About Osteopathy
Osteopathy is an established system of diagnosis and manual treatment which is recognised by the British Medical Association and is complementary to other medical disciplines. It is unique in the fact that mechanical, functional, postural and lifestyle factors are all taken into consideration when making a diagnosis.

Whether it be for acute injuries, chronic conditions or even just a musculo-skeletal 'MOT', almost everybody can benefit from osteopathy. Some of the many problems that osteopaths can help with include:

In addition, patients often find improvement in other aspects of their health after osteopathic treatment, such as in their sleeping patterns, stress levels and general well being.

Cranial Osteopathy
Cranial Osteopathy is a very gentle and subtle form of osteopathy, which makes it ideal for treating everyone from newborn babies to the elderly. Treatment can be to any part of the body and is aimed at reducing the restrictions and tensions that have led to the patient's symptoms.

Although cranial osteopathy techniques can be used during the treatment of most conditions, people often seek out cranial osteopathy for problems such as infantile colic, whiplash and irritable bowel syndrome. It is also an ideal form of treatment both during and after pregnancy.

What to expect
A detailed case history will be taken during the initial consultation. You will firstly be asked about your present symptoms, followed by questions regarding your medical and injury history and your lifestyle (occupation, exercise, diet and stress levels).

A thorough examination is necessary before a diagnosis can be made. The overall condition of the body is skilfully assessed using touch ("palpation") and movement. It may also be necessary for further tests to be performed. However, time is always taken to explain findings and answer any questions that you may have.

The treatment itself uses a wide variety of non-invasive manual techniques and each treatment is individually tailored to the patient. This means that techniques range from specific to general and from firm to gentle. Where appropriate, advice is given in order to maximise treatment. This can be in the form of recommended stretches, exercises, postural or lifestyle advice.

Although osteopathic and treatment normally occur with the patient dressed down to their underwear, this is not compulsory and you are under no obligation to do so.

How many sessions will I need?
The number of treatments needed depends on the diagnosis and may vary from a single session to a course of treatments.

Prevention is often better than cure and more and more people visit an osteopath for a spinal check up. Like an "MOT" for the body, such a visit can identify areas of tensions or restrictions in the body, that if left alone, may lead to more painful or serious problems later on.