OSTEOPATHY AND CRANIAL OSTEOPATHY

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a modern science, formalised over a century ago by the American Andrew Taylor Still and recognised by statute in the United Kingdom by the Osteopaths Act 1993 as having an equivalent status to dentistry and medicine. All Osteopaths must by law be registered with the General Osteopathic Council to practice and the training to qualification will have taken between 4 and 5 years of study and clinical experience.

Osteopathy is a 'hands on' therapy designed to balance the musculo-skeletal structure of the body by working on the bones, muscles, ligaments, joints and connective tissues using a variety of techniques including soft tissue work (akin to therapeutic massage), strain/counter-strain techniques, rhythmic rocking and/or mobilisation of joints and many more.

Cranial Osteopathy is a very subtle but powerful technique involving a delicate release of imbalances in the skull joints and thence throughout the body. Osteopathy including Cranial Osteopathy is suitable for children as well as adults.

What conditions can be treated by Osteopathy?

Many musculo-skeletal conditions can be treated by Osteopathy including : the pain from arthritis, repetitive strain injury, sports injuries, pain resulting from postural problems (e.g. associated with driving, occupation, pregnancy). Additionally, cranial osteopathy can be particularly helpful in cases of dizziness, sleep problems and headaches and can be used to treat a wide range of childhood problems - colic, hyperactivity, bed-wetting and glue ear for example.

What is an osteopathy treatment like?

The Initial Consultation will involve taking a detailed case history and during the Initial Consultation a Treatment Plan will be suggested and the likely timescale and cost indicated.

The patient will then be examined so that spinal and joint mobility can be assessed and this examination will necessitate undressing down to underwear. The patient will then be treated on a treatment couch or, if lying down is a problem, in a sitting posture. It may be necessary for the patient to remain undressed or partially undressed in order for the osteopath to give the treatment but the patient's comfort and modesty will at all times be respected.