Therapy name: Osteopathy
Regulatory Body: General Osteopathic Council
Efficacy: Back pain, Menstruation pains, allergies, headaches, digestive disorders, breathing difficulties
Overview: Osteopathy focuses on the structural integrity of the body. The patient is assessed from a mechanical, functional and postural standpoint. Manual methods of treatment are applied to suit the needs of the individual patient.
How it works: Osteopaths believe that many of our health problems are due to misplaced vertebrae. Realignment of the vertebrae allows the body’s natural substances to be released and the self-healing process of the body is no longer hindered.
What to expect: The Osteopath will take a detailed case history and undertake an examination in order to look for any damage to the body’s framework. They will look at how you walk, your posture and will examine you in sitting, lying and standing positions. The osteopath may also use blood and urine tests and look at any areas with palpation.
Treatment may include spine cracking, soft tissue technique, osteopathic manipulative therapy, advice on posture, nutrition, exercise and relaxation.
Known Contraindications: Adverse events are rare and are mainly from spinal manipulation techniques.