Osteopathy is well-known as a method of manual treatment for muscular and skeletal disorders. It comprises gentle manual techniques applied to the soft tissues and joints to promote normal tone, mobility, and alignment; and good integration of form and function throughout the body.

Its aims are the reduction of pain and discomfort, and improvement in health. The basic osteopathic premise is that the way our bodies function mechanically affects our health. Practitioners and patients have long observed that beneficial effects of osteopathic manipulation extend beyond the musculoskeletal system to the general functioning of the body, as manifest in improved health and vitality.

However, there are many ways of applying manipulative techniques to the body, and one finds this variety in the many ways in which different practitioners work.

My personal approach

“Osteopathy is a method of manual assessment and treatment of the person, based on the intimate relationship between movement and vitality, innate to living tissues”. (R. Hale)

The idea I hold of my work is not that of pushing individual bones this way or that way to "correct" them. It is rather the promotion of tissue health throughout the organism (reflected in the tactile and mechanical qualities of the tissues) through sensitive manual treatment.

I do not generally favour techniques of "bone cracking" (technically "high velocity low amplitude thrusting"), nor the very light touch used by some practitioners (e.g. "cranial"); although there are occasions when I will use one or the other.

My general modus operandi makes use of a number of different techniques such as massage, stretches, the holding of particular positions to achieve releases, and the use of rhythmic movements to achieve positive change in a physical but non-traumatic way.

My role

My primary role is not to give single treatments for situations of acute pain. These will usually resolve by themselves with rest and, if necessary, medication. All that is required in these cases is an assessment of the situation, advice and reassurance.

On the other hand, most of the patients I see have longer term problems. One has to realise also that even a first episode of pain is often just the final result of a long-term accumulation of stresses, strains, trauma and postural issues.

The solution, if we are to hold by the principle of treating root causes, is not a quick fix. In this context, the answer to the question, "How long will it take?" often the only answer is "As long as it takes"! There are usually numerous variables involved and each person is different, but for this kind of problem with a long term background, one should be prepared for weeks or months of treatment, rather than days.

My approach of is not one of chasing symptoms. For example, if you have several different areas of pain or other symptoms, there is usually a more fundamental problem which renders the organism generally vulnerable to stress and strain. Thus the rational approach is not to treat each symptom or area, but to identify and address fundamental causes, such as whole-body patterns of dysfunction, postural, dietary, psychological and lifestyle factors.

Please also see my article entitled "Manifesto".

Do you need treatment?

“I am in severe pain of recent onset.”

Acute episodes of common musculoskeletal pain will usually resolve by themselves in a few days. Treatment may help, but it would be cheaper and possibly just as effective to rest, and if pain is severe, to take medication. Please phone me though, so that I can assess your situation and offer advice.

“I have been in pain for over a week.”

It may take up to 10 days for pain to resolve naturally. If it does not, then you will need help, and I can probably help to accelerate its resolution. Don't expect a cure in one treatment, and don't expect me to “click it back into place”. I do not believe in these things and I don't do them.

“I have long-standing or frequent episodes of symptoms, for which I have not been able to find a remedy.”

Yes, please come to see me! There is a very good chance I can help, and if I can't I may be able to direct you to someone who can. Be prepared, though, to commit to change, as it will take time and effort.

What do I treat? See FAQ. Or for further information about my practice of osteopathy, please contact me by telephone or email.