Occasionally however, recovery is impeded by other more chronic physical and mental stresses. As a result you may start noticing symptoms that are becoming a little uncomfortable and stick around far longer than usual.

It might be a sign that your body and its systems need a little change from your usual routines or postural habits and a helping hand to return to normal. Query whether you can make any changes that will help you feel better and seek advice before it gets more difficult to reverse what is happening.

Osteopaths are regulated primary healthcare physician qualified to screen you for any health concerns and diagnose physical imbalances that may contribute to your discomfort or even cause you injury. 

Osteopaths consider and treat the health of your whole body and focus on the release of physical restrictions within body tissues that may hinder the body’s natural healing processes. We distinguish ourselves from other primary healthcare professionals by providing hands-on treatment to improve and protect your physical health and help you heal and restore naturally.

Osteopaths are highly trained and skilled musculoskeletal (MSK) specialists at Bachelor and Master Degree Level and treat all body regions and systems including the head & face, neck & shoulders, back & ribs, abdomen & pelvis, hips & knees, ankles, feet & toes, arms & elbows, hands & fingers, but also look after your cardiovascular & respiratory health, immune & lymphatic health, the digestive & urinary system, the nervous & endocrine system.

Patients often present to osteopaths with:  

  • Headache

  • Jaw Pain

  • Neck pain

  • Back Pain

  • Any Joint Pain

  • Sports and other physical Injuries

  • Repetitive Strain Injuries

  • Digestive Problems

  • Pain in Pregnancy

  • Coccyx Pain

  • Postural Problems

  • Pain in Arthritis

  • Sleep issues

  • Feeding and digestive issues in babies

  • Head deformities in babies

Osteopathy is a fully regulated and recognised allied healthcare profession alongside the NHS. You do not need a referral from your GP to see an osteopath. You can book an appointment directly. 

Everyone is entitled to treatment and everyone is welcome.

What happens at an osteopathic appointment

Osteopathy is a holistic and natural hands-on treatment approach to healthcare that seeks to restore your physical health without the need for invasive procedures or the use of medication.

At the start of your first consultation you will be asked questions about your medical history and lifestyle as well as your symptoms and concerns. This is very important as it will help screen you for any health concerns, make an accurate diagnosis and suggest an appropriate course of treatment. Please note that as with any medical profession, information about you or any information you provide during your appointments is kept strictly confidential and kept on file in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

The osteopathic examination itself involves a full postural and functional assessment, including a hands-on examination of your spine, joints, ligaments and muscles and their movements to identify problems.  The problem may be in a different area to the pain, therefore the body as a whole may need to be examined.  This will be explained to you whilst the examination takes place. As with a visit to a GP or other medical professionals, for the examination to be effective it may be necessary to ask you to remove some clothing as required for the condition. The examination process may include tests with or without special equipment to check for the health of your cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive or nervous system. If you feel uncomfortable with any part of the examination please do speak up, we can discuss this and take a different approach altogether.  You are welcome to bring someone with you for all or part of your consultation, and children should always be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Once the examination has been carried out and a diagnosis can be reached or hypothesised, you will receive treatment or advice on the best way forward, whichever is the most appropriate. If treatment is appropriate, the osteopath uses her hands to work on areas of your body that are found to be restricted or out of balance and thought to be at the root of, or contributing to your symptoms. The osteopathic manual procedures applied will be explained to you throughout the treatment and you will always be asked for permission to make sure you as a patient are comfortable and in control. The appointment finishes by providing you with self-care advice and proposing an ongoing treatment plan for you. There are few occasions when a referral to another healthcare service may be deemed necessary before treatment can commence. 

Remember, your questions can be discussed at any time - before, during or after your treatment. It is important that you feel comfortable and understand your condition. Your osteopathic treatment appointment will typically last between 30-45 minutes which allows for a thorough health assessment and stress-free treatment.

Please also visit the Institute of Osteopathy website at http://www.osteopathy.org/osteopathy/what-to-expect-from-a-consultation/ or the General Osteopathic Council at http://www.osteopathy.org.uk/visiting-an-osteopath/ for further information.

In health, naturally

Grit Koenigs M.Ost

Registered Osteopath