About Osteopathy
Osteopathy focuses on the diagnosis, management, treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal and other related disorders without the use of drugs or surgery.
Osteopathy in the UK is a manual therapy regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). Osteopaths undergo at least four years of in-depth academic and practical training. As primary health care professionals, they will be able to identify pathology and other situations that require onward referral to ensure appropriate care. You can see an osteopath without referral from your GP.
Treatment
In order to construct a working diagnosis and treatment plan, the osteopath will take details of your medical history including past illnesses and present health. This is followed by an examination (for the purposes of which it may be necessary to remove some items of clothing). Appropriate treatment and management of your case will be discussed and proceeded to with your consent.
Osteopaths uphold holistic principles. Therefore the management and treatment plans are tailored to the individual, not just the diagnosis or condition. The mechanical integrity of the body is fundamental to good health, but is simultaneously inseparable from the person as a whole. Within this, osteopaths trust in the inherent self-healing powers of living organisms and want to give the body the opportunity to heal itself.
Treatment may include gentle controlled manipulation of the joints, specialized stretching movements of various body structures, and gentle balancing techniques, for example cranial techniques. Treatment is usually a pleasant and relaxing experience. Often self-care suggestions are provided, such as specific exercises, modifications of daily activities or other advice/recommendations to help speed up the healing process or to prevent further injury.