What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is an officially recognised PRIMARY contact Health Care Profession, a system of manual medicine based on the original discoveries and clinical experiences of its American founder, Dr Andrew Taylor Still (1828 – 1917)
Osteopathy recognises the importance of the link between the structure of the human body and the way it functions. Osteopaths focus on the body’s skeleton and bone structure, and on the underlying muscles, soft tissue and internal organs.
Osteopaths consider each person as an individual. Using their hands, they identify abnormalities within the human body. Using gentle stretching and mobilising techniques, they work with the body to create the perfect conditions to facilitate the healing process.
The osteopathic profession, in the UK is governed by The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). Since 2000, the title "osteopath" has been protected by law. This means that it is a criminal offence to describe oneself as an osteopath unless registered with the GOsC.
Only practitioners meeting the GOsC's high standards of competence and safety are eligible to join the register, and they must also provide evidence of good health, good character and professional indemnity insurance cover.
For further information regarding the GOsC, please click here
What can I expect from a visit to an Osteopath?
The osteopath will spend time at the initial visit taking a detailed case history. This will involve asking questions about the patient's current symptoms, and also about their general medical history. The patient will usually be asked to undress to their underwear in order for the osteopath to carry out a thorough examination. This will allow a diagnosis and treatment plan to be devised tailored to their needs.
Treatment can include a range of stretching, mobilizing and manipulative techniques designed to help restore normal function and to facilitate the body's own healing process. The osteopath will explain what will be involved in any treatment.
Will my treatment hurt?
Osteopathic treatment is not usually painful, although the nature of some conditions is such that some discomfort may be induced. Many techniques are extremely gentle. In devising a treatment plan, the osteopath will take into account the nature of the symptoms and also the patient's concerns. The osteopath will not perform a technique unless the patient is happy for him/her to proceed.
Some patients are anxious about the "cracking" of joints. These are known as "High Velocity Thrust" (HVT) techniques and are an effective way of mobilizing a joint that is not moving very well. Again, the osteopath will only proceed with such a technique when it is appropriate to do so and with the patient's permission.
