What is osteopathy / an osteopath?

Osteopathy is a primary care profession focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders and the effects of these conditions on patients' general health. An osteopath focuses on your whole body, including the soft tissues (such as muscles, ligaments and tendons), the spine and nervous system, and may use a variety of different hands-on methods, including spinal manipulation (sometimes referred to as cracking),  soft tissue massage techniques and  articulation – gentle rhythmic joint movements.

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Osteopathy is based on the principle that the body has the ability to heal itself and osteopathic care focuses on strengthening the musculoskeletal systems to treat existing conditions and to prevent illness. Our osteopaths possess a patient – centered approach to health and well-being, meaning they will consider symptoms in the context of the patient's full medical history, as well as their lifestyle and personal circumstances. This holistic approach ensures that all treatment is tailored to the individual patient and isn’t generic to all. Using many of the diagnostic procedures applied in conventional medical assessment, osteopaths seek to restore the optimal functioning of the body where possible - without the use of drugs or surgery.

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The title 'osteopath' is protected by law and and all of our osteopaths at Nature’s Health Hub are registered with the General Osteopathic Council. Unregistered osteopathic practice is a criminal offence in the UK.

 

What do osteopaths treat?

An osteopath offers a range of services to help individuals suffering from pain and dysfunction in the musculoskeletal system, including back pain, neck pain, headaches, knee pain, sciatica, sports injuries, arthritic pain, digestive problems, frozen shoulders, cramp, and much more.  We also provide osteopathy for pregnant women and post birth as well, which can help to relieve numerous aches and pains as the body adapts to the growing baby. Following the birth of the baby, osteopathic treatment can also help to assess that the pelvis and low back are returned to a comfortable position.

 

What should I expect when I attend my first osteopath initial consultation appointment?

All initial osteopath consultation appointments are for a duration of 45 minutes (with any follow up appointments generally being 30 minutes).

 

It is likely that the osteopath will ask you to remove some of your clothing (such as tshirt removal for back or shoulder treatment) – note – you will never be asked to remove your under clothes. Tell your osteopath if you are uncomfortable about removing even some of your clothing.

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All patients are welcome to bring a chaperone with them to be present throughout your treatment and this is a requirement for those under 18 years of age

 

 

All of our osteopath initial consultation appointments involve: 

• Assessment: During the initial assessment, your assigned osteopath will take a detailed history of your current symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. They will also conduct a physical examination to identify any areas of dysfunction or pain.

• Diagnosis: Based on the information gathered during the initial assessment, your osteopath will make a diagnosis and develop and explain your personalised treatment plan moving forwards

• Treatment: All of our osteopath initial consultation appointments include full treatment on your first visit. Depending on the diagnosis, your assigned osteopath will then perform the best treatment option for you which may include manipulation, mobilisation, soft tissue techniques and exercise prescription, to improve the function of the musculoskeletal system. You can rest assured that the treatment performed during your initial consultation will be the most appropriate techniques for your individual needs and preferences.

• Follow Up: After the initial treatment, your osteopath may schedule a follow up appointment to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

• Exercise Plan: Finally, your assigned osteopath will also provide you with exercises that you may be able to do to help speed up your recovery after your initial consultation appointment and will give you advice on how to prevent future injuries.

 

If your osteopath thinks that your condition is unlikely to respond to osteopathic treatment, you will be advised on how to seek further care. Osteopaths are skilled in diagnostic techniques and trained to identify when a patient needs to be referred to a GP.