What is Osteopathy – a brief history behind the treatment

Osteopathy was introduced into the UK from America towards the end of the first first world war as a form of treatment that emphasised joint manipulation and massage to treat injuries and disease. In America the profession gradually aligned with the medical profession whilst in the UK Osteopathy evolved outside hospital based and NHS main stream medicine. Whilst incorporating an orthodox understanding of human anatomy and neurophysiology for most of the twentieth century Osteopathy was seen and an alternative therapy in the UK. In 2000 Osteopathy became a fully regulated profession with guaranteed standards and lengths of training similar to physiotherapy.

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What does an Osteopath actually do?

Osteopaths use a variety of techniques to assess their patients including postural analysis, palpation and clinical orthopaedic tests. Treatment ranges from soft tissue release techniques such as massage and stretching to ease muscle tension, to joint manipulation to improve joint alignment and joint mobility.  Osteopaths have gained a reputation for treating back pain, neck pain and related disorders such as sciatica but Osteopaths are also trained to treat problems throughout the whole body.

Like many physiotherapists in private practice osteopaths often supplement undertake additional training such as in (medical) acupuncture and clinical Pilates, and at Spine Plus our osteopaths offer these extra modalities as standard.

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Looking for an Osteopath in London?

Spine Plus have a range of Osteopathy clinics in and around London including Bow, Waterloo, Woodford, Chigwell and Harley St. To book an Osteopathy appointment or for some friendly advice from one of our trained Osteopaths, please contact us or call 0203 3369 8577 to book your appointment.