· Osteopaths diagnose and treat problems with muscles, ligaments, nerves and joints to help the body’s natural healing ability

· Treatment involves gentle, manual techniques - easing pain, reducing swelling and improving mobility. Often, this involves manipulation, which can result in an audible ‘crack’ which is simply the sound of gas bubbles popping in the fluid of the joints.

· Osteopathy does not involve the use of drugs or surgery.

What do osteopaths treat?

Osteopaths treat a wide range of patients and conditions:

· Half suffer low back trouble

Most back pains result from mechanical disturbances of the spine – postural strains, joint derangements and spinal disc injuries. Osteopathy, with its comprehensive approach to healthcare, is a particularly successful approach to treatment.

· Over half are women

Many women are working mothers and combining both aspects of their lives can give rise to problems from the perennial headache to debilitating musculo-skeletal disorders. Many headaches originate from stiffness and tension in the neck and osteopathic treatment can often bring relief. Pregnancy can put a strain on the whole spine and osteopathic treatment can help the body adapt to the many changes it experiences.

· A quarter are in the forties

Many patients are losing fitness at this stage in their lives and are more prone to injury. Osteopaths consider the whole person, examining posture and the strength and flexibility of muscles, ligaments and tendons. Treatment is designed to alleviate current problems and to help prevent recurrences.

· Many are elderly

Pain-killers are not the only solution for the aches and pains associated with ageing. For more permanent relief it is necessary to eliminate the underlying causes of pain, a job for which the osteopath is specifically trained. Osteopathy can also help to reduce pain and stiffness in the less acute stages of arthritis.

· Many problems relate to work

Work, whether at a computer terminal or in heavy industry, can give rise to disorders of muscles, tendons and joints, particularly in the back, hands and arms. Osteopaths treat many conditions related to the workplace and can give remedial advice and preventative exercise.

The Osteopathic Consultation

On your first visit, and before examination begins, I will discuss and record your medical history in detail. I will then normally ask to remove some of your clothing so that a series of observations and biomechanical assessments can be made. I will then use palpation and mobility testing to identify points of weakness or excessive strain throughout the body. If further investigations are considered necessary I can liaise with your GP with your permission. This may include an x-ray or blood tests. This will allow a full diagnosis of the problem and will enable me to tailor a treatment plan to your needs.