What is an Osteopath?
An Osteopath is a primary health care professional with at least 4 years of training at degree level. They are registered with the General Osteopathic Council and are fully insured. They are required to attend courses and keep up to date with current research.
What does an Osteopath do?
An Osteopath will take a full case history asking how it happened, where it is, how painful it is and what aggravates and relieves the pain. They will also ask about your general medical health and history including operations and accidents and any medication you take. They will ask questions about your job, exercise and lifestyle which may all be relevant to the present condition. They will ask you to do some movements and may do some tests such as testing your reflexes. They will make a diagnosis and discuss with you what the treatment will involve and how many treatments you are likely to need.
How does an Osteopath treat?
Osteopaths work with the muscles, joints, bones, discs and ligaments. They believe that if the structure of the body is out of balance then it won't function effectively. They may mobilise, massage, manipulate, stretch and strengthen. Some Osteopaths work indirectly by using a very light touch. It is particularly suited to babies, the elderly and fragile but everyone can benefit from it. It is commonly called Cranial Osteopathy. The Osteopath may give you advice about your posture at work, home and during other activities. They may also give you exercises to do at home to compliment the treatment by stretching or strengthening the muscles. They can advise whether you should moderate or change your current form of exercise or what sort of exercise would be helpful.