What can Osteopaths help?

Osteopathy for Adults

Osteopathy is a hands-on approach to healthcare that aims to support the body’s structure and function. Osteopaths use techniques such as soft tissue work, joint mobilisation, and gentle manipulations to improve movement and reduce discomfort. Treatment is tailored to the individual, taking into account their lifestyle, symptoms, and overall health.

People often seek osteopathic care for a wide range of conditions, such as:

  • Generalised aches and pains
  • Back and neck pain (not arising from injury or accident)
  • Sciatica
  • Joint pains including hip, knee and ankle pain
  • Shoulder and elbow pain, e.g. Frozen shoulder, Tennis elbow
  • Minor sports injuries
  • Headache arising from the neck
  • Migraine prevention
  • Muscle spasms
  • Arthritis and Arthritic pain
  • Rheumatic pain
  • Neuralgia
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Tension and inability to relax
  • Circulatory / Digestion problems
  • Pregnancy-related joint pain or postural changes

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions depends on the individual. On average, people tend to have 3–4 sessions, usually every week. Some individuals experience improvement after a single treatment. In contrast, others may require additional sessions, particularly if the issue has persisted for an extended period or if other contributing factors are present.

Osteopathy for Babies & Children

Birth can be a physically and emotionally stressful experience for babies, sometimes leading to issues like feeding difficulties, poor sleep, irritability, or unsettled behaviour. These concerns may be more common after a long labour, assisted delivery, or caesarean section.

Cranial osteopathy is a gentle, safe treatment that helps release tension and restore balance in the baby’s body. Parents often bring their children for osteopathic care for symptoms such as reflux, trapped wind, glue ear, sleep problems, or behavioural challenges.

Osteopaths are trained to treat people of all ages, including newborns and children. Cranial osteopathy is commonly used for babies due to its gentle, non-invasive nature.

This gentle hands-on approach is designed to release areas of tension, support natural balance, and encourage ease of movement. Many parents seek osteopathic care to help soothe and relax their baby, especially if they seem unsettled or uncomfortable.

Ongoing research continues to explore the potential benefits of osteopathy for infants. For example, a randomised controlled trial on preterm babies found a reduction in hospital stay following osteopathic treatment. As always, individual responses to treatment may vary.

Does My Child Need to Stay Still During Treatment?

Not at all. It’s completely normal for children to move around during treatment, and they’re not expected to stay still like an adult might. Your child can be treated in any position that feels comfortable for them—whether that’s sitting on your lap, feeding, quietly playing, listening to a story, or enjoying a snack. Bringing a favourite toy along can also help keep them relaxed and engaged during the session.