What is Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a non-invasive method of manual therapy that is used to diagnose, treat or prevent problems in the muscular-skeletal system. Movement within our muscles, joints, nerves, blood vessels and bones ultimately affect the body’s ability to work efficiently in adapting to life’s stresses and strains. Unity of this movement drives the body’s self-healing mechanisms thereby promoting physical, mental and social wellbeing; pain and dysfunction occur when restrictions interrupt the body’s ability to correct and mal-adaptions resulting from the stresses and strains of life. Osteopaths therefore treat the person as a whole, identifying and removing barriers to the body’s self-healing mechanism; not necessarily focusing on the presenting symptoms. Treatment is rhythmic, restoring the biomechanical integrity of the spine and appealing to the nervous system to balance the physiological processes. This approach makes osteopathy safe for everyone – from newborns to the elderly.
General Osteopathic Council (GOsC)
Osteopaths are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) and it is illegal to practice in the UK without being registered with the GOsC. Registration with GOsC must be renewed each year subject to satisfying continuing professional development requirements, a current indemnity insurance and a good professional Standing.
Osteopaths must undergo a minimum of 4 years of undergraduate study prior to Practicing in a clinical setting. This gives the Osteopath a deep understanding of Anatomy, physiological processes, pathologies, bio-mechanics and clinical methods.
