The way the body moves influences how it functions. Osteopaths use a gentle hands-on approach based on holistic principles and are highly specialised healthcare professionals recognised by the NHS as fully competent to diagnose and treat independently.

Nowadays osteopaths have an honours degree with at least 1000 hours supervised clinical practice. They are governed by the General Osteopathic Council, meaning that it’s illegal to use the title Osteopath if you haven’t undertaken formal training at one of the recognised schools.

Osteopaths are trained to diagnose in the same way as your GP and are specialists in problems of the musculoskeletal system. Patients visit with a variety of conditions from back or neck pain, sports injuries or headaches. Patients range from the very young to the very old, from pregnant mothers to people suffering from work stresses, pain or stiffness.

If we think the problem is to do with the skeleton, or muscular in nature then we will try to help with appropriate treatment. If we think it’s something that needs to be referred to another specialist we can help with referral by talking to your doctor if you wish.