osteopathy
Our team of Osteopaths offer a wealth of experience, skill and expertise.
Osteopathy is a primary health care system, complementary to other medical practices. It is suitable for almost anyone and can contribute to the treatment and management of a wide range of conditions. Osteopaths primarily work through the neuro-musculo- skeletal system, mostly on muscles and joints, using holistic and patient-centred approaches.
The key tools for osteopathic diagnosis include listening to the patient’s history, examining muscles and joints and observing movements. X -rays, scans and other clinical investigations are also used if required. A wide range of gentle, non-invasive manual techniques such as deep tissue massage, joint mobilisation and manipulation are applied therapeutically.
Regulation of osteopathy
Osteopaths must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council in order to practice.
Osteopaths are required to renew their registration each year. As part of this process, the GOsC checks that osteopaths have current professional indemnity insurance, remain in good health and of good character, and have met mandatory continuing professional development requirements.
All osteopaths practicing in the UK have completed rigorous training. Students of osteopathy follow a four or five year degree course, during which they study anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, nutrition and biomechanics. In addition they undergo a minimum of 1,000 hours of clinical training. Qualification generally takes the form of a bachelor’s degree in osteopathy — a BSc(Hons), BOst or BOstMed — or a masters degree in osteopathy (MOst).