Osteopathy is a form of hands on therapy that treats the whole body by focusing on the musculoskeletal system. This consists of joints, muscles, connective tissues and ligaments. Treatment uses a broad range of techniques including soft tissue massage, stretching, deep tactile pressure, and mobilisation and manipulation of joints. Patients are also given tailor-made lifestyle advice, home stretches or strengthening exercises to aid in management of their problem and help maintain health long term.
The wide range of osteopathic treatment approaches mean that it is a safe and effective treatment for patients of all ages and conditions.
All osteopaths must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council and all of our osteopaths are members of the Institute of Osteopathy.
Your first visit will take up to an hour. As it is important for us to fully understand what is going on, we will listen to everything you have to say and ask questions about your symptoms. These might include how your pain is affecting your life and what are your goals and expectations from our appointment.
As allied health professionals, it is important that we look after your overall health. In addition to your current symptoms, we will enquire about your medical history. Please feel free to bring a list of medication or any documents you have relating to any medical conditions that would be useful for us to know.
It is important to us that you are comfortable during our examination. You will normally be asked to remove some clothing so that a series of observations and biomechanical assessments can be made. We are very happy to work with soft and loose fitting sports clothes if you would prefer.
We will carry out specific tests relating to your complaint. These can include assessing your range of movement, palpating muscles and joints for pain and some clinical tests to help us pinpoint what is most likely to be the cause of your complaint.
These findings will help us to make a diagnosis which we will then explain to you fully, taking care to answer any questions you have. It is important to work within the scope of our profession, so if you need a further referral we will discuss this with you. This might be seeking imaging like an x-ray or MRI scan or speaking to your GP about blood tests, for example.
We will form a tailor made treatment plan for you which may incorporate exercises or work posture advice. We will try to address all aspects of your day to day life that may be contributing to your pain.
Osteopathic treatment uses a broad range of hands-on techniques including soft tissue release, mobilisation and joint articulation and manipulation.
Follow up treatments will last 30 minutes and we will discuss your prognosis and expected treatment duration at the initial consultation.
