What is osteopathy?

Osteopathy was conceived by a medical doctor Andrew Taylor Still (1828- 1917). Still was an American doctor who became disillusioned with 19th century medicine. He set up a parallel medical system that he called osteopathy. Still discovered that by manipulating the spine, various pain patterns in the body could be treated such as headaches and back pain. He further developed these techniques into a comprehensive system for treating pain and dysfunction anywhere in the body.

Osteopathy remains a simple form of healing involving no special equipment or medicines. The practitioner uses their highly developed sense of touch (palpation) to feel tension, inflammation or restriction in the body's tissues, and diagnose the problem. Very rarely is an x-ray required for diagnosis.

Treatment involves safe, effective techniques usually with the patient on a couch. Deep tissue massage, mobilisation and manipulation are some of the techniques used to improve function, by reducing inflammation, restoring mobility and releasing tension.

Not only can osteopaths affect muscles and joints but through manipulation of the spine, circulation and neural innovation to tissues and organs can help with more systemic problems such as ME, IBS and asthma.

At Eden Osteopaths treatment focuses on hands-on techniques. Usually treatment starts with soft tissue techniques to loosen tight tissues, dispel inflammation or congestion and relax the patient. Next mobilisation and manipulation is used to increase range of movement of joints and stretch muscles.

Working on the spinal joints encourages circulation and stimulates neural output. Special visceral techniques are used for digestive and respiratory problems to loosen surrounding tissue and encourage movement within the skeletal framework.

What makes osteopathic treatment unique?

Osteopaths look at the body holistically. This entails assessing the whole body not just the part that hurts, finding the underlying cause of a problem and not just working with the symptoms. Working on the cause of the pain will help reduce the re-occurrence of chronic problems and reduce patterns of injury and strain.

Many people think of osteopaths as “the people who crack your back”. Although manipulation (the crack) is a useful tool in treatment, it is not the only technique available to osteopaths. This makes osteopathy suitable for everyone from the very old, to young children, pregnant mothers and those with osteoporosis.

Who regulates the osteopathic profession?

Osteopathy is regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) that was set-up in 1993 following the passing of the Osteopaths Act by parliament. In May 2000 GOsC completed setting up a Statutory Register of Osteopaths. As a result it is now a criminal offence to call oneself an osteopath in the UK unless registered with the GOsC. GOsC maintains the register of those entitled to practice osteopathy.

A general charter of practice is adhered to by all registered osteopaths. It is now also compulsory for all osteopaths to undergo continual professional development ensuring skills and knowledge are regularly updated and reviewed.

The General Osteopathic Council has a web site where you can find out more about osteopathy and all the registered osteopaths in the UK. Go to www.osteopathy.org.uk. The British Osteopathic Association also has a web site at www.osteopathy.org. with similar information.