additionally the NHS defines osteopathy as; a way of detecting, treating and preventing health problems by moving, stretching and massaging a person's muscles and joints.
What can osteopaths treat?
How many treatments will I need?
Each patient is individual, as are their presenting issues. The amount of treatments required will depend on a number of factors;
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathic medicine, which incorporates Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), is a fully recognized diagnostic and therapeutic system founded by Andrew Taylor Still MD in 1874.
The general Osteopathic council describes osteopathy as:
"Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical 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.
Osteopaths work to restore your body to a state of balance, where possible without the use of drugs or surgery. Osteopaths use touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension, to enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues, and to help your body’s own healing mechanisms. They may also provide advice on posture and exercise to aid recovery, promote health and prevent symptoms recurring."
Additionally the NHS defines osteopathy as; a way of detecting, treating and preventing health problems by moving, stretching and massaging a person's muscles and joints.
What can osteopaths treat?
- Lower back pain
- Uncomplicated neck pain (as opposed to neck pain after an injury such as whiplash)
- Shoulder pain and elbow pain (for example, tennis elbow)
- Arthritis
- Problems with the pelvis, hips and legs
- Sports injuries
- Muscle and joint pain associated with driving, work or pregnancy
How many treatments will I need?
Each patient is individual, as are their presenting issues. The amount of treatments required will depend on a number of factors;
- Your diagnosis
- Your response to treatment
- How compliant you are with the advice/ exercises prescribed by the osteopath