Osteopathy is a gentle, safe and non-invasive system of manual therapy. Osteopathic treatment works on muscles, joints and the nervous system to reduce mechanical and structural distortions within the body.

 

It aims to:

- Relieve pain, aches and tension

- Restore mobility

- Improve general wellbeing

 

All without the use of drugs or surgery.

 

Almost anyone can benefit from osteopathic treatment. At both London based clinics we help people maintain good health by treating the whole body. Osteopaths work with the relationship between our body's structure

and it's function.

Osteopathic techniques include:

 

Soft Tissue Massage

Joint Manipulation

Joint Articulation

Stretching of Muscles

Visceral techniques

Cranial Osteopathy

Osteopaths also consider other aspects of a patient's life such as nutrition and lifestyle as well as physical symptoms. This allows an Osteopath to discover the underlying cause of a problem, and therefore prevent its return and provide longer lasting relief.

 

"Often when our muscles and joints are not correctly aligned, our mobility and function will become affected. This then leads to stress and strain in certain areas, and so problems occur."

- Lara.

 

What Does Osteopathic Treatment Involve?

 

All treatments are aimed to relieve pain, aches and reduce muscle tension, leaving you feeling relaxed, better aligned and more flexible. There are many techniques that an Osteopath may use, and so treatment is always applied to best suit you and your body at that time. Osteopathic techniques range from gentle, specific massage to stretch and reduce muscle tension, to more direct articulation and manipulation to improve the range of movement and mobility of joints.

 

What Should I Expect?

 

On your initial consultation a detailed case history will be taken followed by an examination of your posture, muscles, ligaments and joints.  Your spinal movements will be observed in detail, and this information will be used to provide a diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is reached and explained to you, your osteopath will then use a range of manual techniques for example soft tissue massage, manipulation and articulation of joints to help improve function and provide pain relief.

 

Depending on the root of your problem, an osteopath may advise you on posture, lifestyle and stress, as well as providing some simple exercises or stretches to help you maintain your mobility out of the treatment room.

 

All patients are different therefore some may require one treatment, whereas others may require a course of treatments. This would involve returning periodically for short, medium and long term management of a condition.

 

Osteopathy is considered a primary health care system complementary to other medical practices, therefore there is no need for a GP referral prior to treatment. Additionally Osteopaths are trained to use clinical methods of investigation, and are qualified to refer you to a specialist if necessary. This may involve sending you for an X-ray, MRI scan or to see your GP for further management.