Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a regulated health care that specialises in the diagnosis, management, treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal and other related disorders. Treatment is hands-on and involves skilled manipulation of the spine and joints, and massage of soft tissues.
What Do Osteopaths Treat?
Osteopaths treat back pain and postural problems including changes due to pregnancy, caused by driving or work strain, the pain of arthritis and minor sports injuries. Osteopathic patients include the young, older people, manual workers, office professionals, pregnant women, children and sports people.
What Happens In My First Osteopathy Appointment?
You will be asked questions about your symptoms as well as information about your past medical history and your lifestyle. Your Osteopath will then carry out an examination and discuss the best treatment options for you.
What is the Difference Between Osteopathy and Physiotherpay?
Osteopathy: A Holistic Approach
Osteopathy is rooted in a holistic philosophy, viewing the body as an intricate, interconnected system. Osteopaths believe that the body possesses its own inherent healing mechanisms, which can be empowered through manual manipulation to restore balance and well-being.
This approach involves a range of techniques, including manual manipulation, massage, joint articulation, and medical acupuncture. Notably, osteopaths consider the whole body when treating a condition, analyzing how other parts of the body may influence the affected area. Treatment sessions tend to be highly hands-on, with a focus on gentle, non-invasive interventions.
Physiotherapy: Evidence-Based Rehabilitation
In contrast, physiotherapy is grounded in evidence-based practice, with a primary focus on rehabilitation and restoring function to the affected area. Physiotherapists employ a variety of treatments, often combining manual therapy, massage, exercise, and sometimes technology-assisted methods like ultrasound or shockwave therapy.
While physiotherapists may provide lifestyle advice to enhance overall health, their primary focus tends to be on the specific body part requiring treatment. The treatment process in physiotherapy often involves mobilizing the site of injury, using a balanced mix of hands-on techniques and technology-assisted interventions.
Key Differences in Approach and Treatment - Osteopathy vs Physiotherapy
The fundamental differences between osteopathy and physiotherapy lie in their underlying philosophies and treatment styles. Osteopathy’s holistic approach considers the interconnectedness of the body, whereas physiotherapy focuses more intently on the affected area, with secondary consideration for broader lifestyle impacts.
Additionally, osteopathic treatment tends to be more hands-on, emphasizing manual techniques to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. In contrast, physiotherapy incorporates a wider range of interventions, including technology-assisted methods, to facilitate rehabilitation and functional recovery.
Our Osteopaths
Abi Shrapnell (They/Them)
Osteopath
Abi qualified as an osteopath from the Surrey Institute of Osteopathic Medicine, with an Honors degree in Osteopathic Medicine. She has a specialist interest in the management of connective tissue disorders and has published papers in a number of international journals.
Having treated many patients with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and Autonomic Dysfunction it is possible to cater treatment plans to fit an individuals unique requirements. Abi is registered with the General Osteopathic Council and fully committed to providing the best possible care.
The Initial Consultation will take approximately 30 minutes and subsequent appointment will take approximately 25 minutes.
If you have any queries about Osteopathy or would like to arrange an appointment please follow the contact details below.
Clinic Fees
- New patient (25 minutes) – £64
- Follow up patient (25 minutes) – £64
- NHS/ Fire Service New patient (25 minutes) – £58
- Double appointment – £126
Elizabeth Beckett (She/Hers)
Osteopath
Liz is a fully registered Osteopath with the General Osteopathic Council. She graduated in 2003 from The College of Osteopaths and Middlesex University with a BSc (Hons) in Osteopathy.
Liz is passionate that Osteopathy should be available to everyone, and regularly treats multiple generations of the same family, from newborn to centenarians!
Since graduating, Liz has completed several courses on using Osteopathy throughout pregnancy and for supporting newborns. Since having her son in 2011, Liz has also trained as a breastfeeding peer supporter and has a keen interest in combining this with Osteopathy.
Clinic Fees
- New Patient (45 minutes) – £70
- Follow up (30 minutes) – £50
- Children under 16 new patient (45 minutes) – £60
- Children under 16 follow up (30 Minutes ) – £40
- New Patient Infant Under 12 Weeks (45 Minutes) – £50
- Follow Up Infant Under 12 Weeks (30 Minutes) – £35
- Follow Up Pregnancy from 28 weeks (40 Minutes) – £45
Tanya Bray (She/Her)
Osteopath
Tanya graduated with an honours degree from the London School of Osteopathy in 2004. For the past 16 years Tanya has divided her time between working at Thatcham Osteopaths and her clinic in Basingstoke.
Tanya enjoys the challenge of working with a wide range of patients – active, sedentary, young and old. With such diverse patients, Tanya understands the need to tailor her approach to the individual and uses both structural and cranial osteopathic techniques in her work.
Recognising that there are often factors in our daily lives which continue to aggravate certain conditions, Tanya is able to help patients stay pain- free by providing advice on rehabilitation exercises, posture and work or
home ergonomics.
Tanya is happy to answer any questions you may have relating to osteopathy so if you have any questions please do get in touch.
Clinic Fees
New Patient Appointment – 50 Minutes – £50
Follow Up Appointment – 25 Minutes – £50
Mel Harrison (She/Hers)
Osteopath
Mel is a registered Osteopath with the General Osteopathic Council and is insured by the Institute of Osteopathy. She graduated from Oxford Brookes University with a Bachelor’s degree in Osteopathic Medicine in 2013. Since graduating, Mel has since completed a foundation level course in cranial osteopathy with the Rollin E Becker Institute.
Mel has a interest in working with those with physical disabilities and has previously done further research into lower limb amputees with prosthetics.
Outside of practice, Mel is a mum to her daughter Everly adn son Zak, who takes up most of her time! She also likes to keep fit and has previously been a keen lacrosse player.
Clinic Fees
First session (1 hour) – £65
Follow up sessions (30 minutes) – £55