OSTEOPATHY

Osteopathy is a distinct, body-wide approach to treating Low back pain, neck pain and physical problems in any area of the body.

It is primarily, but not exclusively, a hands-on (manual) therapy aimed at releasing tensions, compressions and distortions of the physical parts of the body, be they joints, muscles, ligaments, fascia or any combination of these. Improving overall function is always the goal.

An Osteopath looks to assess each individual person, considering their uniqueness in terms of their presenting issue, medical and physical injury histories, their lifestyle and work demands, their expectations, hopes and beliefs. Put simply, the osteopath will try to uncover anything that might help to inform an effective treatment and management plan which aims to alleviate symptoms, and also assist the person in making lifestyle choices to prevent recurrence as far as possible.

First Appointment

Please arrive at the practice 10 minutes early to complete your personal details.

Osteopaths look at how the body functions as a unit. In order to help establish the root courses of your symptoms, the osteopath will most likely also need to examine other areas away from where you are experiencing symptoms. You are likely to be asked to partially undress to ensure that the osteopath can examine areas that may predispose or maintain your symptoms. If you are uncomfortable getting undressed, you can wear shorts or leggings, you may also bring a chaperone.

If you want to know more about what to expect when you first visit an Osteopath, click the link and you can read The General Osteopathic Council’s summary.

Registration & Competence

Osteopathic training courses lead to a bachelor’s degree in Osteopathy (a BSc Hons, BOst or BOstMed) or a master’s degree (MOst). Courses usually consist of four years of full-time training, five years’ part-time or a mixture of full or part-time. There are also courses with accelerated pathways for doctors and physiotherapists.
A degree course includes anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, nutrition, psychology/sociology and biomechanics, plus at least 1,000 hours of clinical training.

The training enables Osteopaths to make a diagnosis of the presenting condition and construct an appropriate course of treatment or suggest alternatives and refer if appropriate. Osteopaths are primary contact practitioners and allied health care professionals,. You do not need to see a GP before visiting an osteopath.

Healthcare Cover

Osteopaths are covered by most healthcare providers such as AXA/PPP, HSA, WPA, Cigna, Vitality Health and Standard Life.

However, due to the clinical and financial restrictions imposed by Bupa, the osteopaths and physiotherapists have withdrawn from the Bupa Preferred Provider list.

View our appointment charges