What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is an established, recognised system of healthcare focused on the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal pain and functional disorders.

Osteopaths use a holistic approach, recognising the important link between the body’s structure and the way it functions. When the body is in good mechanical balance, it is better able to move efficiently, adapt to physical demands and support overall wellbeing.

Osteopathic care is patient-centred. Treatment is tailored to the individual and aims to support the body’s natural ability to regulate and heal itself.

How do osteopaths work?

Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy. Osteopaths are trained to use skilled hands-on techniques together with movement, rehabilitation exercises, and lifestyle or ergonomic advice where appropriate.

Depending on the patient’s needs, an osteopath may work to:

• improve joint mobility

• reduce muscle tension

• support circulation

• assist recovery from strain or overuse

• help patients manage persistent or recurrent pain

What symptoms can osteopathy help with?

People of all ages consult osteopaths, including older adults, pregnant women, babies, children, office workers and athletes.

Osteopaths commonly see patients with:

• General aches and pains

• Acute and chronic back pain

• Neck pain and associated headaches (including cervicogenic headache)

• Shoulder and elbow problems, various tendonitis issues 

• Joint pain, including hip and knee discomfort related to osteoarthritis (as support alongside medical care and exercise)

• Arthritic and degenerative joint pain

• Muscle spasms and tension

• Neuralgia and sciatica

• Sports injuries and repetitive strain problems

• Cramp and some circulation-related discomfort

• Widespread pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia

Many patients also report improvement in general mobility, posture and physical resilience.

Individual care

By combining hands-on treatment with education and self-management advice, osteopaths aim to help patients understand their condition and play an active role in their recovery.