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What is osteopathy?
An “osteopathic” beginning
Osteopathy is a hands-on, holistic approach that focuses on understanding the body as a connected whole. Developed in the late 19th century by Dr Andrew Taylor Still, the osteopathic perspective emphasises how structure, movement and function are interrelated.
Osteopathy involves individual assessment and uses manual techniques to explore how different parts of the body may influence one another. Today, it is recognised as a complementary healthcare approach, and many people seek osteopathic care to support comfort, mobility and overall wellbeing.
The osteopath approach
Osteopathy is a hands-on approach that focuses on how the body moves, adapts and functions as a whole. Using manual techniques, osteopaths work with muscles, joints and connective tissue, guided by an understanding that the body’s systems are interconnected and influence one another.
Rather than focusing on a single area in isolation, osteopathy takes a holistic and person-centred perspective, considering how different parts of the body interact in everyday life. The approach is centred on supporting comfort, movement and balance, while taking into account each individual’s lifestyle, habits and physical demands.
Osteopathy places strong emphasis on understanding the person as a whole. Consultations often include discussion of daily routines, activity levels and general wellbeing. In this way, an osteopath’s role is both hands-on and supportive, helping individuals develop greater awareness of their body and how movement, posture and everyday choices may influence how they feel.
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The osteopath’s philosophy
Osteopathy is based on a holistic understanding of how the body’s structure and movement are connected. The osteopathic philosophy centres on careful assessment and an appreciation of how different parts of the body may influence one another over time.
Osteopaths use a range of manual techniques, such as soft tissue work, joint mobilisation and other gentle hands-on approaches. These techniques are applied as part of an individual, person-centred assessment and are chosen to support movement, comfort and physical balance.
The approach is always adapted to the individual and their specific needs.
A key element of osteopathy is its focus on awareness and long-term physical wellbeing. By taking time to understand posture, movement patterns and everyday demands, osteopathy encourages people to develop a greater understanding of their body and how daily habits may influence how they feel. This reflective and supportive approach forms an important part of the osteopathic philosophy.
A holistic perspective
Osteopathy shares certain elements with other manual approaches, such as physiotherapy and chiropractic care, while maintaining its own distinct perspective. Central to osteopathy is a holistic way of understanding the body, where structure, movement and function are considered in relation to one another rather than in isolation.
By viewing the body as an interconnected whole, osteopathy places emphasis on gaining a broader understanding of how different factors may influence comfort, movement and everyday function. This perspective supports an individual and person-centred approach, where care is adapted to each person’s circumstances and needs.
An important part of osteopathy is communication and education. Consultations often involve discussion around movement, posture and daily habits, helping individuals develop greater awareness of their body and how everyday choices may influence how they feel.
Overall, osteopathy combines hands-on techniques with guidance and reflection, grounded in an understanding of the body as a connected system. Rather than focusing solely on isolated areas of discomfort, the osteopathic approach encourages a broader view of physical wellbeing, centred on understanding, balance and long-term awareness.
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Can osteopathy be relevant for people with long-standing discomfort?
Some people living with long-standing discomfort choose to see an osteopath as part of a broader approach to wellbeing. Osteopathy takes an individual and person-centred perspective, focusing on understanding movement, posture and how different parts of the body may be working together.
Osteopaths use gentle, hands-on techniques and adapt their approach carefully to each individual. Sessions often involve discussion and observation, with attention given to everyday activities and physical demands.
Osteopathy is complementary and does not replace medical care. Anyone living with ongoing or complex symptoms should continue to seek advice from their GP or relevant healthcare professionals alongside any osteopathic care.
Can osteopathy be relevant for people with headaches or migraines?
Some people with headaches or migraines choose to see an osteopath as part of a broader approach to wellbeing. Osteopathy takes a whole-body perspective and may involve exploring factors such as posture, movement and tension, always within an individual and person-centred framework.
Osteopaths use gentle, hands-on techniques and take time to understand each person’s situation. Any approach is adapted carefully and discussed during the consultation, with a focus on comfort and overall physical awareness.
Osteopathy is complementary and does not replace medical care. Anyone experiencing headaches or migraines should consult their GP or another qualified healthcare professional to ensure appropriate medical assessment and advice.
How long does an osteopathic session typically last?
The length of a session can vary depending on whether it is an initial visit or a follow-up appointment. An initial consultation is usually longer, often lasting around 45 to 60 minutes. This allows time for discussion, observation and an individual assessment.
Follow-up sessions are typically shorter and often last around 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration is discussed individually and may vary depending on what is relevant for each person on the day.
What is the difference between osteopathy vs chiropractor?
Both osteopathy and chiropractic care are hands-on approaches that involve manual techniques and a focus on the musculoskeletal system. However, their training pathways and professional frameworks differ, particularly across countries.
In the United States, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are fully qualified medical doctors who receive comprehensive medical training alongside education in osteopathic principles. This role is specific to the US healthcare system and differs from the osteopathic profession in many other countries.
In the UK and many parts of Europe, osteopaths complete a dedicated degree in osteopathy that focuses on anatomy, physiology, clinical assessment and hands-on, manual approaches. UK osteopaths are not medical doctors and do not prescribe medication or perform surgery. Their work centres on understanding the body as a whole and how structure, movement and function may be interconnected.
Chiropractic care also involves manual techniques, with a strong emphasis on the spine and its relationship to movement and function. Chiropractors typically focus on spinal assessment and adjustment as part of their approach. Like osteopaths in the UK, chiropractors are not medical doctors and do not prescribe medication or perform surgery.
Both professions are regulated in the UK and practise within clearly defined professional frameworks, offering different perspectives within manual and complementary healthcare.
What happens during the first osteopathic consultation?
During your initial osteopathic consultation, the practitioner will begin by taking a comprehensive medical history. This involves asking detailed questions about your current symptoms, past medical conditions, lifestyle, and any relevant injuries or surgeries. This thorough discussion helps the osteopath understand your overall health picture and how different aspects of your life might be contributing to your discomfort. Following the discussion, a physical examination will be conducted. This typically involves observing your posture, assessing your range of motion, and using hands-on palpation to identify areas of tension, restriction, or imbalance in your body. The osteopath will then explain their findings and discuss a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. Treatment may begin during this first session.
What should I wear to a session?
It is generally recommended to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows you to move freely. This makes it easier to observe posture and movement during the session and ensures you feel relaxed and at ease.
In some cases, you may be asked to remove outer layers of clothing, so wearing suitable undergarments can be helpful. If you are unsure what to wear or have any concerns, this can always be discussed with your osteopath before or during your visit.
What is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)?
In some countries, most notably the United States, the title Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) refers to a fully qualified medical doctor. DOs complete medical training at accredited osteopathic medical schools and are licensed to practise medicine within the US healthcare system.
As part of their education, DOs receive training in all core areas of medicine alongside additional education in osteopathic principles. This includes learning manual techniques known as osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), which form one component of their medical training.
It is important to note that the role of a DO is specific to certain healthcare systems and differs from the osteopathic profession in the UK and many other countries. In the UK, osteopaths follow a separate educational and regulatory pathway and are not medical doctors.