Osteopathy

What osteopathy offers

Osteopathy uses hands-on techniques to help manage musculoskeletal problems — such as joint, muscle, and nerve pain — within the wider context of the whole person. Each concern is considered in relation to posture, movement, stress, and lifestyle, recognising how these can all influence how the body feels and functions.

My approach

Osteopathic treatment can vary between practitioners. My focus is on providing high-quality, thoughtful bodywork using massage, joint mobilisation, and gentle cranial techniques. Each session is tailored to meet the needs of the individual, aiming to ease pain, improve movement, and support the body’s natural recovery processes.

Conditions osteopathy may help

Osteopathy can offer relief from a range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:

  • Back and neck pain
  • Sciatica and trapped nerves
  • Joint pain and stiffness
  • Arthritic discomfort
  • Headaches related to muscle tension or posture

Treatment is always guided by your medical history and current health, ensuring it is appropriate and safe for you.

Professional standards

‘Osteopath’ is a protected title in the UK, meaning practitioners are required by law to register with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). The GOsC ensures osteopaths are professionally accountable, maintain ongoing education, and meet national standards for safe practice.

Becoming an osteopath requires a minimum of four years of full-time training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, and clinical practice.

Safety and suitability

Your safety is always the first consideration. A full case history and assessment are carried out before any treatment begins, helping determine whether osteopathy is appropriate for you.

Gentle approaches are used where needed — for example, for older adults or those with osteoporosis.

I do not use high-velocity neck manipulation techniques, as these are occasionally associated with adverse effects.

Choosing the right care

My aim is always to help resolve your problem as effectively and safely as possible. If I believe your needs would be better served by another professional — such as a physiotherapist, podiatrist or doctor — I will discuss this with you and can often recommend trusted colleagues.

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In summary

Osteopathy offers a practical approach to musculoskeletal health — combining skilled touch, anatomical understanding, and attention to the individual as a whole.

Osteopathy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is osteopathy?

Osteopaths use manual therapy to help manage musculoskeletal problems. The complaint is seen within a holistic context, considering for example how posture, stress or lifestyle may be contributing.

What does osteopathic treatment involve?

Different osteopaths practice in different ways. My emphasis is on providing high quality bodywork with a focus on massage, joint mobilisation and cranial techniques.

Which conditions can osteopathy help?

Osteopathy may offer relief from a range of musculoskeletal problems, including neck and back pain, sciatica and other ‘pinched nerves’, joint pain, arthritis and headaches.

Is osteopathy a regulated profession?

‘Osteopath’ is a protected title in the United Kingdom, which means that osteopaths are legally required to maintain registration with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). The GOsC ensure their registrants are professionally accountable, fit to practice and stay up to date with developments in their field. To become an osteopath requires four years full time training.

Is osteopathy safe?

Safety is always the first priority. A thorough case history taken before treatment will determine whether osteopathy is appropriate for the client. Gentle treatments can be carried out for those who are elderly or have conditions such as osteoporosis. I do not use neck manipulation, which is thought to be occasionally associated with stroke.

What is the difference between osteopathy, physiotherapy and chiropractic?

Physiotherapists use evidence-based practice, train alongside other healthcare professsionals in hospitals, can specialise in a range of fields such musculoskeletal, neurological and respiratory, and consider exercise therapy important in rehabilitating their patients. Osteopathy was originally conceived in the United States during the nineteenth century as an alternative to orthodox medicinal practice, but has evolved to become a regulated healthcare profession solely relating to musculoskeletal practice. Manual therapy is of central importance in osteopathy, with practitioners using a range of techniques on muscles and joints. Chiropractic began as an off-shoot of osteopathy and is also a regulated healthcare profession. Chiropractors specialise in a type of spinal manipulation where the joints are ‘clicked’.

My priority is always to help my client resolve their problem as soon as possible. If I assess your needs would be better served by someone else, I will let you know and can often recommend colleagues from other healthcare professions. If you aren’t sure which healthcare profession is most likely to help you, feel free to contact me and I can advise you.

Self-management is essential: every client receives tailored lifestyle advice that builds on the work begun during the treatment.

A thorough case history will give insight into the root causes of the problem. Providing practical ways in which the client can help themselves.