Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment which regards structural integrity of the body as fundamental to functional integrity, i.e. health. Osteopathy is governed by principles, one of which emphasizes the body’s own healing mechanisms, which can be utilised as part of the treatment. Osteopathy has a holistic view of health, and the practitioner will always strive towards gaining a complete picture of the person.
What can osteopathy treat?
Many conditions benefit from osteopathic treatment. You do not need to be in pain to visit an osteopath. You may require postural alignment due to imbalances caused by either recreational or occupational activities, or even to release tension that has built up in your body as a consequence of stress. The list below indicates which problems are most commonly treated by osteopaths.
• Back pain or stiffness
• Postural imbalance
• Sciatica
• Joint pains
• Neck pain and stiffness
• Minor sports injuries
• Muscular strains
The treatment
Once the osteopath reaches a diagnosis and considers it safe and appropriate to treat you a treatment plan will be devised. The treatment will be tailored to your particular needs, and a wide variety of techniques are available for the practitioner to choose from, including thrust techniques, gentle rhythmical articulations and soft tissue manipulation. Your osteopath may also give you some advice on how you can help your problem yourself, either by some lifestyle changes or exercises.
Your safety
The title “osteopath” has been protected by law since 2000. This means that only practitioners who have successfully completed 4- or 5-year honours degrees and have been found competent practitioners are entitled to use it.
UK osteopaths are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). www.osteopathy.org.uk