Osteopathy is a registered primary healthcare system of complete medical practice as recognised by the British Medical Association.
It is an established, recognised clinical discipline and system of diagnosis and treatment based on the principle that health depends
on the maintenance of proper relationships among various parts of the body.

Osteopaths undertake a minimum of 5 years full time training as part of their Medical degree

According to Osteopathic theory, defects in the musculoskeletal system (muscles, bones, ligaments, connective tissue etc) influence the natural function of the internal organs. In correcting structural abnormalities whether they be connective tissue, circulation of blood, lymph and so on, Osteopathic 'hands on' therapy can help treat a huge scope of problems ranging from back pain, arthritic pain,
sports injuries, complex rehabilitation etc, to a common cold, period pain and inflammatory conditions etc.

The practitioner is a registered fully medically trained professional. He/she may use treatment alone, or in combination with other accepted methods such a medication, MRI's and X-rays, depending on the needs of the individual patient.

The techniques used by an Osteopath have been shown by medical research
to be safer than taking Aspirin or Ibuprofen.

Osteopathic medicine holds that true health involves complete physical, mental and social well being, rather than merely the absence of disease. The body is viewed as having the capacity for health that the Osteopath can help the individual fulfil. The Osteopath therefore treats the whole patient, considering such factors as nutrition and mental habits in addition to the physical symptoms. Osteopathy doesn't just look at the symptoms as they often hide the underlying cause. While we consider immediate pain relief highly important and the large majority of our patients find immediate and significant relief from pain, we aim at getting our patients well and keeping them well!
Osteopaths therefore avoid many of the criticisms of other areas of medicine where medication is taken, which may temporarily mask the symptoms and not deal with the underlying cause. Osteopaths are experts at dealing with this.
In viewing patients in a holistic way, dysfunction is reversed and pain alleviated.

Origins of Osteopathy

The fundamental principles of Osteopathic medicine were formulated in 1874 by an American surgeon, Doctor Andrew Taylor Still.
Dr Still organised the first osteopathic medical school in Kirksville, Missouri, in 1882.

Interesting Fact

John Martin Littlejohn (an Osteopath trained by Dr Still) formed the oldest school of osteopathy in the UK (The British School of Osteopathy) and is said to be the founder of Osteopathy in the UK. In 1913 he took up permanent UK residence at 'Badger Hill' in 'Benfleet', which is just up the road from our Benfleet branch