Osteopathy
is a safe and natural therapy that focuses on the framework of the body consisting of the bones, ligaments, muscles and connective tissues. It is a manual therapy, suitable for people of all ages, that emphasizes the role of the musculoskeletal system in health and disease. 

The origins of Osteopathy

Dr Andrew Taylor Still The founder of osteopathy in June 1874 Kirksville Tennessee USA

By going back to the first principles of anatomy and physiology of the human body, Dr Still worked on the premise that the role of doctor should be to create the correct conditions for the body to heal itself.

Osteopathy developed on the principles that cells, for normal function, require constant supply of oxygen and nutrients, regular circulation controlled by the nervous system and removal of metabolic waste products.

Osteopaths

We assess the musculo-skeletal system looking for areas of weakness, imbalance or excessive strain, which can give us clues as to how specific areas within the whole body are functioning.

Osteopaths use touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension, to enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues, and to help your body’s own healing mechanisms. They may also provide advice on posture and exercise to aid recovery, promote health and prevent symptoms recurring.

Osteopaths have a holistic approach and will aim to treat the whole body in order to achieve a good structural balance thereby ensuring the wellbeing of the patient. A wide range of techniques, including massage, joint mobilisation, manipulation and cranial techniques can be included in the treatment which is focussed on the individual needs of each patient.

Osteopaths assess and treat people of any age from the elderly to the newborn and from pregnant women to sports people.

Osteopaths are trained to know when they should refer patients with back pain to their medical practitioner. This may be for further tests such as MRI scans or X-rays, for example if intervertebral disc damage or some other, more serious pathology is suspected.