Osteopath Hackney. North & East London Osteopathy

Chris Swain BSc (Hons) OST MICO

What Is An Osteopath?

Osteopathy was established in the 19th century by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still. The practise was designed to stimulate the body's own self-healing mechanisms. Osteopathy, like other alternative systems of medicine, see the mind and body systems as interdependent and mutually supporting. Problems in one part of the body may cause or reflect problems in other parts.

The primary focus of osteopathy is on joint and soft tissue manipulation. These are considered vital to the functioning of the body as a whole. However osteopaths often give advice on diet, exercise and lifestyle.

Each patient is treated as an individual and not just a collection of symptoms that need to be addressed.

In a consultation with an osteopath a full medical history is taken, a physical examination and details about current health problems. A range of techniques is available to the osteopath to manipulate soft tissues and joints while the patient lies down on a couch. Some osteopaths specialise in cranial (head and neck area) manipulation and are called cranial osteopaths or caniosacral therapists.