Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment established over a hundred years ago by an American doctor, A. T. Still. Because of the inter-relation of structure and function, osteopaths believe that the majority of aches and pains, and indeed a number of illnesses, can be traced back to underlying stresses placed upon the body by a person’s history and lifestyle. Osteopaths are generally known to treat problems arising from the musculo-skeletal system, but they can also work on the digestive and nervous systems depending on the given presentation. Osteopaths classically do not use medical equipment and rely on the application of manual techniques, stretches and exercises. Consequently your osteopath will take account of many factors and examine you as a whole, aiming to treat the cause of your condition and not simply its symptoms. Your osteopath will seek to give you a comprehensive understanding of how your symptoms have developed and how you may prevent them recurring in the future.

Your initial consultation will last about an hour. Your osteopath will ask you questions about your particular problem and how it developed and also about your lifestyle and previous medical history. You may be asked to undress to your underwear, so that the osteopath can see how your body moves during specific diagnostic tests.
You are free to have a companion with you and please be aware that children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Following diagnostic tests, your osteopath will explain how s/he believes your symptoms have developed and propose a treatment plan. Treatments may include gentle stretching, deep massage, small quick manipulations or slow and rhythmic articulations, or subtle touch to encourage the release of stresses and tensions. Simple exercises and lifestyle advice may also be given. Treatment very rarely causes any pain but it is not uncommon to experience some aching or stiffness for 24-48 hours afterwards.

Cranial osteopathy is a specific type of osteopathy that was developed by W. 0. Sutherland, a student of A. T. Still. Cranial osteopathy uses deep focus and subtle touch to encourage the release of mechanical stresses and tensions. Whilst the treatment is very gentle, it is considered extremely effective in treating the full range of conditions amenable to osteopathy, especially maternity patients and children.

Osteopathy is widely known for the treatment of back and neck pain, and many more conditions can be helped including: