What can I expect from an Osteopath?

Osteopaths can treat a wide variety of conditions including:

• Lower and upper back pain
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Joint pain
• Headache and migraine
• Sports injuries including tennis elbow
• Disc injury
• Sciatica
• Pregnancy
• Whiplash injuries
• Childhood problems
• Stress, depression and fatigue
• Many other conditions

Treatment aims to restore function within the body, so that the natural processes of adaptation, compensation and resolution can once more take place effectively.

Osteopaths treat the whole person, not just the condition.

Osteopaths use palpation (the use of their hands) to both investigate the underlying cause of pain and to carry out treatment using a variety of techniques.

This may include stretching techniques for muscle and connective tissue, soft tissue and joint mobilization, electrotherapy, massage, manipulation, cranial osteopathy, or even to fitting of orthotics.

The patient is encouraged to discuss treatment options and to participate in decision-making.
Treatment may include patient ‘homework’.  This may involve corrective and stretching exercises, postural awareness and appropriate nutritional advice.
People may experience soreness for one to two days after treatment.