Registered Osteopaths
Tel: 01943 817191
 
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a system of medicine, that recognises the body's inherent healing mechanisms, and uses articulation of joints, stretching of muscles and connective tissues, manipulation and movement to release any blockages and interruptions to those mechanisms. These blockages can be nerve impingements, muscular spasms, joint restrictions, connective tissue tensions or inflammation occurring as a result of physical or emotional trauma.
 
Founded in the 1870s by Andrew Taylor Still, who realised the central principles and developed the philosophy of Osteopathy, the profession has spread to Europe, worldwide and came to Britain with John Martin Littlejohn founding the British School of Osteopathy in 1917. Within the UK alone, there are now nine Osteopathic Schools including Leeds Metropolitan University.
 
“Osteopath” is now a protected title with a statutory register and Osteopathy is regulated in the UK by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) in the same way as Dentistry and Medicine. In order to practice Osteopathy a practitioner must have satisfied a minimum standard as set by the GOsC, and hold a recognised qualification.
 
What to expect on your first visit
Your Osteopath will take a full case history, asking a range of questions, some of which may not initially seem relevant to your complaint but will include information about your diet and lifestyle. The questions are all good at giving the practitioner an idea of how your body works, and what has led to your pattern.
 
Following the case history, the Osteopath will perform a physical examination at which point you may be asked to undress down to your underwear, so make sure you wear something you feel comfortable in. If in doubt, speak to your practitioner about wearing loose clothing as an alternative.
 
The examination will includes some simple guided movements, some mechanical testing and possibly a set of reflexes or neurological tests relevant to your condition. The Osteopath will 'palpate' certain tissues or structures in your body to aid diagnosis.
 
After explaining his or her findings and treatment plan, the Osteopath will continue - with your permission – to treat the pattern, with the first treatment lasting around 40 to 45 minutes.
 
You do not need a referral from your GP or other health professional to visit an Osteopath.
 
What can Osteopaths treat?
Osteopathy can treat a broad range of complaints. The most common conditions that we treat are:
 
  1. • back and neck pain
  2. • shoulder and arm problems
  3. • pelvis, hip and leg problems
  4. • sports and other injuries
 
However, patients have found osteopathy helpful for many other conditions. If you want to find out more, please contact us.