An introduction to osteopathy

Osteopathy is a primary health care system, complementary to other medical practices. It is suitable for almost anyone and can contribute to the treatment and management of a wide range of conditions. Osteopaths primarily work through the neuro-musculo-skeletal system, mostly on muscles and joints, using holistic and patient-centred approaches.

A core principle behind osteopathy is the idea that the body is an integrated and indivisible whole, and contains self-healing mechanisms that can be utilised as part of the treatment. No part of the body works, or can be considered, in isolation. Relevant psychological and social factors also form part of the process of patient diagnosis.

The key tools for osteopathic diagnosis include listening to the patient's history, examining muscles and joints and observing movements. X -rays, scans and other clinical investigations are also used if required. A wide range of gentle, non-invasive manual techniques such as deep tissue massage, joint articulation and manipulation are applied therapeutically.

Osteopaths must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council in order to practice. Patients may be referred by their doctor, or may opt to see an osteopath independently.

What can osteopaths help you with?

Osteopaths treat the person rather than specific conditions - for example, an injury to your knee might also affect the foot, hip and spine. Osteopathy can help relieve the symptoms of a range of conditions, including:

• aches and pains
• joint pains including hip and knee pain from osteoarthritis in association with other treatment for this condition
• arthritic pain
• general, acute and chronic backache and back pain*
• neck pain*
• headache arising from the neck
• shoulder and elbow pain
• joint pains and lumbago
• sciatica
• muscle spasms
• sports injuries and tensions

* In cases of injury or accident it is advisable to seek advice from your GP in the first instance.

If you would like to find out whether osteopathy is able to help with your condition please ring the clinic. The reception team will be able to arrange for an osteopath to ring you back and discuss your problem.

"I can wholeheartedly recommend the HPS to anyone who suffers from painful muscle or nerve-related medical conditions."
Ken Hayes, HPS patient.