What is osteopathy ? Definition of osteopathy

What is Osteopathy ?

Osteopathy is an established complementary health care profession recognised by the British Medical Association. It is a system of diagnosis and manual treatment that lays its main emphasis on the structural integrity of the body. Osteopathy recognises that much of the pain and disability we suffer stems from abnormalities in function of body structure as well as damage caused to it by disease. Addressing structural imbalance leads towards physical and emotional well-being.

Osteopathy can be broadly classified into two main treatment types: Structural Osteopathy and Cranial Osteopathy.

Structural Osteopathy

Structural Osteopathy is a safe and effective 'hands on' therapy suitable for treating a wide range of pain and dysfunction in adults, children, pregnant women and the elderly. Problems in the musculo-skeletal system can disturb the circulation and nerve supply to any part of the body and affect any aspect of health. Mechanical problems can lead not only to aches and pains in joints and muscles, but also to disturbances in the internal organs and the way they function. Osteopaths work on body structure to restore the musculo-skeletal system of the body to a state of balance and harmony. The restoration and maintenance of good structural function is essential to good health.

Common symptoms treated include :


  • Arthritic pain
  • Muscle spasms
  • Neck ache
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Rheumatic pain
  • Whiplash
  • Backache
  • Circulatory problems
  • Digestion problems
  • Lumbago
  • Neuralgia
  • Sciatica
  • Inability to relax
  • Minor sports injuries
  • Aches and pains
  • Back pain
  • Cramp
  • Joint pains


Cranial Osteopathy

This gentle approach is used on people of all ages, and is often the preferred choice for babies and young children. Based on the osteopathic principle of structural re-alignment, cranial osteopathy uses light manipulative pressure to encourage the release of stresses and stains in the head and throughout the whole body.

Cranial Osteopathy is often used in combination with other osteopathic techniques.


Common symptoms treated include:


  • Arthritic pain
  • Muscle spasms
  • Neck ache
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Rheumatic pain
  • Whiplash
  • Backache
  • Circulatory problems
  • Digestion problems
  • Lumbago
  • Neuralgia
  • Sciatica
  • Inability to relax
  • Minor sports injuries
  • Aches and pains
  • Back pain
  • Cramp
  • Joint pains


Osteopathy is available at The Yew Tree Clinic every week day : please click here to book an appointment.