What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a whole body system of medicine that relieves the presenting symptoms together with the underlying cause. Osteopaths concentrates on the diagnosis and treatment of complaints involving the body's muscles, joints, tendons, discs, nerves and ligaments and, in particular, how they relate to good body mechanics, function and posture. Osteopaths treat the whole person mechanically, nutritionally and psychologically thus the problem is less likely to return thereby providing lasting relief.

Osteopathy is an established system of manual treatment which is recognised by the British Medical Association. Patients therefore have the same safe guards as when currently they consult their doctor or dentist.

Osteopaths study for 4/5 years in which time they study clinical medicine with the added focus on osteopathic principles and manipulative medicine. So the uniqueness of osteopathic medicine lies in the application of osteopathic concepts. Osteopathic medical practitioners follow accepted methods of orthodox orthopaedic physical assessment and diagnosis procedures and are expertly trained to evaluate the neuromuscular skeletal system in order to achieve normal body mechanics. Osteopaths recognise the body's ability to regulate itself and mount its own defence against most pathologic conditions however, Osteopathic treatment helps to create the best environment for the body to do so.

Since May 2000, the title "Osteopath" became legally protected by law resulting in it being a criminal offence, liable to prosecution to name oneself an Osteopath in the UK without being registered with the governing body GOsC. The GOsC regulate Osteopaths by only registering individuals who have met strict guidelines and standard of practice together with proof of good health, character and no criminal record.

What Does an Osteopathic Assessment and Treatment Involve?

Osteopaths consider each person as an individual and look at the whole body to acquire a good assessment to identify both the injury and its cause.

The first visit at our clinics in NW3 & NW8 will involve:

• A detailed case history, including present and past histories, lifestyle and diet.
• A detailed mechanical examination and when appropriate, a variety of medical screening methods. To do this the Osteopath will normally ask you to undress to your underwear.
• Clinical evaluation and diagnosis.
• Explanation of the findings and the diagnosis together with the agreed treatment plan.
• The patient is encouraged to ask questions throughout the treatment if they are unsure of the procedure.