Osteopathy is a branch of medicine based on the concept that if the structure of the body is in trouble we cannot function properly.

The osteopath is a body mechanic whose aim is to gently restore the patient's frame to what functions best for them. This usually involves carefully working on structures such as muscles, ligaments, bones and nerves to relieve tension and unlock joints.

Restricted joints can not only produce stiffness, pain and arthritic changes locally but can also irritate neighbouring structures such as nerves and blood vessels leading to problems in more distant parts of the body. For example, a stiff low back can produce sciatica, a stiff neck, headaches.

While we do not claim to be able to treat everything and everyone, osteopathy can often help more conditions than people realise. These include: back, neck and other joint pains, such as hip and knee pain, sciatica, neck related headaches, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, rheumatic and arthritic pain, neuralgia, circulatory problems, cramps, digestive problems, muscle spasms and sports injuries.

It is often successful in treating low back and leg pains, even in the very late stages of pregnancy.

The techniques that the osteopath uses depend on the condition and the patient. The approach to a 25-year-old rugby player is likely to be very different to that of an 85-year-old pensioner, pregnant woman or baby.

Manipulation, the so-called "clicking" of the joints to free them, usually forms part of the treatment but other, less dramatic osteopathic techniques are also used. Cranial osteopathy, a common treatment for babies and young children, is so light and relaxing that some patients fall asleep. We also use ultrasound with osteopathy to treat conditions like frozen shoulder and knee problems - often sports-related.

As important as the hands on treatment, is the tailored advice that the osteopath will give each patient in order to reduce future problems.