Osteopathy
Why choose an Osteopath?
- Specialist diagnosis and effective treatment for a wide range of conditions, from head to toe.
- Quality assured, personalised health care that gets results.
- Highly skilled practitioners regulated by law.
- Dedicated to getting patients out of pain and back to optimum health.
- Short term pain relief and longer term supportive care to help you be the best you can be, not just pain free.
Specialist diagnosis
Osteopaths are trained to diagnose, manage, treat and prevent a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions (problems with the bones, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments). By discussing your pain and symptoms with you and undertaking a thorough examination of your body, your osteopath will be able to provide you with a diagnosis and explain what the underlying cause of your problem is. As primary health care professionals, osteopaths are also able to order further tests and imaging (e.g. Xrays and MRI scans) if necessary. You do not need a GP referral to visit – simply call us to make an appointment. For more information on common conditions our osteopaths help patients with, click here.
Effective treatment
Healthcare navigators
Lifestyle advice
In addition to manual therapy, your osteopath may also provide advice on posture and exercise to aid recovery, promote optimum health and prevent your symptoms recurring.
In safe hands - our Osteopathy expertise
Osteopaths specialise in the diagnosis, management, treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal conditions (problems with the joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves of the body). All osteopaths undertake a rigorous 4 year university degree in order to become a practitioner. The osteopathy degree course includes anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, nutrition and biomechanics, plus at least 1,000 hours of clinical training.
Regulated by law
Once qualified, osteopaths are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council who work to ensure patient safety by maintaining a register of qualified professionals, as well as setting, maintaining and developing standards of osteopathic practice and conduct. It is against the law for anyone to call themselves an osteopath in the UK, unless they are registered with the General Osteopathic Council.
Safe, effective treatment
Osteopaths use a number of safe treatment techniques designed to provide effective pain relief as well as relieve muscle tension, enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues and to help your body’s own healing mechanisms. These include physical manipulation, stretching and massage. They can also provide advice on posture and exercise to aid recovery, promote health and prevent symptoms recurring.
Your osteopath will always explain what they are doing, ask for your permission, and only ever use techniques you are 100% comfortable with when it comes to treatment, but if you have any questions or concerns at any point, your osteopath will be happy to discuss them with you.
What to expect when you visit an Osteopath
To find out more about what to expect when you visit an Osteopath at our friendly South Bristol clinic, please see below.
Initial consultation and treatment appointment for new patients
The initial focus of osteopathic treatment is pain relief. Our safe and gentle treatment techniques range from classic mobilisations and manipulations of stiff joints, muscles and tendons, to stretching and rehab exercises, cranial therapy and acupuncture for tension and pain. All treatment programmes are highly personalised and tailored to individual needs and we are always happy to discuss any concerns you may have in advance.
Initial consultation
During the initial consultation part of your first appointment, you will be given the opportunity to explain your symptoms and how they are affecting you. Your practitioner will discuss these with you in detail and investigate the cause with neurological and orthopaedic tests. Xrays and MRI scans may be ordered if needed.
You will then be given a diagnosis, which will be carefully explained to you and your treatment options will be discussed. A suggested management plan will be drawn up tailored to your comfort and needs, and mindful of any concerns you may have.
Initial treatment
The initial focus of chiropractic or osteopathic treatment is pain relief, after which the emphasis will be on restoring normal function and alignment to your body by correcting the underlying problem. Our safe and gentle treatment techniques range from classic mobilisations and manipulations of stiff joints, muscles and tendons, to stretching and rehab exercises, cranial therapy and acupuncture for tension and pain. All treatment programmes are highly personalised and tailored to individual needs and we are always happy to discuss any concerns you may have in advance. Following treatment, you will be given advice and rehabilitation to help prevent the problem reoccurring.
Follow up treatments
What to wear
Do you have more questions?
Common conditions we treat
Osteopaths are best known for treating back and neck pain, however we are specialists in assessing, diagnosing and treating a wide range of musculoskeletal complaints (problems with the bones, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments of the body) including shoulder and arm pain, hip and knee pain, osteoarthritis and pain associated with pregnancy & childcare.
As primary health care professionals, we are also able to order further tests and imaging (e.g. Xrays and MRI scans) if necessary. You do not need a GP referral to visit – simply BOOK ONLINE or call us on 0117 9723518 to make an appointment.
See why patients love Bristol Back Pain Clinic
“I had made the same-day appointment with Marion after a niggle in my lower back became pain that was stopping me getting on with my day. Marion was knowledgeable, reassuring and friendly, she explained what was happening and what she was doing and I always felt comfortable and in good hands. I had another two follow up appointments and was pain free pretty quickly thanks to her treatment and useful advice.”
“Harry, Melita and the team at Bristol Back Pain Clinic have helped me tremendously with a neck/shoulder injury. I have had a number of sessions with Harry, and have found his advice and expertise really beneficial. Harry takes the time to explain exactly what is causing pain, and how it can be remedied. Melita is always extremely helpful and responsive. I would recommend Bristol Back Pain Clinic to anyone suffering with pain (and absolutely does not need to be a back injury).”
“I’d been suffering with severe hip pain for 2 months and needed help. Rather than wait for a GP appointment, then wait for just one physio phonecall, I decided to be pro-active and get immediate help. Marion at The Bristol Back Pain Clinic explained how it was my lower back causing the hip pain and proceeded to stretch, manipulate and massage the afflicted parts, giving me relief even after my first visit. She researched my condition and had new treatments lined up for me during my next two visits. These worked a treat, and my mobility was almost back to 100%, so we agreed to leave a two week gap. My last treatment was a triumph because my mobility has returned to my normal pain free status-quo. THANK YOU! What is also so refreshing is that the Bristol Back Pain Clinic doesn’t try to make you continue having treatment if you don’t need it. This was the third time that I have had treatment at the Bristol Back Pain Clinic for different issues, and if I need it, I will use them again. I have recommended them to my friends and family, and my husband has used their expertise, too.”
“I had recurrent upper back/shoulder pain for several years, and tried various therapies to help. But it kept coming back. Since I have been seeing Harry, for the last 5 years or so, I have not had any recurrence, and been pain-free. Problem solved.”
“My 8 year old son tore some knee ligaments at a trampoline party (yes) and Marion was absolutely superb at dealing with the aftermath after NHS had done their thing. With a child it can be tricky to embed the routines required for recovery, but after the first session it was evident that Marion had performed nothing short of a miracle. Her bedside manner was brilliant and my son responded so well to her precise manipulation that he only really needed one more session after that. I cannot recommend Marion highly enough.”
“I started to see Harry because I had a very sore and stiff neck and suffered from severe headaches. The gentle way he treats you is very relaxing and there is no crunching and clicking – which can be a bit off-putting. With a combination of cranial work, massage and acupuncture – the headaches have almost gone. Harry has taught me how to understand the trigger signs. I have maintenance work every now and again just to release the pressure points and it is bliss when he releases a spot that is full of tension. I would recommend that everyone sees him, he has really helped me feel taller and more relaxed. Thanks Harry”
“Recommended to Bristol Back Pain Clinic from a friend after headaches from incorrect posture at my office desk. BBPC quickly diagnosed the problem, and explained why it was occurring and relieved the issue with acupuncture on the muscle and releasing the affected joints. They provided me with exercises to complete to stop the issue reoccurring. I have now adjusted my working environment accordingly, and the issue has gone. I also did heavy lifting while moving house, and had trouble turning my back afterward. BBPC clinic went out of their way to fit me in to get seen immediately to relieve the pain and release the affected area. I felt the service provided by BBPC is excellent, and very professional and would recommend to anyone with troubles!”
“Excellent service. Proven results. I have suffered with postural back pain issues for years. The BBPC was recommended to me by a friend and I’m glad I visited. After discussing my problems, a treatment plan was agreed and I had immediate relief after the first visit. After only a short number of weeks, I am now almost completely pain free.”
“Harry is superb! I attended his clinic with pretty serious lower back and calves strain which was hampering my running, training and drumming activities. From the get go Harry was transparent with costs and length of treatment. His treatment sessions are always very effective, so much so I am now completely recovered to a point where my back is better than it has been for many years…this has increased my fitness again as I am able to run long training sessions again without an ounce of back pain, it’s fantastic! With a stretching programme supplied by Harry I maintain my lower back flexibility and attend the Bristol Back Pain clinic on occasion for maintenance treatment sessions. Harry has never tried to sell unnecessary sessions as I have experienced with other clinics over the years. This honesty and care is why I will always be a loyal customer and will recommend Harry and his Bristol Back Pain Clinic with confidence. Thank you Harry.”
“From being virtually bent double, unable to stand for long and unable to walk more than a few yards, I’m now back in training and running. Would definitely recommend!”
“I highly recommend the team at Bristol Back Pain Clinic to anyone who finds themselves in pain or discomfort. I had suffered with sciatica and lower back pain for years and was in severe pain when I first had a session with Harry. He was kind and sympathetic and helped me understand the causes of the pain, my treatment and how I could help minimise pain in the future. I suffer from poor posture due to intense periods of computer work , and my back pain was something I wanted to understand more and get better control of. From my sessions I feel much more mobile, flexible and aware of how I can make improvements to maintain back health. Over the past 5 or 6 years I have revisited when I can feel the symptoms returning and each time I have been amazed at the results. The whole team are extremely professional and caring.”
“Really professional team and gave me some great advice as well as helping sort an ongoing lower back issue that I have as I do a lot of driving for work. Would recommend them to anyone.”
“I first attended the back pain clinic about 10 years ago for an acute back problem. Harry was kind, considerate and professional. He was able to help me with the issue and returned me full fitness. Since then I have booked in whenever I feel a niggle and he supports me to nip an issues in the bud. I have no hesitation in recommending the back pain clinic and have done to many friends already. They are the best!”
“SPD/PGP in pregnancy is why i went to see Harry. I went in on crutches and didnt need them again! Friendly, professional place. I will never recommend anywhere else now!”
“Friendly, professional and the treatments work for my 20yr old injury!”
“This is the second time I have used Bristol Back Pain Clinic and both times have proved very successful. After only 2 visits Marion assisted in curing my back pain. Thoroughly recommend.”
“The chiropractor I saw made me feel welcome and did a great job of pinpointing and eventually resolving my neck and back pain issues. I would go here again and recommend it to others.”
“Amazing practice with very friendly and welcoming staff, fixed my nagging back pain I’ve had for years within a couple of sessions, cannot recommend enough”
“My treatments from Bristol Back Pain Clinic have always been excellent, as has the service. My back is prone to chronic pain, but treatment – mainly from Marion – over two or three months has left me largely pain-free – great work! I particularly appreciate that I have never felt pressured to book an appointment when I didn’t think it necessary; that is certainly not the case at other places I have tried. Highly recommended.”
“Received excellent diagnosis and treatment for a hard-to-figure out back issue, as well as related joint problems. Easy scheduling and good communication, highly recommend!”
“Great treatment over the last 8 months or so – initial consultation and follow on appointments yielded immediate improvements and this has subsequently progressed and been managed/monitored with less frequent appointments. Good practical advice and explanations, very relaxed and quiet treatment room, no pressure to undertake more regular treatment than considered necessary (important to people like me who are a bit more sensitive to the costs involved!)”