An Osteopath is capable of treating a wide range of disorders (not just musculo-skeletal), some common problems may include:

• low back pain which may or may not include sciatica
• neck and upper back pain which may or may not include pain in the shoulder,
• peripheral joint pain (shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, foot)
• migraine headaches
• workplace strains
• sports injuries
• glue ear
• backache of pregnancy
• symptoms of chronic conditions, e.g., asthma, arthritis
• stiffness associated with wear and tear
• effects of trauma, e.g. falls, sprains and impact injuries
• menstrual/period pain
• circulatory problems
• digestion problems, e.g. irritable bowel syndrome, constipation
• postural problems & many others


An Osteopath may not be the obvious choice for digestion problems, however the bowel is made up of muscle which can become tense and tight when a patient becomes stressed. With this in mind, the practitioners' techniques can often be highly effective. It must be stressed that osteopathy cannot cure a chronic condition such as arthritis but it can help alleviate many of its painful features.

Osteopathy involves diagnosis and treatment that emphasises on the structure and function of the body. Through a variety of techniques such as the manipulation of joints, the reduction of muscle tension and the improvement of blood and nerve supply to the tissues the body is helped to heal itself. Advice on posture and exercise may be provided to aid recovery, to promote health and to prevent the recurrence of symptoms.

Osteopathy is regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) which is a statutory self regulated body. It is illegal to practice as an osteopath unless registered by GOsC. This protects the public by ensuring adequate training and ongoing learning (continual professional development) is taking place to ensure knowledge is kept up to date.

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*This definition was referenced from the LSO website