Osteopathy

Kay E. Atkinson B.Sc (Hons) Ost.

Registered Osteopath

What is osteopathy?

Osteopathy is an established recognised system of diagnosis and treatment which lays its main emphasis on the structural and functional integrity of the body. It is distinctive by the fact that it recognises that much of the pain and disability which we suffer stems from abnormalities in the function of the body structure as well as damage caused to it by disease. [Description by General Osteopathic Council, 28th October 1998]

All osteopaths in the UK MUST be registered with the General Osteopathic Council, our state registering body. This came into effect on 9th May 2000. Osteopathic qualifications include DO which means Diploma in Osteopathy, B.Sc or B.Sc (Hons) which is the degree status. From May 2004 all osteopaths must undertake mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) which means all osteopaths will remain trained up to the latest standard of clinical and practical competence.

What do osteopaths treat?

A recent survey of Osteopathic practices underlines the wide range of patients treated.

- Half suffer low back trouble. Most back pains result from mechanical disturbances of the spine - postural strains, joint derangements and spinal disc injuries. Osteopathy, with its comprehensive approach to health care, is a particularly successful approach to treatment.

- Over half are women. Many women are working mothers and both aspects of their lives can give rise to problems, from the perennial headache to severe musculo-skeletal disorders. Many headaches originate from stiffness and tension in the neck and Osteopathic treatment can often bring relief. Pregnancy can put a strain on the low back and Osteopathic treatment can help the body to adjust.

- A quarter are in their forties. Many patients are losing fitness at this stage in their lives and are more prone to injury. Osteopaths consider all the factors, examining posture and the strength and flexibility of muscles, ligaments and tendons. Treatment is designed to alleviate current problems and to help prevent recurrences.

- Many are elderly. Painkillers are not the only solution for the aches and pains associated with ageing. For more permanent relief it is necessary to eliminate the underlying causes of pain, a job for which the Osteopath is specifically trained. Osteopathy can also help in reducing pain and stiffness in the less acute stages of arthritis.

- Many problems relate to work. Work, whether it be a computer terminal or in heavy industry, can give rise to disorders of the muscles, tendons and joints, particularly in the back, hands and arms. Osteopaths treat many conditions relating to the work place and can give remedial advice and preventative exercise.


What are the origins of osteopathy?

Andrew Taylor Still, born in 1828 in Virginia, USA, trained as a doctor according to the system of medical education available at the time. As time went on he followed a different path from many of his peers, eschewing alcohol and the habit of contemporary physicians of administering crude drugs at their disposal in heroic quantities. This drove him to seek new methods of treating sickness. The outcome of his research was the application of physical treatment as a specialised form of treatment for which he coined the name 'Osteopathy'.
In 1892 A T Still organised a school in Kirksville, Missouri, for the teaching of osteopathy and it was from these small beginnings that osteopathy was brought to the UK around the turn of the century. The first school of osteopathy in the UK was set in London in 1917 and over time other schools and colleges followed.

Resume

Kay qualified with a BSc (Hons) degree in Osteopathy in 1996 from the British School of Osteopathy in London. Kay worked as a locum osteopath for two years, gaining insight into various practice scenarios and methods of treatment. The practice was established in 1998 in order to offer Southport residents a centrally located osteopathic surgery. The practice moved to Duke Street in 2002 to larger premises, then to Manning Road in 2006 offering full disabled access and a multi-disciplinary practice.
She has attended various post-graduate courses in many subjects, including dry-needling techniques and traditional acupuncture, cranial osteopathy, sports injuries, golf injuries and rehabilitation. She particularly enjoys treating young children and babies, as she says that they can respond very quickly to treatment, and often make the most objective patients, and golf injuries.

For Further Information & Advice

Please contact the practice on 01704 500905. Osteopathic appointments are available on Mondays - Fridays 9am - 6pm and Saturday mornings. Email Kay.