What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy uses manual approach to healthcare; it involves the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. Osteopaths use a holistic approach when assessing and treating a person. This means that osteopaths evaluate how an area is moving and functioning within the body as a whole.
Osteopathic treatment includes a combination of hands-on techniques, such as massage, stretching, manipulations and mobilisations. These techniques aim to promote joint function, relieve tension and enhance blood and nerve supply to tissues. Your osteopath may also give advice on posture or exercises, to supplement treatment and reduce the likelihood of recurrence of a problem.
All osteopaths in the UK are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) and are required to renew their registration every year. As part of the annual renewal 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.
What do Osteopaths treat?
Acute and chronic back pain
Arthritic pain
Sports injuries
Sciatica
Neck pain and associated headaches
Frozen shoulder
Tennis/Golfer’s elbow
Maintenance treatment
What to expect
Osteopaths are skilled professionals who are trained in diagnosing musculoskeletal issues, including those which may require further investigation. In certain cases your osteopath can refer you onto your GP or an other medical specialist with your consent.
When you first visit your osteopath, they will listen to you describe your current symptoms and medical history. They will ask further questions to enable them to see the full picture around your symptoms. Your initial consultation will be longer (upto an hour) than follow-up appointments. All information will be treated asconfidential in accordance with the standards of practice set out by the GeneralOsteopathic Council and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), May2018.
Your osteopath will complete a clinical examination depending on the presenting symptoms this may include assessments such as checking reflexes, blood pressure etc. An osteopathic examination will follow, and will involve assessing your standing posture, joint function and movement.
After this examination, your osteopath will share their findings and discuss with you the treatment options. Occasionally further investigations or referral to another healthcare specialist may be appropriate. Treatment at your appointment may include soft tissue techniques, joint mobilisation, exercise prescription and advice. If we believe further investigations are required, we will explain this to you.
You are more than welcome to bring someone with you to your consultation.
What to wear
We would recommend comfortable clothing such as leggings, shorts etc to allow for appropriate assessment and treatment. Towels can also be provided at appointments.
Location
Aldbury House, Dower Mews, High St, Berkhamsted HP4 2BL, UK
Walk down the Mews (just between Dower House Coffee and Mad Squirrel). It's the building to the right, the right hand door and press the third buzzer.