Osteopathy

 
Patient lying on blue treatment couch and osteopath applying hands on treatment to the patient’s lower back

A form of hands-on manual therapy, regulated by the General Osteopathic Council, complementary to conventional medicine aiming to improve the health and wellbeing of patients. Working through the neuro-musculo-skeletal system, mostly on muscles and joints, osteopath utilise a patient centred approach to provide bespoke individualised treatment.

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy has been practised for over a century and is well recognised by conventional medical practice. This therapy deals primarily with patients complaining of pain.

Osteopathy is highly regarded and regulated, just like doctors and nurses, and is included in the register of Allied Healthcare Professional.

Patient sitting with arms across chest, osteopath treating their upper back by encouraging a twisting motion

Osteopaths are trained to use the same diagnostic techniques used by your GP, but also diagnostic tests specific to our profession. Crucially, osteopaths take time to listen to their patients, considering problems that may seem unrelated to pain but which may, in fact, be central to that person’s wellbeing.

Osteopaths work on the basis that if the structure of the body has been compromised then it cannot function correctly, so we assess each patient to see what’s gone wrong and use our techniques to improve overall function. And this is our great strength, as we consider all the aspects of a patient’s life – and lifestyle – in order to treat. Improving the mechanics of the body ultimately enhances other areas such as blood supply, nerve function and performance of internal organs.

For that reason, osteopathy isn’t simply about treating sports injuries and joint problems; it can play a crucial role in improving a wide range of other conditions such as headaches, circulatory problems, digestive disorders, muscular stiffness (fibromyalgia) as well as the least recognised yet most widely debilitating diseases of the modern age…stress!

Visiting an Osteopath

Blue graphic illustration of woman standing from behind with her spine highlighted in orange

Your first visit will usually take up to an hour.  We will start by asking you lots of questions, mainly about why you have come to see us, but also about your medical and lifestyle history.  We will then conduct a clinical examination including posture, mobility, orthopaedic testing and palpation.  It may be necessary to remove some of your clothing for us to examine and treat the appropriate areas.

Once we have established a diagnosis, a treatment plan will be developed that will include treatment during this first consultation.

Osteopaths use a variety of techniques during treatment.  Osteopathy is an individualised approach to treatment therefore techniques differ from one person to another. We will use techniques including soft tissue massage, stretching and mobilisation.  Sometimes we may suggest that manipulation or acupuncture would be beneficial, in which case we would discuss these options with you during your appointment.  All techniques are gentle and effective, and are aimed at reducing pain, helping your body return to healthy function and allow you to return normal life.

Registration Requirements

By law, osteopaths must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).  To be eligible for registration, they must have completed an Osteopathic degree, an intensive course similar to medical degrees that take 4 or 5 years to complete.

Once registered Osteopaths must continue their education and provide evidence of learning this learning to GOsC. In addition, they must be cleared by the Home Office Data Protection Services.

Your local Farnham based osteopath, here to help you find your health and get that incredible machine that is your body working for you again. Please do get in touch at enquiries@outlinehealth.com or call 01252 850814