Osteopathy in Bath 

Osteopathy is a recognised manual treatment approach that considers the whole structure and mechanical integrity of the body. Osteopathy recognises that physical functioning can be affected by many factors including emotions, environment, disease, physical trauma and lifestyle. The role of the osteopath, working in conjunction with the patient, is to reduce or eliminate strain and tension patterns in the body. Osteopaths believe that improved physical functioning assists in creating an environment which allows the body to utilise its natural healing mechanisms more effectively to reduce or heal dysfunction.

 Osteopaths treat each patient as an individual. There is no prescriptive 'routine treatment' for any condition and treatments are designed to suit each individual case. The osteopath will work closely and in conjunction with the patient in order to assess, treat and re-assess any conditions presented in clinic.

 Osteopathy is widely known as a treatment for back pain - but in reality is able to effect treatment for a much wider variety of conditions. Some of these would include:

·         back and neck pain

·         shoulder and arm problems

·         pelvis, hip and leg problems

·         sports and other injuries

 However, patients have found osteopathy helpful for many other conditions.

A typical osteopathic appointment would involve an initial comprehensive medical assessment, during which time is taken to listen to you and ask questions in order to best understand the presenting condition. 
Your pulse reflexes and blood pressure may all be taken. Referral may be made for any further investigations, such as clinical tests or x-rays, if deemed necessary. An osteopathic treatment will involve various techniques that will be used with regard to each individual case. Treatment may include soft tissue work, joint articulation, stretching of muscles and mobilization.

Osteopathic training is rigorous and involves a four to five year degree. This is similar to a medical degree, with emphasis placed on anatomy and musculoskeletal medicine. By law, osteopaths must register with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). Osteopaths act as primary health care practitioners in addition to taking referrals. The British Medical Association's guidance for general practitioners states that doctors can safely refer patients to osteopaths for appropriate treatment.

 Our Osteopath Caron Shallish has take a year's leave of absence to pursue some very interesting Osteopathic opportunities in New Zealand. We wish her luck and look forward to benefitting from her experience on her return to Bath.

While she is away we are very happy to be working with Osteopath Sarah Spencer Chapman DO. Sarah is a very experienced Osteopath and NLP practitoner and is currently available for appointments by arrangement. If you would like to make an appointment to see Sarah please contact us on 01225 316670.