What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a discipline focused on diagnosing and correcting impairments to optimal functioning of parts of our bodies including muscles, joints (such as knees, hips and shoulders), nerves (such as the sciatic nerve) and connective tissue such as ligaments. Classical Osteopaths focus on the entire musculo-skeletal system; Visceral Osteopaths focus on organs, including the skin; and Cranial Osteopaths focus on the cranium and, via cranialsacral techniques on the rest of the body too.

Osteopaths treat a variety of common conditions including:

• back pain, whether due to a sporting, domestic or work accident or caused by postural problems associated with working practices (such as hunching over a computer or carrying awkward loads) or driving;
• changes to posture during pregnancy;
• babies suffering from reflux, colic or having difficulty sleeping;
• arthritis; and
• sports injuries of all kinds

The techniques Osteopaths use depend on the individual patient and their condition. Classical osteopathy focuses on restoring free, smooth movement and function to all the moveable joints of the body from the spine to the toes. Cranial osteopathy is a specific kind of very gentle osteopathy which aims to reduce stress and tension throughout the body. Visceral Osteopathy uses osteopathic techniques to reduce tension in the abdomen and chest to allow major organs such as the intestines, stomach, heart and lungs to operate more effectively. Many chronic back and neck problems can be helped by visceral osteopathic treatment.

The content of this page is informed by feedback from practices in Essex and also a practitioner in Leeds. Further input was received from osteopaths in the Chiswick area and clinics in Southampton. Finally a contribution was made by osteopathic practitioners in Cambridge