Osteopathy Fees
Initial Appointment
1 Hour £60.00
Subsequent Appointments
30 mins £40.00
Practice Opening Times
Monday–Sunday
7.00am to 9.00pm
By Appointment Only
Osteopathy is a system of manual therapy that relieves pain, restores mobility and significantly improves the quality of life for many patients without the use of drugs or surgery. It involves diagnosing and treating structural and mechanical distortions in the body.
Osteopaths look at the relationship between the structure of your body and how well it functions. They are trained to feel the body's "living anatomy" the flow of fluids, motion and texture of tissues, and structural makeup. Osteopaths believe that if the bones, joints and muscles are not correctly aligned it will affect their mobility and the tissues of the body will not function properly.
Osteopathic treatment aims to relieve outward symptoms (such as back pain & neck pain) together with discovering the underlying cause, so that the problem is less likely to return, thereby providing lasting relief. Treatment has a tendency to focus on your muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, discs and nerves. It aims to discover the relationship between good body function and posture and to then provide treatment which may also have an effect on the internal organs.
A key principle in osteopathy is that our bodies have a natural tendency to strive toward a state of health and homeostasis, which means the body, has in-built mechanisms to balance and heal itself. Each osteopath works with their patients as individuals to remove blocks to healing and restore their body’s ability to heal itself.
The spectrum of osteopathic techniques used in practice today are as varied as the number of practitioners. There are simply many different techniques taught and used with new techniques emerging through research and practice. The techniques range from gentle, specific positioning to re-establish balance across a joint, to more direct thrusting techniques, also specifically positioned through a barrier resulting in a cavitation or ‘clicking’ sound. Some techniques enlist the muscular contractions of the patient to aid the re-establishments of motion. While others rely on only the slightest changes in pressure from the skilled, observant hands of the osteopath such as cranial-sacral and functional techniques to unwind strains and restrictions allowing the tissues to soften and relax.
Osteopaths have earned the right to professional status by law owing to their training and skills. All osteopaths undergo 4 years (full time) or 5 years (part time) intensive training. This training includes the study of human anatomy, physiology, pathology, clinical medicine and manipulative medicine with a focus on the principles of osteopathy, orthopaedic physical assessment and diagnosis procedures. Osteopathic training also includes becoming experts in the evaluation of the neuromuscular skeletal system. Osteopaths are required by the regulator to update these skills through ongoing Continual Professional Development (CPD), every year.
In the UK Osteopathy is regulated by Government Statute, The Osteopaths Act of 1993. The title “Osteopath” is legally protected by law and for this reason it is a criminal offence which is liable to prosecution, if you claim to be an Osteopath in the UK without first being registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).
The GOsC only register osteopaths who have met strict guidelines; demonstrating a high standard of practice together with proof of good health, good character and without a criminal record. Therefore, patients have the same safe guards when visiting an osteopath as when they consult their doctor or dentist.
Useful Links
The best way to find an osteopath in your area is via the GOsC website which includes a very useful search facility. Using this facility guarantees that the osteopaths on the list are registered and have fulfilled the assessment and accreditation process to the standard required by law.
Other information related to osteopathy can be found via the British Osteopathic Association (BOA).
If you require any support strapping, posture aids, orthotics or other osteopathic equipment then contact Osteopathic Supplies Ltd.
And for information from the 8 GOsC recognised Schools; The British School of Osteopathy, British College of Osteopathic Medicine, European School of Osteopathy, The London School of Osteopathy, The College of Osteopaths Educational Trust, Oxford Brookes University, The Surrey Institute of Osteopathic Medicine and the London College of Osteopathic Medicine (qualified Drs of medicine only).
