What is Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of conditions. It works with the structure and function of the body, and is based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues functioning smoothly together.
Cranial osteopathy is an osteopathic technique devised by William Garner Sutherland by his observation of the way in which the body works. It is a gentle but in depth way of treating patients of all ages. Cranial Osteopathy can be particularly useful as a technique approach to improve symptoms in some babies, children and young adults, victims of assault or road traffic accident, and for those suffering from headache, face pain sinus problems and neuralgia.
How Osteopathy is carried out
Osteopaths primarily work through the neuro-musculo-skeletal system, mostly on muscles and joints. Special attention is paid to how the internal organs affect, and are affected by, that system. Relevant psychological and social factors also form part of the diagnosis and another important principle of osteopathy is that the body has its own self-healing mechanisms, which can be utilised as part of the treatment.
To an osteopath, for your body to work well, its structure must also work well. So osteopaths work to restore your body to a state of balance, where possible without the use of drugs or surgery:
- Osteopaths use touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension, to enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues, and to help your body’s own healing mechanisms.
- They may also provide advice on posture / diet / vitamin supplements and exercise to aid recovery, promote health and prevent symptoms.
Osteopathy Governance
In 1993 the Osteopaths Act was passed by Parliament. It formally recognised and regulated the profession. An osteopath must be trained by a recognised institution and registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOC) in order to practise.
All our Osteopaths are registered with the GOC.( www.osteopathy.org.uk )
and the The Institute of Osteopathy. ( www.iosteopathy.org )
