What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is an established, recognised system of diagnosis and treatment that lays its main emphasis on the structural integrity of the body.

Osteopathy uses many of the diagnostic procedures used in conventional medical assessment and diagnosis. Its main strength, however, lies in the unique way the patient is assessed from a mechanical, functional and postural standpoint and the manual methods of treatment applied to suit the needs of the individual patient.

Osteopaths use their hands both to investigate the underlying causes of pain and to carry out treatment using a variety of manipulative techniques. These may include muscle and connective tissue stretching, rhythmic joint movements or high velocity thrust techniques to improve a joint�s range of movement. Gentle releasing techniques are often used, particularly when treating children and elderly patients.

The cranial approach also uses very gentle techniques in which the osteopath's highly trained sense of touch is used to identify and correct mechanical disturbances and limitations, both in and around the joints of the skull and throughout the body. It can help a wide range of patients with conditions including glue ear, migraine, and dizziness, and for babies, the after-effects of difficult deliveries.