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 keep up to date with current research and attend courses every year.
What does an Osteopath Do?
An Osteopath will take a full case history asking how it happened, where the pain is, how painful it is and what aggravates and relieves it. They will ask about your general health and medical history including operations, accidents, treatment and any mediaction you take. They will also ask about your occupation, exercise and lifestyle which may all be relevant to thr present condition. They may ask you to perform some movements so where you have difficulty or what causes pain and they may do some tests such as taking your reflexes. They will make a diagnosis and discuss with you a treatment plan.
How does an Osteopath treat?
Osteopaths work with all the tissues in the body, directly and indirectly. They believe that if the structure of the body is out of balance then it won't function effectively and vice versa.They may mobilise, massage, manipulate, stretch and strengthen. Some osteopaths work by using a very light touch which is particularly suited to babies, children, the elderly and the fragile, but everyone can benefit from it. It is commonly called Cranial Osteopathy but doesn't just involve work around the head. The Osteopath may give you advice about your posture at home, work and leisure. They may also give you exercises to stretch or strengthen muscles and ligaments and advise about the exercise you currently do.