Osteopathy

Osteopathy uses massage and manipulation to overcome diseases, disabilities and pains of the musculo-skeletal system (bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues) and viscera (internal organs). With detailed knowledge of anatomy, physiology and clinical methods of investigation, treatments can be applied to allow the musculo-skeletal system to function correctly and give the body opportunity to restore itself to normal balance.

Osteopathy has many techniques and depending on the patient can provide a balance between massage, deep massage and "clicking" techniques. In this way all ages and injuries are catered for as the application can be very gentle or firmer as is required. The most gentle form of osteopathy is cranial-sacral osteopathy and excellent even for newborn babies.

The Osteopathy Act

The Osteopathy Act was passed in 1993 to protect the public from untrained and unauthorised practitioners. No-one can now call themselves an osteopath unless they are registered with the new professional regulatory body, the General Osteopathic Council. This also sets educational and training standards, maintains codes of ethics and practice, professional insurance and complaints and disciplinary procedures. A period of time was allowed for those who had previously called themselves osteopaths to pass a professional assessment and the first British state register of osteopaths opened in 1999.

Osteopathy, Cranial Osteopathy and Naturopathy have been credited for treatment of the following:

• Any back and neck or spine pain
• Trapped nerves
• Sciatica
• Sports injuries
• Post Op and injury rehabilitation
• Whiplash
• Any muscle, ligament problem
• Joint complaints such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
• Headaches / migraines
• Sprains, strains, "pulls", "tears"
• Repetitive strain injuries RSI
• Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)