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.

What do Osteopaths treat?                      

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: £60 for an initial one hour consultation, including treatment if appropriate.
£45 for half-hour follow-up sessions;       £60 for one hour follow-up sessions.