What is Osteopathy?Osteopathy is an established recognised system of both diagnosis and treatment which places its emphasis on the structural integrity of the body. 'Structural integrity' is more easily understood as the skeleton, muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments which all help to hold us up. If there is a problem in any or all of these components then the body as a whole cannot function properly. The osteopath, therefore, seeks to work holistically and manually to ease these problems. It is using this manual approach in which osteopathy differs from conventional medicine which is generally less 'hands on'. |
What does it treat?
Osteopathy treats all age ranges from babies who are literally only hours into their new life, to the elderly in order to ease their stiffening joints and muscles. Treating both ends of the spectrum is a privilege and greatly rewarding, as are all ages in between.
We see a range of symptoms and problems from babies who have problems sleeping or suffer from colic to low back pain headaches, shoulder pain, pregnancy and hip and knee problems to mention just a few.
What will happen on my first visit?Initially the osteopath will go through your case and history in great detail (or your child's) in order to get as good an idea of your generally health as possible. The osteopath wants to know how you've got to the state you are in now, mentally and physically, as both are important to diagnosis and prognosis. The first consultation can last up to an hour and subsequent visits up to 40 minutes. Each course of treatment is established on an individual basis. |
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About the Practitioners
Tina Rigby qualified as an osteopath in 1986 and first started The Oxford Practice in 1994. Both Pauline Scott and Hazel Rank-Broadley were amongst the first practitioners to join the practice and are still key members of the team.
Since then Tina has gone on to have three children and now works part-time, she is, in fact, about to return from maternity leave in May. Prior to children she had established a full-time practice and enjoyed seeing a wide range of people with a whole host of conditions and this is still the case. Treating women from early to late pregnancy in order to ease the birth process was a particular interest though and this is even more the case now having experienced it three times herself.
Pauline Mather qualified as an osteopath in 1981 and her special interests are the Buteyko breathing method for asthma and treating animals.
Sarah Spencer-Chapman qualified in 2000 and visits the practice one day a month to see existing patients.
As you can see, between them the practitioners have years of experience at your disposal.
Additional Information and Links:
For additional information please contact The Oxford Practice and / or visit the web site for The General Osteopathic Council
You can also contact Tina via email.