Surrey Osteopathy Clinic Sophie Hunt M.Ost DO ND - GOsC Registered Osteopath Email: sophie@surreyosteopathyclinic.co.uk Tel: 01932 90 90 32   Mob: 07949 789 416

At the initial consultation, the osteopath will take a detailed case history of the problem. You will be asked many questions about the current problem, past problems and other aspects of you’re past medical history.

The osteopath will examine you to help make a diagnosis of the problem, during the examination you maybe asked to remove some clothing.

After the case history and examination the osteopath will talk you through the diagnosis that has been made. If you are suitable for osteopathic treatment, this will be started at consultation.

The osteopath may not think osteopathic treatment is suitable at the time of consultation. This maybe because they would like to refer you for X-ray, MRI or back to you doctor or other healthcare professional for further investigation.

What does treatment involve?

•  Soft tissue manipulation and massage
•  Mobilisation of joints
•  Manipulation of joints
•  Sports Massage
•  Exercises
•  Strapping or taping
•  Interferential and ultrasound therapy

About the profession:

Osteopathy is a system of treatment that concentrates on the Musculoskeletal system,  bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and connective tissues of the body and the way that this interacts and effects the body as a whole. It is based on the philosophies and teachings of A.T. Still, the founder of Osteopathy in C19th, however due to regulation it has become more medical based and is now a primary health care profession. Osteopaths and physiotherapists are the group of practitioner who treat musculoskeletal disorders.

Osteopaths are monitored and regulated by the General Osteopathic council and must provide treatment in accordance with set guidelines established by this institution.

Osteopaths have to complete a four – five year degree graduating with a Masters in Osteopathy. Whilst at College they are taught a high level of understanding in pathology, physiology, clinical diagnosis, biochemistry, nutrition to name but a few. 

Osteopathy has become synonymous with the treatment of spinal pain. In reality osteopathy can also help treat joint pain, sports injury, headaches, occupational injury, arthritic pain to name but a few. It is suitable for people of all ages.

The effectiveness of osteopathy is a little-researched; however, the general consensus amongst healthcare professionals is that osteopathy is a valuable preventive measure as well as a proven means of reducing pain and improving posture; in turn, these benefits impact positively upon other areas and systems of the body, creating a better standard of general health.

The British Medical Association’s guidance for general practitioners states that doctors can safely refer patients to osteopaths.

Osteopaths very often work along side physiotherapist and other medical practitioner, like orthopaedic surgeons and Doctors. 

Osteopaths treat many conditions but most people think of us as ‘back specialists’. Back pain is just one of many conditions that osteopaths can treat.

Osteopathy is often used to help people to overcome a variety of injuries that have troubled them. These can be broadly classed as:

Back pain    Neck pain    Sciatica    Sports injury    Disc problems    Headaches    Arthritic pain    Frozen shoulder    Symptoms of whiplash injury    Muscle strains    Ligament sprains    Joint pain – hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, wrist    Tennis elbow    Occupational injury    Repetitive strain injury    Osteopathy is also suitable for babies/ children

This list is non exhaustive but has been compiled to demonstrate the widespread uses of Osteopathy.