Osteopathy is a branch of manual medicine which deals with the structure and function of the body. A breakdown
of the normal working patterns can result in strain, pain and damage.

An osteopath will assess how parts of the body (bones, ligaments, muscles, nerves and joints) work together.
Gentle adjustments and manipulations will help to reduce any restrictions which may be preventing normal function,
in turn this will help to alleviate symptoms. People of all ages may benefit from treatment.

Osteopathy is a safe and effective treatment aiming to improve mobility, posture and wellbeing.

Conditions which respond well to osteopathy are:

• back and neck pain
• headaches
• joint, ligament, muscle and tendon strains
• sciatica and arm pain/ 'trapped nerves'
• sports injuries
• pre and postnatal changes

Cranio-sacral osteopathy is a gentle treatment for a wide variety of conditions for example:

• congested sinuses
• stress
• in the treatment of babies with feeding difficulties,
• collic and disturbed sleep patterns.

On first presentation a thorough history will be obtained which will lead to an examination. To examine and treat
effectively, it may be necessary (although not essential) to partially undress.
If preferred a vest and shorts may be worn during treatment.

Osteopaths investigate the underlying cause of pain, this will allow a diagnosis to be made and an indication
of how quickly the symptoms may settle.

Treatment uses a variety of techniques including;

muscle stretching, exercises, gentle rhythmic joint movements or stronger manipulation,
if appropriate, to improve mobility.

Patients may feel sore after treatment but this is a normal, temporary reaction. If the neck has been treated a
feeling of light headedness may be experienced which quickly passes.

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Practitioner details:

Kevin Partridge is a full member of the general osteopathic council (the only statutory governing body for all osteopaths).
After graduating from the British School of Osteopathy in 1997 he gained experience working in the NHS as well as
private practice where he developed his interest in treating professional athletes- an interest which he still
follows through his involvement with the osteopathic sports care association.

Kevin works at the Poundbury Clinic on monday mornings from 9am to 1pm.

Osteopathic Information Service (to obtain more specific information leaflets)
General Osteopathic Council
Osteopathy House
176 Tower Bridge Road
London SE1 3LU
Telephone: 020 7357 6655

www.osteopathy.org.uk

Osteopathic Sports Care Association - www.osca.org.uk

 

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