Osteopaths can treat a range of conditions including but not limited to:

Neck and back pain

Arthritis

Sciatica

Headaches

Vertigo

Repetitive strain and overuse injuries

Pregnancy-related discomfort

Tendonitis

Sports injuries

Because osteopaths believe that there may be a musculoskeletal link in many conditions, osteopathy may also help with a wider range of disorders.

In some disorders such as prolapsed discs, joint infections, bone disease, etc. Manipulation may not be appropriate. Your osteopath will ask you about your medical history so they can treat you in the context of your overall health.

Treatments have 1 goal, to align the body, giving the body the best chance to heal.

Treatments involve gentle touch, and effort of the patient initiating muscles softly.

Treatments do not involve forceful pressure.

Every treatment treats the body as a whole, more focus being put on areas in which the practitioner finds issues with, through many years of experienced palpation and knowledge.

Showing up for treatment:

Treatments require clothing which allows the body to freely move.

Patients remain fully clothed at all times during the treatment.

No dresses or skirts are allowed during treatment.

Minimal amount of jewellery should be worn

Long hair should be put up in a bun to allow access to the neck for palpation.

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:

Soft tissue massage techniques

Articulation – gentle rhythmic joint movements

Stretching muscles and joint capsules

Muscle energy techniques – encouraging muscles to work against resistance

Visceral manipulation – gentle movement of the abdominal and pelvic areas.

As osteopathic techniques include a gentle approach, they can be suitable for many people, from the newborn to the older person, and for those with complex medical problems.

Although osteopathy is best known as a form of hands-on medicine, osteopaths may also refer you on to other healthcare providers, and are able to offer advice on injury prevention, pain management and rehabilitation programs.

Osteopathy encourages you to take responsibility for your own long-term health and wellbeing, and can help you find out which lifestyle and environmental factors may be contributing to your condition. These may include poor posture, stress or the need for ergonomic furniture.