What is Osteopathy?
Osteopaths have been regulated by statute since 1993 by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). A recent study of 1,700 osteopathic patients found that 96% of patients were satisfied/very satisfied with their care. Early findings taken from the National Council of Osteopathic Research also shows high satisfaction and experience levels from osteopathic patients (Institute of Osteopathy, 2019).
Osteopathy is for all walks of life and can help with a much wider range of problems than a lot of people expect. Below is a non-exhaustive list of the conditions that Osteopaths can treat from the current evidence-base. This is approved by the ASA regulatory body.
Arthritic and rheumatic
Arthritic and rheumatic painFibromyalgiaSciaticaGeneral, acute and chronic back painLumbagoMechanical neck painFrozen shoulderShoulder and elbow painTennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)Headache arising from the neck (cervicogenic) and migraine preventionJoint pains including hip and knee pain from osteoarthritis as an adjunct to core OA treatments and exerciseGeneralised aches and painsMinor sports injuriesMuscle spasmsNeuralgia (nerve pain)Tension and inability to relaxCirculatory problemsCrampDigestion problems
Osteopathy Background
The term Osteopathy was coined in the 19th century by Andrew Taylor Still based on his impression that ‘man is triune’ (Still, 1902). The word is derived from the Greek as a compound of two words; ‘osteon’ meaning bone and ‘pathos’ meaning suffering or disease.
According to Still, the human body would only function correctly when the convergence of the mind, body and spirit are working as a unit. His philosophy was that the osteopath is simply a mechanic with a masterful knowledge of anatomy and physiology (Still, 1902).
By treating patients, he aimed to allow the circulatory, lymphatic and nervous systems to function harmoniously together to help the body’s self-healing mechanism. When this balance is disrupted, then the body can express this via musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Based on this, he implies that the osteopath will not directly cure the ailment, but he will simply be the intermediary between the patient and the body’s own natural self-healing process.
What should I expect in a treatment?
During the initial consultation, the Osteopathy will start by asking you to fill out a form of some details of yourself, and then will undertake a full case history of your condition and past medical history. Everything in this treatment is confidential and will not be shared to any other party.
Then the osteopath may require you to undress to your underwear (or it is optional to bring a vest and shorts) to assess the area of dysfunction. The osteopath will assess the condition with a mixture of observation skills, palpation, active and passive movements and orthopaedic testing to formulate a diagnosis.
Even though some people may have the same diagnosis on paper, we personalise our treatment to the patient, as every individual is very different. Treatment may consist of a mixture of techniques including manipulation, mobilisation, tissue treatment, stretching and exercise advice. So, at this point, the osteopath will then explain what they have found then together with your input, will formulate a treatment and management plan going forward.
About Ellie
I am a fully qualified and insured osteopath and medical acupuncturist, registered with the General Osteopathic Council regulatory body for the UK.
I am fascinated by the body, how it functions and how we can rehabilitate it so that it can perform at its best, and as such Osteopathy has proved an ideal means of pursuing my interests. I am inspired by modern evidence informed clinical practice which is underpinned by high quality clinical reasoning and the implementation of osteopathic principles. This emphasis allows me to contribute to finding a holistic resolution of my patients’ health dilemmas.
Having graduated from Swansea University in June 2017 with a 1st class Honours Masters in Osteopathy, I have gained experience in managing a range of osteopathic patients. I have gained significant experience with managing chronic musculoskeletal pain, pregnancy related health issues, headaches and sports injuries from an osteopathic perspective.
Osteopathy was a natural choice
For me as a career and so far, I have really enjoyed time spent both in a private capacity and an NHS setting in Swansea, where I got to treat such a wide variety of patients. I thoroughly enjoyed my years in clinical practice in Swansea, but I now welcome a return to Buckinghamshire in winter 2019, in order to be closer to my family.
My favourite things About Osteopathy
One of my favourite things about Osteopathy, is we believe in looking at each individually separately and holistically, to encompass the whole body in our treatments and individualise our treatment plan to each patient. From neck pain and headaches, to herniated discs and nerve pain, I am here to help manage your discomfort. So please don’t hesitate to book in for an appointment so we can tackle those aches and pains!
Arrange an appointment Please filling the form and we will respond as soon as possible
