Osteopathy is a musculoskeletal consultancy that treats many conditions but most people think of us as back specialists.

Our undergraduate training is more than what medical students receive in the musculoskeletal system and we use it in a holistic approach. What we mean by this is that your examination and treatment does not target just the symptoms but addresses the parts of the body that have caused or driven the problem.

We tailor each treatment specifically to you the patient and use an in-depth knowledge of medicine and biomechanics to adjust poor musculoskeletal function. This allows the body to heal naturally and efficiently.

“The practice of Osteopathy is unique in that diagnosis and treatment is partially achieved by a highly developed sense of touch”

Many people are unsure of the differences between the adjustments given by an osteopath, chiropractor and a physiotherapist.  Yes, there are some differences between these three disciplines, as well as many similarities.  To confuse matters even more, no two osteopaths are the same.  They may vary in their adjustment techniques as well as in their treatment approach.

Historically, osteopaths specialise on the dysfunction of the spine and joints and consider its linkage to the vascular system. Traditionally, adjustments are made to the spine, joints and they treat the soft tissue (muscles, fascia and ligaments).

Historically, chiropractors specialise in the dysfunction of the spine and joints and consider its linkage to the nervous system.  Traditionally, adjustments are made to the spine, joints and advice given on optimal health and lifestyle.

Historically, physiotherapists specialise on acute trauma and dysfunction of the spine and joints and its subsequent rehabilitation. Traditionally, adjustments are made to the spine, joints and rehabilitation exercises given to restore normal function.

When an osteopath, chiropractor and a physiotherapist graduate from their respective colleges, they are free to practice any technique they wish and use a variety of approaches ideally tailored to the individual. The most important factor is that all osteopaths, chiropractors, and physiotherapists are recognised by their governing body.  All the above professions now have statutory regulation.

The General Osteopathic Council or GOsC was established in 1997 following the Osteopaths Act 1993 to ‘provide for the regulation of the profession of osteopathy as well as protection of patients. It produced the first Statutory Register of Osteopaths in 2000 of which our practitioners are a part of.