Category: Uncategorized

In the realm of osteopathy, achieving recognition for outstanding commitment and patient-centric care is a momentous achievement.

This special award from the Institute of Osteopathy (iO) is all about recognising osteopathic practices that listen to their patients, provide great care, and go the extra mile in service and quality. On their first time entering the award, Northallerton Osteopaths at Hale House not only met these criteria but excelled in them, helping them reach the final in the UK Practice of the Year 2023. The entire team is over the moon, and they want to thank everyone who played a part in this fantastic achievement.

The winners were announced at a wonderful event held at the iO Convention Centre as the year 2023 came to a close, followed by a lovely gala dinner. These awards highlight osteopaths who stand out for their innovation and quality in working with other healthcare providers. They are dedicated to offering top-notch care to the people in their communities.

Maurice Cheng, the Chief Executive of the iO, emphasized the pivotal role osteopaths play in maintaining people’s health. As the professional body for the osteopathic profession, the Institute of Osteopathy sought to celebrate those who exemplify the highest standards in the services they provide to their local communities. Cheng stated, “Osteopaths play a crucial role in keeping people healthy. As the professional body for the osteopathic profession, we wanted to celebrate those that have shown the highest standards in the services they provide to those living and working in their local area.”

For Northallerton Osteopaths at Hale House, reaching the final of the UK awards is a reflection of their dedication to excellence, innovation, and collaboration within the field of osteopathy.

Thank you to all our patients who made this happen due to their heartfelt feedback, it truly means a lot to us.

Along with Jo and Ross, all the team at the clinic wish to say a huge thank you to you all.

Thank you.

Pregnancy is a remarkable journey filled with joy and anticipation. However, it can also bring a range of physical discomforts and challenges as a woman’s body undergoes significant changes. Osteopathy, a holistic approach to healthcare, offers numerous evidence-based benefits for pregnant women. In this blog post, we’ll explore how osteopathy can provide relief and support during pregnancy.

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a healthcare discipline that focuses on the musculoskeletal system and how it influences overall health. Osteopaths, use manual techniques to diagnose, treat, and prevent various conditions by improving the body’s natural ability to heal itself. This approach is gentle, non-invasive, and has been increasingly recognised as beneficial during pregnancy.

Pain Relief and Comfort

Pregnancy often comes with a myriad of discomforts, including back pain, pelvic pain, and sciatica to name a few. Osteopathic treatment can be highly effective in relieving these discomforts. Evidence suggests that it can help alleviate musculoskeletal pain by improving joint mobility, reducing muscle tension, and enhancing blood flow to the affected areas. By doing so, osteopathy can promote a sense of comfort and well-being for expectant mothers. Here’s a list of common conditions during pregnancy that Osteopathy can help with:

• Sacro-illiac Joint Strain
• Symphysis Pubis Disorder (SPD)
• Sciatica
• Low-Back Pain
• Pelvic Pain
• Facet Irritation (Lumbar Spine)
• Postural Issues
• Hip Pain
• Muscular Strains/Spasms

Posture, ‘Alignment’ and Mobility

As a pregnancy progresses, the body’s centre of gravity shifts, which can lead to changes in posture and alignment. This shift often places extra strain on the lower back, hips, and pelvis. Osteopathy can help pregnant women maintain better posture and alignment, as well as improve joint mobility. Due to the new mechanical loads on the body during pregnancy, it is common for certain joints to be put under increase strain. By addressing any musculoskeletal imbalances, an osteopath can relieve strain and help women adapt to their changing body, reducing the risk of pain and discomfort.

Stress Reduction

Pregnancy can be an emotionally and physically demanding time, and stress levels can rise. This is especially true if you are also in pain. Osteopathy is known for its relaxing and pain-reducing effects. Manual techniques employed by osteopaths promote relaxation, improve joint function, and can enhance the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators. As a result, pregnant women often experience reduced stress levels and improved emotional well-being as their pain improves.

Preparation for Labour and Delivery

Preparing the body for labour and delivery is one of the most crucial aspects of pregnancy. Unfortunately, we cannot make the pain associated with the actual labour disappear. What we can do however, is address the conditions causing you pain from a mechanical origin, such as low-back pain, sciatica and so on. By ensuring that the musculoskeletal system is balanced and functioning optimally, osteopathy can contribute to a smoother, less painful labour experience and remove any additional causes for pain on top of the labour.

Pelvic Floor Health

The health of the pelvic floor is a significant concern for pregnant women. Osteopaths are trained to address issues related to the pelvic floor and prescribe exercises to strengthen the area. Exercises can help strengthen and balance the muscles in the pelvic region, providing expectant mothers with better control and comfort during pregnancy and postpartum.

Evidence-Based Research

The benefits of osteopathy during pregnancy are not merely anecdotal; there is a growing body of evidence to support its effectiveness. Research studies have shown that osteopathic treatment can significantly reduce pain and discomfort in pregnant women, improve their overall quality of life, and positively impact the birthing process. The evidence is particularly strong in cases of musculoskeletal pain, such as lower back pain and pelvic girdle pain.

Conclusion

Pregnancy is a unique and transformative experience for women, but it can also come with various physical challenges. Osteopathy offers a holistic, evidence-based approach to enhancing the well-being of pregnant women. Through pain relief, osteopathy plays a crucial role in supporting expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy journey.

If you’re expecting and looking for a safe, non-invasive, and effective way to address the physical discomforts associated with pregnancy, consider consulting with an osteopath. Their expertise and holistic approach can help you enjoy a more comfortable and joyful pregnancy experience.

References

The role of osteopathic care in Gynaecology and Obstetrics: An updated systematic review (2022) N Ruffini et al

American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology (2010) Osteopathic manipulative treatment of back pain and related symptoms during pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial. J C Licciardone et al.

American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology (2015) Pregnancy research on osteopathic manipulation optimizing treatment effects: The promote study A randomized controlled trial. K L Hensel et al

There is no difference between a chiropodist and a podiatrist. The term chiropody has been traditionally used in the UK for some years, but the term podiatry is recognised and used more internationally. A Chiropodist or a Podiatrist may use either name to refer to themselves as. However, here at Northallerton Osteopaths at Hale House we tend to divide certain foot problems into two areas, Podiatry and Chiropody:

Podiatry

• Relieve pain in foot or lower limb
• Plantar fasciits
• Flat feet
• Bunions
• Biomechanic/ Gait analysis
• Insole/Orthotic prescription
• Stretching & Strengthening advice
• Minor surgery under local anaesthetic i.e ingrown toe nail
• Diabetes, Infection & Circulation management of the lower limb

Chiropody

• Routine nail & foot care
• Corns & Calluses
• Thickened Nails
• Thickened Skin
• Fungal Nails
• Verrucae
• Diabetic foot care advice
• Ingrown nail prevention and treatment

A Podiatrist helps people with pain or mobility issues in the feet and lower limbs. Their services range from helping people with mechanical injuries like plantar fasciitis and flat feet to treating people suffering from infections, diabetes or circulation problems in the foot. As well as this they prescribe custom fitted insoles or orthotics to help with the pain in the foot, ankle, knee, hip or lower back and are specially trained to analyse the gait and biomechanics of the lower limb.

A Chiropodist and Podiatrist are the same. However it is common for Chiropody treatments to be referred as including general foot and nail care such as thickened nails, thickened skin, the treatment of corns and calluses, fungal nails and ingrown toe nails.

Foot Health Practitioner

In addition to Podiatry/Chiropody we also have a Foot Health Practitioner who can see patients for the following:

• General Foot and Nail care treatment
• Toe nail cutting service
• Thickened Skin
• Thickened Nails
• Ingrown/involuted toe nail treatment (non-surgical)
• Corns & Calluses
• Dry cracked skin
• Foot health advice

When to see our Podiatrist?

• Veruccas
• Fungal nail infections
• Complex health needs eg: Diabetes
• Insole prescription and fitting
• Referred from a GP to see a podiatrist
• Minor surgery under local anaesthetic eg: Ingrown nails
• Bunions
• Foot pain

November 2021 – by Ross Gemmell

To skip to the video, scroll to the bottom of this post!

As an Osteopath, I get asked this question A LOT. The truth is, it depends!

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question unfortunately as there are several variables to consider:

• The width of your Shoulders
• The width of your Head
• The width of your Neck
• Your weight
• Your Neck mobility
• Your Shoulder mobility
• Your Thoracic Spine mobility
• The distance from your Ear to your Shoulder

With there being so many variables there is no wonder why some people swear by certain Orthopaedic pillows whereas you feel like you had wasted your money. We are all different!

After struggling with Neck pain a few years ago I began testing things at home with my pillows myself. Following some trial and error I finally came up with a method I would be happy to share with my patients. Now this will definitely not work for everybody. However, over the years of me prescribing this to patients I have only ever had a handful of patients turn round to me and say it did not agree with their neck. In light of this, I feel it is worth sharing. Especially since it is free as you use your own pillows! Check out the video I created on this below.

The most important thing to take away from this is to ensure that your neck is supported – whether it be from rolling the pillow up or just lifting it up slightly into your neck. If you’re curious as to why there isn’t an option for laying on your front in the video, it is because it is really not good for your neck and I do not recommend laying on your front!

Allow the pillows to stagger and bring that top pillow up to meet the rolled up lip – this helps to avoid any side bending in the neck.

The height of the pillows, or how many you use is completely dependent on your head, neck and shoulder width as well as your mobility as mentioned above. Then key thing is to ensure your spine stays horizontal when in a side lying position. If you have a partner, ask them to look at you from behind to see if your spine appears horizontal.

Make sure you have a play around with combinations of thick and thin pillows – you may prefer 2 x thin pillows or maybe 2 x thick pillows!

We hope this advice is of use to you like it has been many of our patients. Of course, it may not be for everyone but it is always worth a try.

May 2021 – by Jo Waterworth

On 20th February 2021, Jasmine Harrison from Thirsk, set a new world record and became the youngest woman to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean. The 21-year-old rowed 3,000 miles from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua. Her row took her 70 days, three hours and 48 minutes and raised over £20k for her chosen charities, Shelterbox & the Blue Marine Foundation. Not only was Jasmine the youngest female to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean, but she was also the youngest female to do row across ANY ocean!

Northallerton Osteopaths were proud sponsors and supporters of Jasmine throughout her world record attempt.

During her one year of training and preparation, Jas attended our clinic regularly for treatments across the different disciplines offered here.

Weekly Osteopathy optimised her posture to cope with rowing up to 18hours a day and sleeping in a tiny cabin and we helped her to recover from her training niggles with Massage. We also supported her mental preparation her for 70 days alone at sea with a course of Hypnotherapy sessions.

On her return, we helped her recover from two capsizes resulting in an elbow injury and we balanced out her shoulders as she took 3 times more strokes with her left arm than her right as she battled prevailing winds pushing her north!

We are excited at what Jas is going to do next, and will definitely be supporting her on her future adventures.

Pic: Jo with Jas and her boat Argo back on dry land with our logo on the boat

June 2020 – by Stacey Cox

Migraine is a primary headache disorder manifesting as reoccurring attacks, usually lasting 4-72 hours and involving pain of moderate to severe intensity (HIS 2004). The exact cause of migraines is unknown, although they’re thought to be the result of temporary changes in the chemicals, nerves and blood vessels in the brain. This is thought to begin as an electrical phenomenon in the cerebrum, which goes on to affect the blood vessels and biochemistry and then cause neurogenic inflammation.

Acupuncture effectiveness for Migraines

There have been many controlled trials of acupuncture for migraines, the results of the latest reviews are quite consistent. Acupuncture is to be at least as effective as a prophylactic drug therapy with little contraindications or side effects (Linde 2009, wang 2008, Sun 2008, Scott 2008).

How acupuncture can treat Migraines

Provide pain relief
Acupuncture stimulates nerves which are located in the muscles and tissues this then leads to a release of endorphins and neurohumoral factors, which simply put changes the processing of pain in the brain and spinal cord. (Zhao 2008, Zijlstra 2003, Pomeranz 1987).

Reduce inflammation
Acupuncture promotes the release of vascular and immunomodulatory factors, which modifies the body’s immune response or functioning of the immune system (Kim 2008, Kewovsji 2007, Zijlstra 2008).

Reduce the degree of cortical spreading depression
Cortical spreading depression is an electrical wave in the brain associated with migraines. The aura phase that precedes migraine headache in about 20–30% of migraine sufferers may be a direct consequence of the events of CSD (Shi 2010).

Reduce plasma levels of calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) and substance P.
CGRP plays an integral role in the pathophysiology of Migraines as it’s activity spikes during Migraine attacks (Shi 2010). Many Migraine drugs aim to suppress the activity of these neuropeptides.

Modulate extracranial and intracranial blood flow
Abnormal changes in the blood vessels of the brain contributes to Migraines (Park 2009).

Affect serotonin levels in the brain
Serotonin narrows the blood vessels of the brain. When serotonin and oestrogen levels change, the result for some is a Migraine (Zong 2007).

March 2020 – by Ross Gemmell

Osteopathy, Physiotherapy and Chiropractic are three primary health care professions concerned with improving the physical well-being of patients, particularly as they overcome injuries, illnesses or disabilities.

Here at Northallerton Osteopaths we believe it is important for patients to have a good understanding of the difference between an Osteopath, a Physiotherapist and a Chiropractor before they choose which treatment option would be best for them. We believe it is helpful for patients to have an understanding of the three disciplines, their treatment goals as well as their treatment approach which is why we have put this guide together for our patients to read..

Osteopathy

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is the recognized and established science of human mechanics; a system of diagnosis and treatment which lays the main emphasis on the structural and mechanical problems of the body. It primarily focuses on the musculoskeletal system, but does offer help for some circulatory and digestive problems.

Osteopaths believe in a holistic approach to healing and endeavor to find the cause of a problem. They believe that all bones, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues must work harmoniously together. As a result they often treat the neighbouring joints and structures to the problem, not just where pain is. They believe in treating the patient as a whole rather than treating only the symptoms.

Osteopathy Degree

To be an Osteopath, you have to have undertaken a 4-5 year Osteopathy university degree and be registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). Some Osteopaths complete an undergraduate degree before doing their 4-5 year Osteopathy degree.

What can an Osteo help with?

Back Ache
Back Pain
Sciatica
Arthritic Pain
Muscle Spasm
Muscle tension and inability to relax
Joint Pain
Shoulder Pain
Headaches arising from the neck (cervicogenic)
Migraine prevention
Hip Pain and Knee Pain from Osteoarthritis
Elbow Pain
Tennis/Golfer’s Elbow
Frozen Shoulder
Generalised Aches and Pains
Lumbago
Neuralgia
Fibromyalgia
Digestive problems
Circulatory problems
Rheumatic Pain
Cramp
To Aid Relaxation

How does an Osteo work?

Due to their training, Osteopaths are highly skilled in their sense of touch, otherwise known as ‘palpation’. Where other health care practitioners may rely on diagnostic measures such as X-Ray and MRI scans, Osteopaths often rely on their sense of touch to diagnose and treat patients. Osteopathy is very much a hands-on profession, treatments vary from patient to patient but may include.

• Soft tissue massage
• Joint articulation with varying degrees of subtlety
• Rhythmic stretching
• Joint manipulation
• High-Velocity-Thrust manipulation (HVT)
• Muscle Energy Technique (MET)
• Exercise prescription

Physiotherapy

What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy, also known as ‘Physical Therapy’ is the physical approach to promote, maintain and restore physical health. Physiotherapy aims to restore movement and function when someone has been affected by illness, injury or disability.

Physiotherapy is a treatment where the patient is encouraged to participate in his or her care through physical exercise.

Physiotherapy Degree

To be a Physiotherapist it is usually a 3 year undergraduate Physiotherapy degree at university. However you can do a 2 year postgraduate Physiotherapy degree if you have a degree in a relevant subject such as; Sports Science, Biological Science or Psychology. To practice Physiotherapy in the UK, by law you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

What can a Physio help with?

Broadly speaking, physiotherapy aims to improve conditions that affect the following four systems of the body.

1. Neurological (Stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis)
2. Musculoskeletal (Back pain, Muscle pain, Fractures, Post-Operative)
3. Cardiovascular (Cardiovascular diseases, Heart attack, Stroke)
4. Respiratory (Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis, COPD)

How does a Physio work?

Physiotherapists will work with their patients in a number of ways;

• They will offer education and advice to the patient
• They encourage the patient to participate in his or her care through physical exercise and prescribed exercises
• They may treat patients actively through manual therapy & other techniques

Education and advice

Physiotherapists can play a key role in the management of conditions affecting the Neurological, Cardiovascular, Musculoskeletal and Respiratory Systems as they offer education and advice. Prescribed exercises and lifestyle management would also be included in the education and advice offered by a physiotherapist.

Manual therapy

Whilst it is less common for a NHS Physio to offer hands-on manual therapy, some Physiotherapists still use manual therapy to mobilise the soft tissues of the body. The end goal is to relieve pain and stiffness, improve general circulation, promote motivation and ensure relaxation.
Some Physiotherapists may undertake additional specialist training to perform thrust manipulations to the spine, however for Osteopaths and Chriopractors this training is included in their 4 year university degrees.

Other Techniques

• Acupuncture (Dry Needling)
• Electrical nerve stimulation
• Ultrasound

Chiropractic

What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic treatment typically focuses on the patient’s spine and most people will seek out a Chiropractor for problems with their back.
The philosophy of Chiropractic treatment is that joint misalignment causes back pain as it compromises the body’s central nervous system. Chiropractors are therefore concerned mostly with the position of joints and often use diagnostic tools such as X-Ray and MRI scans assess this.

Chiropractic Degree

To be a Chiropractor you must have undertaken a 4 year Chiropractic university degree and be registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC).

What can a Chiro help with?

Chiropractic treatment is similar to Osteopathy as they are both manual treatments. Chiropractors sometimes use massage to manipulate the body’s soft tissues but generally speaking they are mostly concerned with ‘adjustments’ to the spine. The Chiropractor may use moderate force while working on the bones and muscles around the spine. Chiropractors typically make spinal adjustments by performing short quick thrusts on the patient’s spine.

As with osteopathy and physiotherapy, your practitioner will also advise you on a range of diets, exercises and nutrition to help prevent a further recurrence of your condition.
As well as back, joint, hip and foot problems, it has been suggested that chiropractic therapy may be useful in the treatment of the following conditions.

• Headaches
• Migraine Prevention
• Tension and inability to relax.
• Uncomplicated mechanical neck pain

How does a Chiro work?

Treatment involves spinal manipulation, and a Chiropractor will often make small ‘adjustments’ to the position of the lumbar vertebrae to relieve pressure and alleviate pain. These adjustments are what cause the familiar cracking or popping noise associated with Chiropractic treatment, the audible ‘pop’ noises are caused by small pockets of gas in your joint fluid.

Chiropractors sometimes also use small hand-held tools to treat back and neck pain. The Activator Method involves using a small spring-loaded instrument called an Activator Adjusting Instrument that delivers a single thrust at the determined site to correct a malfunctioning joint.

February 2020 – by Ross Gemmell

We are often asked what is the difference between an osteopath and chiropractor. To tell the truth, we have more similarities than differences.

Similarites

Both professions;

• Focus on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders within the musculoskeletal system.
• Use hands-on manual therapy to treat the patient
• Are specially trained to deliver thrust manipulations to the spine, which may produce an audible ‘click’.
• Give exercise and posture advice to further promote their patient’s recovery
• Require a minimum 4 years university training

What differs is the philosophy of Osteopathy and Chiropractic.

Differences

What they treat

An Osteopath will take a more holistic approach and view the body as a whole, and believes that all bones, ligaments, muscles and connective tissues must work harmoniously together. A Chiropractor would mostly be concerned with treating the spine, but may treat the shoulders, hips and knees.
How they assess

A Osteopath is trained to develop a highly sensitive sense of touch (palpation), and uses their hands to observe the structure and function of problem areas.
A Chiropractor often uses diagnostic equipment such as X-Ray and MRI scans to determine the position of the spine and it’s joints.
An Osteopath is concerned with how joints and their neighbouring structures move, whereas a Chiropractor may be more concerned with their position and ‘alignment’.

How they treat

An Osteopath will use a wider variety of techniques. As well as the spinal manipulations, they also utilise more gentle ‘indirect’ techniques such as functional, positional release and cranial techniques to observe subtle strains throughout the body and address them accordingly. They also frequently use soft tissue massage and stretching techniques.
Some Chiropractors may work on the muscles, however they are primarily concerned with manipulating the spine, known as ‘adjustments’.
A Chiropractor may also use a small hand-held tool to treat back and neck pain. The Activator Method involves using a small spring-loaded instrument called an Activator Adjusting Instrument that delivers a single thrust at the determined site to correct a malfunctioning joint.

Treatment length and frequency

An Osteopath treatment is usually 30-45mins.
A Chiropractor session tends to be shorter at 15-20mins and mostly involves ‘adjustments’.
Osteopath treatments tend to be around one a week initially, and as the condition improves the patient will attend less and less frequently dependent on their individual needs and pay as they go.
Chiropractic sessions are sometimes sold as courses, in the example of 10 sessions being required, they are sold as a block and the patient may visit 2-3 times per week for several weeks.

To conclude, the philosophy of both Osteopathy and Chiropractic are open to interpretation to the individual practitioner, there are many Osteopaths practising like Chiropractors, just as there are many Chiropractors practising like Osteopaths. No one profession is better than the other, both are highly skilled practitioners when it comes to dealing with problems areas in the musculoskeletal system and you should expect an excellent service from either professional.

Summary

Osteopathy

• Primarily treats the musculoskeletal system (MSK) of the body and injuries/conditions arising from here
• Some Osteopaths may treat respiratory and digestive ailments
• Has a wide array of techniques, including but not exclusive to soft tissue massage, joint articulations, spinal manipulations (clicks)
• A primary complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) not usually offered on the NHS
• Hands-on therapy to detect, treat and prevent dysfunction of the bones, muscles, ligaments and joints of the MSK
• Views the body as a unit and as a whole. Treats neighbouring joints and structures
• Holistic approach and treats all joints and areas of the body, looking for the cause of an issue
• Go by what they feel through palpation
• Requires 4-5 years university degree training
• Registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) and have their title as an Osteopath protected by law
• Cranial techniques are used by some osteopaths, where they can detect extremely subtle strains throughout the body

Chiropractic

• Deals primarily with spinal manipulation, known as ‘adjustments’
• Most chiropractors do less work through the muscles and other soft tissue structures of the MSK
• Treatment works primarily with the spine, however can be used to treat the shoulders, hips and knees
• Chiropractors believe if the structure of the spine is healthy, then the nervous system is healthy
• A primary complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) not usually offered on the NHS
• Often tools are used such as the Activator Method
• Requires 4 years university degree training
• Registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) and have their title as a Chiropractor protected by law

February 2020 – by Ross Gemmell

Osteopathy and Physiotherapy have plenty of similarities. They both aim to improve the physical health and quality of life for the patients that they see.

However, what can differ is the way that they go about this and the type of patients that they may see. Whilst there is some crossover and certain conditions can be successfully treated by either professional, it is important you understand the difference between the two as your condition may be better suited to one profession over the other.

Lets have a look at how they differ.

Job Role

Osteopaths are specialists when it comes to dealing with the Musculoskeletal (MSK) system. This means they often see people who are experiencing pain or injury such as; back pain, neck pain, hip pain, sports injuries and muscular spasm. Some Osteopaths also deal with digestive and respiratory ailments.

Physiotherapists work with injuries of the MSK as well, but they also focus on conditions arising from other systems of the body (Neurological, Cardiovascular and Respiratory). This means that they also deal with conditions such as MS, Parkinson’s disease and COPD, or help patients as they recover from a Stroke or Heart attack.

How they work

Osteopaths are trained to develop a highly sensitive sense of touch and use ‘palpation’ to diagnose and treat their patients. This makes Osteopathy a very hands-on profession and they use techniques such as soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation and spinal manipulation to improve the structural and mechanical problems of the body. To complement this, an Osteopath will prescribe home exercises to the patient if they deem it necessary.

Whilst Physiotherapists do use hands-on techniques, it is less so in comparison to Osteopaths, particularly with the NHS. Physiotherapists working in the private sector may use more hands-on techniques, but this is generally dependent on the individual. Physiotherapists will use a wider range of techniques that do not require any hands-on involvement such as exercise prescription, ultrasound, hydrotherapy and electrotherapy to name a few. Physiotherapy is also known as ‘Physical Therapy’, and as a result exercise prescription is often at the core of a patient’s rehabilitation. This means that the patient is encouraged to participate in physical exercise as part of the treatment process.

The philosophy of Osteopathy is that the body is a unit and should be treated as a whole. This means it is common for Osteopaths to treat neighbouring joints and structures if they feel it is relevant to do so. As a result they look for the cause of an issue rather than only treating where the pain is.

For the MSK system, Physiotherapists commonly monitor specific muscle groups and parts of the body rather than the whole body. However, they also believe in taking an holistic approach to dealing with their patients.

Qualifications

Both Osteopaths and Physiotherapists are highly skilled and trained in their own rights, and you should expect an excellent service from whomever you see.

To be an Osteopath you need to have an accredited Osteopathy degree, which usually lasts 4-5 years and also be registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) by law.

To be a Physiotherapist you need to have an accredited Physiotherapy degree and be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) by law. A Physiotherapy degree usually lasts 3 years, however you can take a 2 year postgraduate Physiotherapy degree if you already obtain a degree in a relevant subject such as; Sports Science, Psychology or Biological Science.

Summary

Osteopathy

Primarily treats the musculoskeletal system (MSK) of the body and injuries/conditions arising from there
Some Osteopaths may treat respiratory and digestive ailments
Primarily a hands-on therapy to detect, treat and prevent dysfunction of the bones, muscles, ligaments and joints of the MSK
Has a wide array of techniques, including but not exclusive to soft tissue massage, joint articulations, spinal manipulations (clicks)
Views the body as a unit and as a whole. Treats neighbouring joints and structures
Holistic approach and treats all joints and areas of the body, looking for the cause of an issue
Trained in diagnosis
Trained to develop a highly sensitive sense of touch (palpation)
A primary complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) not usually offered on the NHS
Requires 4-5 years university degree or masters training in Osteopathy
Registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) and have their title as an Osteopath protected by law

Physiotherapy

Offers rehabilitation to all the major systems of the body, including MSK, Neurological, Respiratory and Cardiovascular
Is the physical approach to promote, maintain and restore physical health
Involves patient participation in their rehabilitation via physical exercise
A means of restoring balance, independence and strength after severe trauma, injuries and operations
Other techniques such as manual therapy may be used
A course of physiotherapy is typically tailored to the area of the body where the symptoms are
Physiotherapy is freely available on NHS
Requires 3 years university degree training in Physiotherapy
Some Physiotherapists can do a 2 year postgraduate Physiotherapy degree instead if they already have an undergraduate in a relevant subject (i.e Sports Science, Psychology)
Registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)