… delivering a natural approach to healthcare

Osteopathy is a safe and natural approach to healthcare.

Patients may be treated for a range of problems from aches, pains and injuries to issues surrounding pregnancy and childbirth, or as a result of old age.

It is a therapy suitable for patients of all ages from babies and children, adults and those in the latter stages of life.

A system of manual medicine which is concerned with the inter-relationship between the structure of the body and the way in which the body functions, osteopathy focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

Differing from physiotherapy and chiropractor treatments, it uses a combination of osteopathic and conventional diagnostic techniques, with treatment based on mobilising and manipulative procedures tailored to the individual patient and reinforced by guidance on diet, lifestyle and exercise.

Using a combination of osteopathic and conventional diagnostic techniques, treatment is based on mobilising and manipulative procedures tailored to the individual patient, reinforced by guidance on diet, lifestyle and exercise.

This approach emphasises the integration of the musculoskeletal system with other body systems, and the influence that impaired function of each has on the other. It also seeks to empower patients in assisting their recovery toward good health.

Using many of the diagnostic procedures used in conventional medical assessment and diagnosis, its main strength, however, lies in the unique way the patient is assessed from a mechanical standpoint and the manual methods of treatment applied to suit the need of the individual patient.

Most patients visit an osteopath of their own accord, but some may be referred by a doctor.

At times, your osteopath may seek additional investigations such as x-rays or blood tests and frequently works in close co-operation with your GP.

Osteopathy aims to restore function and create harmony within the body and is very much patient-centred - which means the treatment is geared to you as an individual.

Osteopathy, physiotherapy and chiropractic treatments

While osteopathy is a discipline closely associated with physiotherapy and chiropractic treatments – and there is an inevitable overlap between all three – there are also clear differences too.

All are primary healthcare professions, yet the focus and approach within each is different.

Osteopathy is centred on the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders and the effects they may have on the patient's general health, while chiropractic treatment specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of neuro-musculoskeletal disorders and their effects on the function of the nervous system, with particular emphasis on the spine.

A chiropractor may use specific manipulations to ease joints in the spine or other areas of the body, and offer advice on exercise, self-help, diet and lifestyle as well as on posture.

Meanwhile physiotherapy endeavours to restore movement and function after an individual is affected by injury, illness or disability and this is usually achieved through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education and advice.

Working in a range of settings, from care of the elderly, intensive care, occupational health and mental health units, they maintain health for people of all ages, helping patients to manage pain and prevent disease.

All three – osteopaths, physiotherapists and chiropractors - operate to high professional standards using orthopaedic and neurological examination skills to diagnose patients with the goal of restoring full health, mobility and a return to normal activity, where possible, at the earliest opportunity.