VISITING YOUR OSTEOPATH

Osteopathy is an established and recognised system of diagnosis and treatment, which lays its main emphasis on the structural and functional integrity of the body. It is distinctive by the fact that it recognises that much of the pain and disability which we suffer stems from abnormalities in the function of the body structure as well as damage caused to it. The 1993 report from the British Medical Association 'Complementary Medicine - New Approaches to Good Practice' recognised osteopathy as a discrete clinical discipline. Osteopathy is the first complementary health care profession to be accorded statutory self-regulation. Since 9th May 2000 it is an offence for anyone to describe themselves as an osteopath and practise as such, unless registered with the General Osteopathic Council.

Whilst back pain is the most common problem seen, osteopathy can help with a wide variety of problems including changes to posture in pregnancy, babies with colic or sleeplessness, repetitive strain injury, postural problems caused by driving or work strain, children with glue ear, the pain of arthritis and sports injuries, amongst others.