Osteopathy
Osteopathy is the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of the body. Most people tend to go for a massage or see their GP if they have musculoskeletal pain. Whilst this can be OK for a simple muscle strain or stiffness, we find that many people THINK they have a simple muscle strain when in fact there is an underlying cause such as a stiff joint, a trapped nerve or an inflamed disc or tendon.
Osteopaths are trained in far more detail than some other physical therapists. We are experts in the body and the way it should move and function. Alongside chiropractors and physiotherapists, osteopaths are the only physical therapists able to provide a clinical diagnosis. We are recognised by law as being Primary Healthcare Practitioners. This is why you don't see an osteopath just to feel good, but also to learn about why your symptoms are there and what you can do to prevent them returning.
Osteopaths are trained in far more detail than some other physical therapists. We are experts in the body and the way it should move and function. Alongside chiropractors and physiotherapists, osteopaths are the only physical therapists able to provide a clinical diagnosis. We are recognised by law as being Primary Healthcare Practitioners. This is why you don't see an osteopath just to feel good, but also to learn about why your symptoms are there and what you can do to prevent them returning.
Consultation and treatmentDuring your first consultation your osteopath will ask questions about your symptoms and your health in general. This should take about 20 minutes.
Following this initial consultation and for all subsequent appointments the time will mostly be spent doing hands-on treatment and teaching exercises. Treatment involves a wide range of techniques all intended to first treat the symptoms but also to find and fix the source of the problem, which may be a totally different part of your body altogether. The hands-on treatment is a combination of massage, joint mobilisation and manipulation. The treatment is very effective and should not be painful but may cause some short-term soreness afterwards. For more information please see the Frequently Asked Questions section... |
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Fully qualified
To call yourself an osteopath you must first graduate from an accredited osteopathic institution having obtained a recognised degree. On completion, a newly qualified osteopath will have completed at least 4 years of training with over 1000 hours of clinical experience.
Once qualified you may only continue to practice as an osteopath if you keep up to date with the latest research, attend regular training courses and obtain professional indemnity insurance. This then enables you to register with the British Osteopathic Association (BOA) and the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), our regulatory bodies.
We are governed by law to register with the GOsC every year in order to maintain the highest standards within the profession. The GOsC is also there to protect you as the patient. If you have any concerns about the treatment you are receiving then advice is available on the GOsC website.
Once qualified you may only continue to practice as an osteopath if you keep up to date with the latest research, attend regular training courses and obtain professional indemnity insurance. This then enables you to register with the British Osteopathic Association (BOA) and the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), our regulatory bodies.
We are governed by law to register with the GOsC every year in order to maintain the highest standards within the profession. The GOsC is also there to protect you as the patient. If you have any concerns about the treatment you are receiving then advice is available on the GOsC website.
