Osteopathy – Promoting health for you and your family

Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. It works with the structure and function of the body, and is based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues functioning smoothly together. It is suitable for everyone from the young to the not-so-young, both during and after pregnancy and for those of us who suffer from aches and pains.

Your first appointment will last for around 60 minutes as we talk through your medical history and perform a number of relevant tests before diagnosing and treating. Follow-up appointments last 30 minutes.

For your body to work well, its structure must also work well. So we work to restore your body to a state of balance, without the use of drugs or surgery. Osteopaths use touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension, to enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues, and to help your body’s own healing mechanisms. We’ll also provide advice on your posture and prescribe exercises to aid recovery, promote health and prevent symptoms recurring.

We can treat anyone from the young, older people, manual workers, office professionals, pregnant women, children to sports people. We see a wide variety of conditions, including back pain, repetitive strain injury, changes to posture in pregnancy, postural problems caused by driving or work strain, the pain of arthritis and minor sports injuries.

Regulation

All osteopaths in the UK are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). The GOsC is the statutory body responsible for the professional, similar to that of the General Medical Council for the medical profession. It is a criminal offence for an individual to claim to be an osteopath who is not registered with GOsC.

Training

Registered Osteopaths are required to undertake a four or five-year honours degree programme at a General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) recognised University or School of Osteopathy. Registered osteopaths expand their profiencies with mandatory continuing professional development.

Osteopathy Testimonials

“My back is so much better. Thanks for all you have done for me. I will recommend you to anybody who could benefit from your expertise.” Andrea M

“From my own experience I can testify that to seek Rich’s expert help is to put yourself in the hands of a skilled practitioner. His professional qualifications apart, one of Rich’s strengths is the care he takes to listen to what a patient says before ever suggesting what treatment he believes best for you. Like me I’m sure you’ll be glad you made an appointment.” Colin S

“I was suffering from repeated bouts of intense chest/back pain and after several incorrect diagnoses by my GP, I was slowly coming to the end of my tether! I visited Rich for a second opinion and during our session he listened intently as I explained my symptoms in detail. This in conjunction with physical examination (which my doctor had completely failed to do!) led Rich to suggest a possible problem with my gall bladder. I returned to my GP with the confidence to request further tests and after being referred for an ultrasound scan, discovered that I had gallstones and would require surgery. The relief at finally finding out the cause of my problem was huge! I cannot thank Rich enough for his thorough and caring approach. Finally discovering that there is a way to prevent the ongoing pain will be life changing.” Sarah C