What is osteopathy?
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Osteopathy is a hands-on healthcare system used to diagnose and treat medical conditions and injuries. It is based on the idea that an individual’s health depends on their skeleton, muscles and tissues functioning effectively and in harmony.
An osteopath aims to restore natural balance to the body’s structure by using manual techniques to mobilise, manipulate, massage and stretch the tissues and joints. This promotes the body’s natural healing mechanisms and health by enhancing blood and nerve supply, improving mobility and relieving tension.
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Many patients seek osteopathic treatment after injury as well as a preventative therapy in promoting long-term health, in the same way that people might visit a dentist. Osteopaths consider the whole person and their lifestyle when designing an individual treatment plan so may give postural, exercise and dietary advice to improve overall health. View the range of conditions and injuries we treat.
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Osteopathic treatment is gentle, effective and safe for patients of all ages and over 30,000 people visit osteopaths each day in the UK. While doctors can refer patients through the NHS to an osteopath, you do not need to have a doctor’s referral before you book an appointment.
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Safety
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Osteopathy is a safe treatment for individuals of any age. Occasionally there may be minor side effects such as muscle soreness, headache or fatigue following treatment but these will usually resolve within one or two days of treatment.
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Regulation
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Osteopaths are regulated in a similar way to medical doctors. By law, all osteopaths practising in the UK must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council.
This regulatory body ensures that osteopaths are qualified, insured and have completed a four or five year degree course including over 1,000 clinical hours. The General Osteopathic Council promote clinical standards and a code of practice designed to protect patients’ safety and dignity, like any other health profession.
