Vital-Osteopathy.com

Osteopathy is a safe and natural approach to health care, treating individuals for health problems from the trauma of birth to the arthritis of 'the third age'. From the cradle to the rocking chair, as it were.

Osteopaths consider the body as the physical aspect of the whole person, rather than merely a structure to protect and support the vital organs. It is a 'hands on' approach using a highly trained sense of touch to examine and identify dysfunction within the body. Treatment is focussed on the cause where possible), rather than just treating the symptoms. Just rubbing the sore bit rarely works! Improving the function of the dysfunctional areas, optimises the body's ability to heal itself and relief from the symptoms invariably follows.

A wide range of approaches may be used including:- soft tissue, passive joint movement and manipulative techniques. For the treatment of the new born and young children cranial osteopathy is usually the treatment of choice.

Osteopathy is not a quick fix, despite often giving some immediate relief of acute symptoms. If advised, it is wise to have  some further treatments to address the underlying problems and reduce the risk of the problem returning.

Legal Status of UK Registered Osteopaths

I should point out that since the Osteopath's Act '93 we are Primary Health Care Practitioners. That means that Osteopaths are educated to and on a par with doctors & dentists.

This means that;

• Osteopathy is recognised as a discrete discipline by the British Medical Association.
• Osteopaths asses & diagnose according to osteopathic principles, although any medical tests (i.e. X-ray, MRI reports, bone density, blood test results, etc.) you may have had or medication you are taking will be important information for your best care. Please bring these with you!
• You do not need to be referred by your doctor you can simply call to make an appointment. If you have private health insurance, then check with them first as a few still insist on a GP referral/consent.
• In some areas you can be referred for osteopathic treatment on the NHS, so check with your GP.
• Osteopaths can provide a 'sick note' if considered to be appropriate.
• An osteopath can provide a detailed osteopathic report i.e. in cases of litigation due to a whiplash incident in a road traffic accident, work related injury, i.e. RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury), etc.
• Your doctor should not 'officially' disapprove of osteopathic treatment, but we're all entitled to our own opinion.
• If your osteopath considers that you would be better helped by orthodox medicine then they will refer you to your GP or elsewhere for further medical tests/investigations.
• All legal osteopaths are now registered with the General Osteopathic Council, as it is now a mandatory requirement in the UK to practice under the name of an osteopath, to practice osteopathy or claim to use osteopathic techniques.