Osteopathy is a way of detecting and treating damaged parts of the body, such as muscles, ligaments, nerves and joints. It is primarily a manual therapy based on the understanding that if the structure and alignments of the body are correct, then it will function well and maintain good health. When the body is balanced, wear and tear is minimised, leaving more energy for living.
Osteopathic treatment does not target the symptoms only (although this is the basis of short term pain relief) but treats the underlying, abnormal structural pattern that gave rise to the symptoms in the first place.
Osteopaths use a wide range of techniques, including massage, joint manipulation, cranial work, exercise rehabilitation, dietary advice, ergonomics and self-management. The result is the effective relief and management of pain. Osteopathy is suitable for all ages - osteopaths see patients ranging from the newly-born to the elderly, including pregnant women and athletes.