Osteopathy is a healthcare system. It seeks a patient's well-being mostly through the manipulation of muscles, joints and bones. The focus is on treating the causes, not just the symptoms. Whenever possible, the osteopath will make provisions allowing for the body's innate ability to heal itself.
The first consultation may take up to one hour. The Osteopath will discuss your condition, its background and how this relates to your current lifestyle. Osteopaths are trained to perform a series of physical examinations and in some cases may need referral for x-rays or scans. These may be carried out privately or under the NHS.