Osteopaths are primary health care practitioners, complementing other medical practices. They have the ability to diagnose and treat a number of musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Osteopaths work primarily on the neuromuscular-skeletal system, and also pay attention to relevant psychological and social factors in order to form a diagnosis.

Osteopathy is a system of healthcare and not just a series of techniques applied to the body. It is based on the philosophy that the body should be able to auto-regulate itself in order to maintain a state of health, balance and harmony. The body should be able to adapt and recover from traumatic events, however sometimes this ability to adapt and compensate gets overwhelmed, and may need some assistance. 

This is where osteopaths can help.

From my clinics in Gloucestershire, I treat mothers and babies, sportsinjuries and back pain.

Osteopaths treat the whole person and not just the areas causing symptoms. This is because osteopaths believe the cause can often originates in another area or part of the body. Therefore, several people may come in with the ‘same’ symptoms, but the reasons for their symptoms may be very different. It is possible that no two osteopathic treatments will be the same.

Some osteopaths use manipulative techniques (where you hear a ‘click’ or a ‘pop’ in a joint) others may use cranial techniques.

Why do Osteopaths crack 'crack' joints

Osteopaths undergo 4 years of full time training in the UK as they are obliged to take an integrated Masters (MOSt).

Regardless of which school they study at, all osteopaths have to gain an in depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology in order to be able to
diagnose musculoskeletal dysfunction and be aware of pathological conditions that may be expressing themselves in the musculoskeletal system.

Osteopaths must complete 1000 hours of clinic based learning before they can qualify.

Registration number (Osteopathic General Council) #8754