In the UK alone, Osteopaths provide over 8 million consultations a year for musculoskeletal problems. Patients visiting an osteopath have the same rights as any patient visiting a doctor or dentist. The General Osteopathic Council regulates and develops the profession, maintaining a statutory register of those entitled to practice. Many osteopaths also work in musculoskeletal departments of the NHS.
Osteopathy recognises the importance of the link between the structure of the human body and the way it functions. Osteopaths focus on the body´s skeleton and joint function along with the underlying muscles, soft tissue and internal organs.
Osteopathy is available at our Medstead and Alton clinics. Booking is quick and easy with our online booking system, we will normally be able to see you within 48 hours. We are here to help, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Utilising a highly developed sense of touch, osteopaths identify problem areas of the body. By using gentle stretching and mobilising techniques as well as manipulating joints, an osteopath works with the body to facilitate the healing process.
Osteopathy is a highly bespoke treatment. The particular methods involved will differ from one patient to the next and may also include massage techniques, western acupuncture, or cranial osteopathy. Following your initial examination and diagnosis, your osteopath will explain to you the most appropriate treatments for your particular case, and will be happy to demonstrate any treatments you have not experienced before.
Osteopathy is a drug-free treatment and osteopaths do not prescribe medicines. Osteopathy is safe to use during pregnancy, and a suitable treatment for people both young and old.
Common conditions often helped by osteopathy include back pain; neck pain; headaches and migraines; whiplash injuries; shoulder and neck stiffness; joint pain, stiffness and arthritis; repetitive strain injuries (RSI); postural problems including changes during pregnancy; nerve pain (including sciatica); and sports injuries. You can see a full list on our conditions we treat page.
Children can suffer from similar musculoskeletal issues as adults, from their everyday lifestyle activities. Babies can also suffer from musculoskeletal pain and discomfort following birth, or postural challenges in early years. An osteopath will help to establish the cause of the problem, and will provide advice on appropriate treatment, or refer you for further examinations. Often gentler osteopathic techniques such as cranial osteopathy are used.
If you are unsure whether osteopathy will be able to help in your particular case, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to advise.
All osteopaths complete a minimum of 4-5 years degree in osteopathy, including at least 1000 hours of clinical training, allowing them to register with the General Osteopathic Council and use the title ‘osteopath’. Many osteopaths go on to complete further training in specific disciplines, such as cranial osteopathy, paediatric osteopathy, or other specialisms. All osteopaths also complete a minimum annual amount of Continuing Professional Development, to ensure they are up-to-date with the latest developments in musculoskeletal medicine.
Osteopaths are also trained primary care practitioners. This means they are qualified to assess patients in the first instance, identify any indicators of other underlying problems, and refer to the correct service or for further diagnostic tests (such as X-rays or blood tests) if osteopathy is not the most appropriate treatment for any given patient’s particular case.
Osteopathy is a conservative and non-invasive therapy and osteopathic treatment is not generally painful. You may experience mild pain as a result of your osteopath manipulating or massaging joints or muscles which are already sore or swollen, but you will communicate this to your osteopath during the course of your treatment and they will be careful to ensure that any pain resulting from touching tender areas is not more than you are comfortable with.
Following treatment, particularly in the case of spinal or joint manipulation, it is not uncommon to ache for a day or two as the body adapts to the improved alignment. This is perfectly normal and should not interfere with your regular daily activities or sports. Your osteopath will advise you and is always on-hand to answer any questions or concerns.
Osteopathic treatments usually last up to half an hour, and normally between 2 and 6 sessions are required. At your first appointment and following an initial diagnosis, your osteopath will explain how many sessions you are likely to need, and what progress you are likely to make over any given timeframe.
Many patients decide that they would like to have periodic preventative treatments to avoid recurring problems. Your osteopath can advise whether this will be useful in your particular case, along with any exercises or lifestyle adaptations (e.g. different mattress, chair, etc.) you can adopt to ensure you avoid your problem recurring in the future.
On your first visit, we will take a full medical case history and carry out an examination of how your body moves. You may be asked to perform a few simple movements, and we will assess areas of weakness, tenderness, restriction or strain in your body using a highly developed sense of touch called palpation.
We will make a diagnosis and discuss if osteopathic treatment is suitable, and if so what the treatment will involve. Treatment will be aimed at helping to restore normal joint stability and body function. Treatment can include gentle massage techniques, rhythmic joint movements and muscle release techniques. It may also involve manipulation using short, quick movements to spinal joints. More subtle techniques such as cranial osteopathy may also be used depending on your problem. Specific exercises and advice is usually given for self-help.
You can learn more about your first appointment on our what to expect page.
Osteopathy is available at our clinics in Medstead and Alton. You can book an appointment quickly and easily using our online booking system. We will normally be able to see you within 48 hours and will often start to feel better within 24-48 hours of your first treatment.
We are here to help. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.
