Osteopathic Treatments

Please scroll down this page or use the tabs under Treatments to read more about the approaches used at Essential Osteopathy, including Osteopathy, Modern Acupuncture and Cranial Osteopathy. All treatments are tailored to the individual and adapted to comfort, presentation and preference.

Initial Consultation and Treatment (1 hour)

Your first appointment allows time to take a full case history and assess posture, movement and function. Assessment may involve observation and gentle examination in standing, sitting and lying positions. You may be asked to undress to your underwear for part of the examination. Shorts or a sports bra can be worn if preferred. Findings are discussed clearly and a treatment plan is agreed with you before treatment begins so that you remain informed and comfortable throughout. Treatment may include a combination of soft tissue techniques, stretching, joint articulation and mobilisation. Where appropriate and with your consent, high velocity low amplitude techniques may be used to improve joint movement and reduce muscular tension. Modern acupuncture may also be used to address muscle tension or trigger points and to support local circulation and nerve irritation. Cranial Osteopathy may be included where clinically appropriate. At the end of the session, advice is given on self-management, posture, exercises and the use of heat or ice. It is normal to feel some mild soreness or fatigue after treatment which usually settles within 24–48 hours.

Babies: Cranial Osteopathy Initial Consultation and Treatment (1 hour)

Birth places significant physical demands on a baby’s body. For some babies, these forces can contribute to tension patterns that may affect comfort, feeding, digestion or sleep. Cranial Osteopathy for babies uses very gentle techniques to assess and support the head, neck, spine and nervous system. Treatment is subtle and calm and is always adapted to the baby’s needs on the day. Treatment can take place with your baby in your arms, while feeding or in a comfortable upright position. Parents are first asked about pregnancy, birth, feeding, sleeping and any concerns. Assessment and treatment are gentle and unforced and many babies settle or sleep during or after treatment. Cranial Osteopathy is commonly sought for unsettled babies, feeding or latching difficulties, reflux-type symptoms, wind, colic-type behaviour and head shape concerns, though treatment is always based on individual assessment. For more detailed information, please visit the Cranial Osteopathy page on the website.

Follow-up Treatment (45 minutes)

Follow-up appointments allow time to review progress and continue treatment as agreed. Treatment is adapted according to how symptoms have changed and further advice or exercises are provided as appropriate. For babies and young children, progress is discussed with the parent before treatment continues.

Combined Follow-up Treatment (1 hour)

A one-hour follow-up appointment allows time to combine approaches such as structural Osteopathy, Cranial Osteopathy and modern acupuncture where appropriate. This appointment is often used when more than one area is being addressed or when a slower paced session is helpful. Further information about Osteopathy, modern acupuncture and Cranial Osteopathy can be found using the links under the Treatments menu.