Some Osteopaths use manipulations. We rarely use them, as many people do not like the ‘cracking’. We find we are much more effective using gentler techniques that address all the tissues causing the problem.

If we feel a manipulation is helpful, then we will do it, as long as you are OK with it being done. If you don’t want it done, we will not do it.

There is no set number of treatments for any condition – every injury and every patient responds slightly differently. As a rough guide, most adult conditions will show a good response between 4 - 6 visits. Babies respond faster and usually need 2 – 4 treatments. From experience, we are able to judge roughly how many treatments may be needed, but this is only a guide.

We usually don’t ask people to undress, except at the 1st Consultation when we may need to see the affected area.

If you have a massage as part of your treatment, then part of your clothing may need to be removed.

We cannot feel easily through heavy clothing such as jeans, so if they are worn, they will need to be removed, please wear soft clothing if possible.

Mainly the philosophy is different, Chiropractors believe all problems arise from dysfunction of the nerve supply. So they concentrate on manipulating the spine, which is the origin of the nerves. Their manipulations are much more forceful than an Osteopath uses.

Osteopaths believe that form governs function, they will look at all the tissues involved, including nerves and blood supply, they will assess where the problem arises and work directly with that area.

Physiotherapists work with conditions. They have a given protocol for the treatment of each condition. Physiotherapists are usually less hands-on than Osteopaths. Osteopaths work to find the root of the problem. Osteopaths understand that a given set of symptoms may have different treatments for different people, as the problem may have arisen from different circumstances.

Only Osteopaths have a comprehensive education and knowledge of anatomy to fully diagnose and treat patients and to practice Cranial Osteopathy. Some bodyworkers, including massage therapists and physical therapists, have learned a simplified therapy called CranioaSacral Therapy.

Cranial Osteopathy was originated by Osteopath/Physician William Sutherland, DO. Studying the joins of the disarticulated skull he noticed that the edges of the individual cranial bones are shaped as if they were designed for movement.

Upledger studied Sutherland's theory of cranial bone movement. He developed his own treatment style, and then he started to teach his work to a group of students who were not Osteopaths. He generated the term 'CranioSacral Therapy', based on the corresponding movement between cranium and sacrum.