Osteopathy
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is an established recognised system of diagnosis and treatment, with its main focus on the structural integrity of the body. It works by allowing the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues to function smoothly together. Osteopaths work to restore your body to a state of balance, where possible without the use of drugs or surgery.
Osteopathy is a manual therapy. Osteopaths use their hands to employ a variety of treatment techniques. These include soft tissue stretching, joint articulation and if required, stronger joint manipulation. All techniques are designed to improve the quality and range of movement of a joint and its surrounding area. This helps to relieve muscle tension, to enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues, and to help your body’s own healing mechanisms. They may also provide advice on posture and exercise to aid recovery, promote health and prevent symptoms recurring.
Osteopathy is patient focused, which means that every treatment is adapted to meet your individual needs as the patient. It is a safe and natural approach to healthcare suitable for the whole family. Osteopaths have been successfully treating aches and pains for over 120 years. All osteopaths in the UK are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). In 1993 under the osteopaths act, osteopathy became the first healthcare profession to be accorded statutory recognition. In 1998 the General Osteopathic Council opened the statutory register of Osteopaths. From May 2000 ONLY persons entered onto this register are legally entitled to practice as osteopaths. Only those who have satisfied the rigorous educational and ethical standards of the General Osteopathic Council are permitted into the register.
For more information contact www.osteopathy.org.uk.
Who do osteopaths treat?
Osteopaths’ patients include the young, older people, manual workers, office professionals, pregnant women, children and sports people. Patients seek treatment for a wide variety of conditions, including back pain, repetitive strain injury, changes to posture in pregnancy, postural problems caused by driving or work strain, the pain of arthritis, sports injuries and many more.
I've booked my osteopathy appointment, what can I expect?
On your first visit your osteopath will take a full medical history to ensure that osteopathy is a safe and suitable treatment for you to undertake. This will include questions on your current complaint as well as your general health and well being. You will then be asked to dress down to your underwear and perform a series of simple movements. These are used to help assess any areas of weakness or strain. Sometimes it may be necessary to refer you to your doctor or consultant for additional investigations such as x-rays or blood tests. On average between 4 and 8 treatments are usually required at weekly or fortnightly intervals. Maintenance treatments are often suggested at 3 or 6 monthly intervals. These vary from individual to individual.
For more information or to book an appointment at The Fairoak Clinic, please call 01635 86 99 66 or email info@fairoakclinic.co.uk.