What is osteopathy?

Osteopathy takes a different approach to health care from that of conventional medicine. Osteopathy works by enabling the body to heal itself. By reducing tensions and restrictions in the joints, muscles and ligaments (musculoskeletal system), osteopathy brings about changes in the way the body functions.

Osteopathy was first developed in the 19th century by an American doctor, Andrew Taylor Still. Still recognised that the health of the body is dependent on the correct functioning of the muscles, joints and ligaments, which in turn affect the health of nerves and blood vessels. Osteopaths have always worked with their hands, both in assessing their patients and in treating them. Modern osteopaths are trained in medical science as well as in osteopathic technique, and base their treatment on a full diagnosis of the cause of the patient's symptoms.

In assessing a patient's condition, the osteopath looks at the patient primarily from a biomechanical standpoint, using her knowledge of anatomy and physiology. However osteopathy is very much a holistic approach to healthcare and therefore attention may be paid to the patient's lifestyle iincluding exercise, diet and stress levels. This assessment forms the basis for treatment, which is tailored to the needs of each individual patient.