Osteopathy is a form of complementary and alternative medicine primarily focusing on the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders.

Musculo-skeletal disorders relate to problems in:

Its philosophy is based on a holistic form of examination and treatment to:
·      identify the root cause of your problem
·      restore the optimal function of the body
·      aid the body’s intrinsic ability to heal without the prescription of medicines or surgery.

Osteopaths use many of the assessments used in conventional medicine. However, its main strength lies in the unique way the patient is assessed mechanically, functionally and posturally.  This aids the Osteopath to identify the root cause of the problem and formulate an individualised treatment program for the patient.

The treatment modalities used are holistic. Osteopaths do not just concentrate on treating the area of pain/complaint, but use their anatomical and physiological knowledge to treat areas that predispose/maintain the person's clinical symptom.  They primarily use manual techniques to balance all the systems of the body, to provide overall good health and wellbeing.

For further information on the treatment modalities used click here

History of Osteopathy
Dr Andrew Taylor Still established the practice of Osteopathy in 1874, Kirksville, USA.  Dr Still was a medical doctor who was no longer interested in the medical orthodox form of treating patients.  After extensively studying the human anatomy and physiology, he discovered that the human body has the capacity to heal itself, if provided with the correct environment.  Dr. Still's philosophy focused on the unity of all body parts and identified the musculoskeletal system as a key element of health. He introduced the idea of returning the body to health through manual therapy.  

Regulation of osteopathy

		All osteopaths in the UK are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).  An Osteopath has to be registered with the GOsC to practice Osteopathy in the UK.