What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is an established system of diagnosis and treatment that lays its main emphasis on the structural and functional integrity of the body.  The osteopath believes that if the body is functioning to the best of its ability, then its own in-built healing mechanism can function effectively.  This will promote long-term health and well-being at the same time as reducing any existing symptoms.  Osteopathy encourages the body to function normally thus enhancing its natural self-healing and restorative properties.

Osteopaths recognize that dysfunction in body structure and tissues can affect the functioning of the nervous, circulatory, gastro-intestinal and other body systems.  This can give rise to numerous symptoms such as pain, headaches, digestive and breathing problems, postural stress and emotional stress.  Osteopaths can treat these and other symptoms affecting children, the elderly, sports men and women, office and manual workers, teachers and students.

Osteopaths consider each person as an individual.  The patient as a whole is evaluated and after evaluating each case and considering suitability for treatment, osteopaths use gentle stretching and mobilizing techniques, exercises and health advice to alleviate symptoms, and improve health and quality of life.  Osteopaths strive to eliminate the underlying causes of poor health and function, encouraging better long-term health for the patient.  Rather than diagnosing and treating symptoms, the osteopath seeks the causes and treats them i.e. those factors that predispose and maintain the condition.

Osteopathy is now recognized by the government with the passing of the Osteopaths Act (1993).  All osteopaths are required to register with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).