Osteopathy

Osteopathy is described by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) as a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. It works with the structure and function of the body, and is based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues functioning smoothly together.

To an osteopath, for your body to work well, its structure must also work well. So osteopaths work to restore your body to a state of balance, where possible without the use of drugs or surgery. Osteopaths use touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension, to enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues, and to help your body’s own healing mechanisms. They may also provide advice on posture and exercise to aid recovery, promote health and prevent symptoms recurring.

Our Team

Mr Simon Cooke, Registered Osteopath (Recognised Pru Health Practitioner)
Born in Lambeth in 1966, Simon first trained in Tui'Na (Chinese Acupressure) Massage in 1993 before qualifying with a Diploma in Osteopathy from the College of Osteopaths in 1999. Apart from practicing Osteopathy, Simon enjoys teaching at the British School of Osteopathy and is a Clinic Tutor to students on the Master of Osteopathy course. Working for over ten years as a structural Osteopath who treats the body as a whole rather than just individual, symptomatic parts, Simon joined the team at Riverside Dental Spa in September 2009 and is proud to offer fast, cost-effective relief from aches and pains.

Ms Kate Salusbury, Registered Osteopath
With a degree in Biological Sciences and a bachelor degree in Osteopathy, Kate is a highly trained and highly experienced member of the Riverside Dental Spa team. As a graduate of the British School of Osteopathy (considered to be the best in its field) and with further qualification in acupuncture, Kate is able to provide comprehensive treatment to help with the majority of everyday, sports or work related pains, sprains and injuries.

What sort of aches and pains can Osteopathy treat?
Osteopathy is an established, recognised system of diagnosis and treatment. Treatment is tailored toward the individual patient and diagnosis is carried out through discussion, observation and by using a highly developed sense of touch. Gentle stretching and mobilising techniques as well as joint manipulation are used to help facilitate healing of aches and pains.

What sort of aches and pains can Osteopathy treat? Sprains, back pain, sciatica, lumbago, pain in the neck, arm, shoulder, hip or knee, sports injuries, muscle aches, strains, headaches and migraine-type symptoms, shin splints, heartburn, asthma, trapped nerves, frozen shoulder and many others. Osteopathy can not only help with injuries, but can also help with the aches and pains associated with poor posture and illness as well.

What are the benefits of Osteopathy?
With patients ranging from newborns to older adults, Osteopaths aim to help to reduce the symptoms and improve the health and quality of life of the patient by:
    Identifying imbalances within the musculoskeletal system.
    Facilitating the body's ability to heal itself through stretching, massage, deep massage and gentle manipulation.
    Offering added exercise and health advice.
    Increase the mobility of your joints


How much does treatment cost?
Treatments cost £40 and last between 45 minutes to an hour for your first appointment, and about 30 minutes for follow-up appointments. How many treatments you will need depends in the individual circumstances, but a treatment plan will be agreed with you on the first or second appointment. Prior to your first appointment, you should assume that you will need a minimum of two treatments. Many private health insurers now cover Osteopathic treatment. Check with your insurers to find out if your scheme covers Osteopathy.