Osteopathy is an established, recognised system of diagnosis and treatment that lays its main emphasis on the structural integrity of the body.  It is distinctive in that it recognises that much of the pain and disability we suffer stems from abnormalities in the function of the body structure as well as damage caused to it by disease.

Osteopathy uses many of the diagnostic procedures used in conventional medical assessment and diagnosis.  Its main strength, however, lies in the unique way the patient is assessed from a mechanical, functional and postural standpoint, and the manual methods of treatment applied to suit the needs of the individual patient.

Osteopaths use their hands both to investigate the underlying causes of pain and to carry out treatment using a variety of manipulative techniques.  These may include muscle and connective tissue stretching, rhythmic joint movements or high velocity thrust techniques to improve the range of movement of a joint.  Gentle releasing techniques are often used, particularly when treating children or elderly patients.

The cranial approach also uses very gentle techniques in which the osteopath's highly trained sense of touch is used to identify and correct mechanical disturbances and limitations, both in and around the joints for the skull, and throughout the body.

What do Osteopaths treat?                      

Back Pain. 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 their 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 permanant relief it is necessary to eliminate the underlying causes of pain, a job for which the osteopath is specificly trained. osteopathy can also help to reduce pain and stiffness in the less acute stages of arthritus.

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. 

The Treatment - When you visit an osteopath for the first time a full case history will be taken and you will be given an examination.
You will normally be asked to remove some of your clothing and to perform a simple series of movements.  The osteopath will then use a highly developed sense of touch, called palpation, to identify any points of weakness or excessive strain throughout the body.

The osteopath may need very occasionally to ask for additional investigations such as x-ray or blood tests.  However, osteopaths are experts in diagnosis and can generally form an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan after fully assessing the patient.  Because osteopathy is patient centred, this will be a two-way agreement, and active participation by the patient will be encouraged, to form a suitable treatment plan.

A treatment session may comprise an active examination of the patient, a postural analysis and gait assessment. A treatment plan will then be devised between the Osteopath and the patient, and this may incorporate Pilates, exercise, soft tissue massage, joint mobilization, or any of the other modalities mentioned on the leaflet.

Diane encourages an interactive approach, which she feels promotes faster recovery and enables the patient to feel more empowered.

Cost: Osteopathy, which could include naturopathy, cranial osteopathy, help with posture and gait analysis:
£55 for an initial one hour consultation, including treatment if appropriate.
£40 for half-hour follow-up sessions;       £55 for one hour follow-up sessions.

Therapeutic shoes to help prevent and treat injuries. MBT transforms hard surfaces into soft uneven ones. MBT re-establish the natural conditions for standing and walking. Through the biomechanical function of MBT, the muscles, joints and spine begin to function anatomically. Joint wear is reduced, and with it pain.