Osteopathy is a primary care profession, focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders, and the effects of these conditions on patients' general health.
Using many of the diagnostic procedures applied in conventional medical assessment, osteopaths seek to restore the optimal functioning of the body, where possible without the use of drugs or surgery. Osteopathy is based on the principle that the body has the ability to heal, and osteopathic care focuses on strengthening the musculoskeletal systems to treat existing conditions and to prevent illness.
Osteopaths' patient-centred approach to health and well-being means they consider symptoms in the context of the patient's full medical history, as well as their lifestyle and personal circumstances. This holistic approach ensures that all treatment is tailored to the individual patient.
Cranial osteopathy is safe and effective and can be used for all kinds of problems and conditions. Its refined and subtle techniques use very gentle manipulative pressure to encourage the release of stresses and tensions throughout the body, including the head. Cranial osteopaths have a very finely developed sense of touch and are trained to feel a very subtle, rhythmical shape change that is present in all tissues. Tension in the body disrupts the cranial rhythm. Practitioners compare what your rhythm is doing to what they consider ideal. This shows them what stresses and strains your body is under at present and what tensions it may be carrying as a result of its past history. It also gives them an insight into the overall condition of your body – for example if it is healthy, or stressed and tired.
At the first consultation, the osteopath will compile a full case history of your symptoms, as well as asking for information about your lifestyle. The osteopath may also observe you making some simple movements to help them make a diagnosis. You will usually be asked to remove some clothing near the area of the body to be examined.
Osteopaths are trained to examine areas of the body using a highly-developed sense of touch, known as palpation, to determine conditions and identify the body's points of weakness or excessive strain. Osteopathy is a 'package' of care that includes skilled mobilising and manipulative techniques, reinforced by guidance on diet and exercise.
The osteopath will discuss with you the most appropriate treatment plan, estimating the likely number of sessions needed to treat your condition effectively. If the osteopath thinks that your condition is unlikely to respond to osteopathic treatment, you will be advised about how to seek further care. Osteopaths are skilled in diagnostic techniques and trained to identify when a patient needs to be referred to a GP.
In general, the first treatment lasts about 45 minutes, and subsequent treatments around half an hour. Your first appointment is usually slightly longer to allow for a full case history to be taken.
As a private practice, fees are charged for appointments. These may be recovered under many private health insurance schemes. If you intend to claim your fees, please check with you insurer before commencing treatment.
| Initial Consultation (3/4 hour) Treatment (1/2 hour) Babies, children and students |
£45.00 £35.00 £30.00 |
We accept payment by cash, cheque and all major credit/debit cards.
Many of our patients introduce a relative or friend to our practice. Now we are saying thank you by giving you £5 off a treatment for referring a new patient to the practice. Please print the Reward form and follow the instructions on it and read the terms & conditions. Valid until 31.12.2012
We reserve the right to charge the full fee for appointments not attended and 50% of the fee for appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice.
We can give advice on rehabilitation exercises, diet, work ergonomics and lifestyle. We can also supply cold packs, pillows, supports and muscle rubs as appropriate and we are the exclusive retailer of MagniWool Underlays for the Forest of Dean and surrounding areas.