What is Osteopathy and how does it compare to Physiotherapy and Chiropractic?

This is a question which I am often asked in practice. It can be difficult to answer because practitioners tend to work in different ways and the boundaries between the different professions is becoming less well defined. Every practitioner’s ultimate goal is to return their patient to good health. I personally have an open minded approach to healthcare and believe that if someone is suffering, they should try whatever works best for them, whether that be Physiotherapy, Chiropractic or Osteopathy.

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a primary care profession, focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders, and the effects of these conditions on patients' general health.

Using many of the diagnostic procedures applied in conventional medical assessment, osteopaths seek to restore the optimal functioning of the body, where possible without the use of drugs or surgery. Osteopathy is based on the principle that the body has the ability to heal, and osteopathic care focuses on strengthening the musculoskeletal systems to treat existing conditions and to prevent illness.

Osteopaths' patient-centred approach to health and well-being means they consider symptoms in the context of the patient's full medical history, as well as their lifestyle and personal circumstances. This holistic approach ensures that all treatment is tailored to the individual patient. (from http://www.osteopathy.org.uk)

What is Chiropractic?

According to the General Chiropractic Council (GCC), chiropractic is "a health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health".

Chiropractors use their hands to treat disorders of the bones, muscles and joints. Treatments that involve using the hands in this way are called "manual therapies".

Chiropractors use a range of techniques, with an emphasis on manipulation of the spine. They may also offer advice on diet, exercise and lifestyle, and rehabilitation programmes that involve exercises to do in your own time. (From http://www.nhs.uk)

What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapists help people affected by injury, illness or disability through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education and advice. They maintain health for people of all ages, helping patients to manage pain and prevent disease.

The profession helps to encourage development and facilitate recovery, enabling people to stay in work while helping them to remain independent for as long as possible. (from http://www.csp.org.uk)

Gary Sharp is a registered Osteopath with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) and practices in Chester and Merseyside. For further information, he can be contacted on 078 248 32120.