Osteopathy recognises that much of the fitness issues and health limitation we experience stem from simple maladjustments in our body's framework and uses manual techniques to help the body heal naturaly without the need for drugs.
Osteopathy uses many of the diagnostic procedures used in conventional medical assessment and diagnosis. Its main strengths, however, lies in the unique way the patient is assessed from a mechanical, functional and postural stand point and the manual methods of treatments used to address the needs of the individual patient.
Osteopaths use their hands both to investigate the underlying causes of pain and to carry out treatment. These may include muscle and connective tissue stretching, rhythmic joint movements or adjustment techniques to improve the function of a joint.
Following a detailed case history and examination, treatment is based on mobilising and manipulative techniques, reinforced by guidance on diet and exercise.
How much does osteopathy cost?
Your first consultation will take up to 90 minutes cost £40 - £45
Subsequent consultations will take up to 45min and cost £30 - £35
Typically you will find improvement between two and six treatment sessions, though this varies according to the severity of the problem, the time it has been there.
Please see our Contact Page for more information about making an appointment.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What will happen at the first consultation?
On your first visit your osteopath will discuss and record your medical history in detail. You will then normally be asked to remove some of your clothing so that a series of observations and biomechanical assessments can be made.
Your osteopath will identify points of weakness or excessive strain throughout the body. This will allow a full diagnosis of the problem and will enable your osteopath to tailor a treatment plan to your needs. Your osteopath will tell you what is happening throughout your consultation. You may ask questions if you have any concerns.
What conditions are appropriate for osteopathy?
A wide range of musculoskeletal disorders including back, neck and shoulder pain, headaches, and sport and work-related injuries respond especially well to osteopathic treatment. Other commonly treated conditions include pregnancy care, migraine, asthma, arthritic pain, digestive disorders and infantile colic.
Why visit an osteopath?
Osteopathy offers a timely, cost effective healthcare service through Prevention, Early intervention, Active recovery and ‘quality-of-life’ enhancement without the use of medications.
What training and qualifications will my osteopath have?
Our Osteopathic Practitioners have had extensive clinical training over a 4 year full time course and have achieved their B.Sc. with honors in Osteopathic Medicine.
Osteopaths are committed to lifelong learning through a system of mandatory Continuing Professional Development and all our Osteopaths are approved and registered by the General Osteopathic Council.
What is the General Osteopathic Council?
The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) was established to regulate the osteopathic profession in the UK and maintains a Statutory Register of those entitled to practice as an Osteopath under the Osteopaths Act 1993.
Only practitioners meeting the highest standards of safety and competency are eligible for registration. Those accepted onto the register are required to provide evidence of the ongoing professional development they have completed each year. Proof of good health, good character and professional indemnity insurance cover is also a requirement.
It is an offence for anyone to describe themselves as an osteopath and practice as such, unless registered with the GOsC. The public can, therefore, be confident in visiting an osteopath that they will experience safe and competent treatment from a practitioner who adheres to a strict Code of Conduct.
You can obtain details of any osteopath’s registration by telephoning the GOsC on 020 7357 6655. A searchable listing is also available at http://www.osteopathy.org.uk/ Patient Protection.
An important function of the GOsC is to deal with patients’ concerns and complaints about osteopaths. Parliament has given the Council strong powers to act in cases where osteopaths fall short of the high standards of conduct and competence required for registration. Anyone with a concern or complaint about the professional conduct or competence of an osteopath should first try to resolve the matter with the osteopath involved. If this approach fails, then they should contact the GOsC who will be able to advise on the next steps they should take.