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ABOUT OSTEOPATHY...

Osteopathy treats problems associated with the skeleton and joints, and also the underlying connective tissue, muscles and organs.

It was developed in the late 19th century by American doctor, Andrew Taylor Still, who recognised that there was an important link between the musculoskeletal system and the functioning of the human body. He also understood that the body has the ability to heal itself, and researched ways of assisting that process in his patients. He went on to found the first college of osteopathic medicine, and the therapy soon gained popularity further afield, becoming available in the UK in the early 1900s.

Osteopaths today continue this holistic approach, believing that the structure of the body needs to be working in harmony to allow the rest of the body to function properly. Their aim therefore, is to restore any imbalances in the musculoskeletal system, and facilitate the body's own natural healing processes. Practitioners undertake extensive medical and scientific training, so they're well qualified to advise you on the best course of treatment for your condition, and are careful not to overlook conditions for which other medical treatment may be necessary.

Treatment with an osteopath will usually involve the practitioner taking a full medical case history on your first visit. This will be followed by a gentle examination, where a highly developed sense of touch is used to identify any problem areas on the body. They will then perform a range of special adjustment techniques, manipulation, stretching or massage, all designed to encourage the healing process within the body. They are trained to understand how the human body works, and may use specific techniques for different conditions, as appropriate. Treatments usually last around half an hour, and you may require more than one session.

Osteopathy can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including backache, neck and shoulder pain, hip, knee, ankle or foot pain, slipped discs, sciatica, repetitive strain or sports injuries, arthritis, and more. It can be helpful in treating acute conditions, perhaps following an accident or injury, and also for chronic pain or mobility problems, that have not responded to other types of treatment.
Some practitioners specialise in a more subtle form of the therapy called Cranial Osteopathy, which is useful for releasing tensions in the body that may be causing recurring headaches, migraines or sinus problems.

Osteopathy has become a highly regulated profession in recent years, and all UK osteopaths are required by law to be registered with the General Osteopathy Council, which was originally set up in the 1930s to ensure high professional standards amongst practitioners. It is possibly the most scientifically researched and validated of all the complementary therapies, and many osteopaths now work alongside GPs in mainstream healthcare practices.

As a safe, gentle therapy, it can be used on both children and adults, including pregnant women and the elderly.
Osteopathy can also be carried out on animals, such as horses, with a vet's permission.

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The Therapists Directory on this website is designed primarily to provide a space where holistic health professionals and healers can advertise their work. Whilst certain general criteria have to be fulfilled before being given a listing on our site, the fact that a therapist or practitioner's details are on display here does not imply any personal or professional recommendation by Holistic Promotions. We accept the details offered to us by each practitioner in good faith - that includes relevant qualifications, memberships/registrations etc. and confirmation that they are insured to practice. Each practitioner listed should be happy to show you evidence of all these things if you ask them - which we advise you to do at the first appointment or sooner, for your own peace of mind. We can accept no responsibility for the action, behaviour or malpractice of any practitioner listed on this site.

Information about therapies shown on these pages is for general interest and guidance only, and is not intended to replace professional healthcare advice. As this directory is purely an advertising medium for holistic health practitioners, we do not offer an information service, and are unable to answer enquiries about specific therapies, training, etc. If you need further information, please contact the relevant listed practitioners, or Therapy Associations, Councils or Regulatory bodies - many of which you will find listed on our ADDRESSES & INFO page.