Osteopathy is a holistic form of healthcare that focuses on the musculoskeletal system and how it relates to the rest of the body. Osteopaths use a variety of techniques to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions, with the goal of promoting overall health and wellness.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what osteopaths do and how they can help you feel your best.
What is an osteopath?
An osteopath is a licensed healthcare professional who specialises in treating musculoskeletal conditions. In the UK all Osteopaths are regulated and licensed by The General Osteopathic Council (much like doctors are regulated by the General Medical Council). Osteopaths use a holistic approach to healthcare that takes into account the body as a whole, including the musculoskeletal system, the circulatory system, and the nervous system.
Osteopaths are trained to use a variety of techniques to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions, the include manual manipulation (including spinal realignment / spinal adjustments very similar to Chiropractic adjustments), massage, and stretching. They may also use exercise therapy and lifestyle advice to help their patients achieve optimal health and wellness.
What does an osteopath do?
Osteopaths use a variety of techniques to help their patients achieve optimal health and wellness.
These techniques include:
- Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT): OMT is a hands-on approach to healthcare that involves using manual techniques to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions. This includes hands-on manipulation such as high velocity thrust (HVT) including spinal adjustments very similar to chiropractor adjustments improve spinal realignment, spinal and joint mobility.
- Soft tissue massage: Osteopaths may use massage techniques to help relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote healing.
- Exercise therapy: Osteopaths may recommend exercises to help strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and prevent future injuries.
- Lifestyle advice: Osteopaths may provide advice on nutrition, stress management, and other lifestyle factors that can impact overall health and wellness.
Conditions osteopaths can treat
Osteopaths can treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Back pain: Osteopaths can help relieve back pain by using manual treatment to improve spinal alignment and mobility, and reduce muscle tension.
- Neck pain: Osteopaths can help relieve neck pain by using manual techniques to improve neck joint alignment and reduce stiffness and tension in neck muscles
- Joint pain: Osteopaths can help relieve joint pain by using manipulation to improve joint function and reduce inflammation.
- Sports injuries: Osteopaths can help athletes recover from sports injuries by using manual techniques to promote healing and prevent future injuries.
- (Tension) Headaches: Osteopaths can help relieve headaches by using techniques to reduced myofascial (muscle) tension and trigger points causing localised and referred pain.
Why see an osteopath?
If you’re experiencing musculoskeletal pain or discomfort, seeing an osteopath can help. Osteopaths are trained to use a holistic approach to healthcare that takes into account the body as a whole, rather than just focusing on the symptoms of a particular condition. This can lead to more effective and longer-lasting results than traditional medical treatments.
In addition, osteopathic treatment is generally safe and non-invasive, with little to no side effects. This makes it a good choice for people who want to avoid the risks associated with surgery or medication.
What’s special about Spine Plus Osteopaths
At Spine Plus our osteopaths are trained to offer additional treatments alongside the traditional hands-on approach outlined above, this includes electrotherapies such as laser therapy, TECAR, shock wave therapy, medical acupuncture and IDD Therapy. In addition, by virtue of their guidance under Spine Plus’ Directors, Robert Shanks and Darren Chandler (both of whom lecture in Interpretation of Spinal MRI scan), our osteopath are able to offer added insights and analysis of MRI reports and images at a level that most other Osteopathic clinics would not be able to offer.
Conclusion
Osteopathy is a holistic form of healthcare that can help relieve pain, promote healing, and improve overall health and wellness. If you’re experiencing musculoskeletal pain or discomfort, seeing an osteopath can be a safe and effective way to feel your best. With a range of techniques and a focus on the body as a whole, osteopathy can help you improve your health and wellness for years to come. With their additional training and unique approach combining manual therapy with electrotherapy our osteopaths (at Spine Plus) provide an unrivalled service to get optimum results. To make an appointment at one of our clinics in Chigwell (Essex), Woodford (Woodford Green), Hornchurch (Essex), Stratford (London), Bow (London) see one our Clinics page or details below:
Our Chigwell Osteopathy Clinic: Spine Plus Chigwell, 2a Oak Lodge Ave, Chigwell, Essex, IG7 5HZ, Tel: +44 (0) 208 501 0937
Our Woodford Osteopathy Clinic: Spine Plus Woodford, 5 Jubilee Market, Woodford Green, IG8 7BZ 5HZ, Tel: +44 (0) 208 506 1000
Our Hornchurch Osteopath Clinic: Spine Plus Hornchurch, 128 North Street, Emerson Park, Hornchurch, RM11 1SU, Tel: +44 (0) 1708 472219
Our Bow Clinic: Spine Plus Bow, 369a Roman Road, Bow, London, E3 5QR, +44 (0) 208 980 9664
