An osteopath is a fully qualified healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis, management, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal and related disorders. Osteopaths take a holistic (whole-body) approach, focusing on how your skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulation, and connective tissue function together as one system.

We get this question all the time. While there is overlap, the key difference is in the philosophy and approach.

• Osteopaths emphasise the relationship between structure and function. We use a wide range of hands-on techniques (manual therapy) on muscles, joints, and fascia, and consider the body's systems as an integrated whole. We are primary healthcare practitioners.

• Chiropractors traditionally focus more on the diagnosis and manipulative treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine.

• Physiotherapists often focus on rehabilitating movement and function through exercise and movement following injury, illness, or disability. All are regulated professions.

Osteopaths commonly treat:

• Back pain, neck pain and sciatica

• Headaches and migraines

• Joint pain (shoulders, hips, knees, ankles)

• Arthritis

• Sports injuries and muscle strains

• Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)

• Postural problems

• Pregnancy-related aches and pains

And much more. If you're unsure if we can help, please just ask!

This is a common misconception. Osteopaths treat a wide variety of conditions throughout the body, including muscle and joint sprains, headaches among many other things!

Yes, we sure are!

Osteopaths go through 4.5 years of university, including a Bachelors of Science and a Masters of Osteopathy. We write a group journal article, which in fact, Niraj and his colleagues got published!

No, osteopaths cannot write prescriptions.

Yes, absolutely. Osteopathic treatment is very safe and can be highly beneficial during pregnancy. It can help alleviate common issues like back pain, pelvic girdle pain, sciatica, and rib discomfort. We use very gentle techniques and will position you comfortably, often using supportive pillows and side-lying techniques.

Children - Yes

Babies - No

While there are some osteopaths who treat babies, it requires further study which I have not undertaken.

Children, on the other hand, can benefit greatly from osteopathic treatment and tend to recover very well from injuries.

Osteopaths are skilled in a wide range of hands-on techniques, including:

• Soft tissue massage: to release tense muscles and improve circulation.

• Articulation: gently moving your joints through their natural range of motion.

• Muscle Energy Techniques (METs): where you use your muscles against a controlled counter-force.

• Functional techniques: gentle, rhythmic movements.

• High-Velocity Low-Amplitude (HVLA) thrusts: a short, quick thrust to a joint to improve mobility (often associated with a "click" or "pop").

• Visceral techniques: very gentle techniques to encourage normal mobility of internal organs.

• Dry Needling: (if trained and qualified).

We will always explain what technique they are using and why.

It's common to feel a little stiff or achy for a day or two after treatment, similar to how you might feel after a good workout. This is a normal reaction as your body adjusts. You should also feel an improvement in your symptoms and mobility. Drinking plenty of water and applying a heat pack can help ease any post-treatment soreness.

If you don’t feel good, don’t hesitate to contact us and we can discuss the next steps.