Improve your symptoms at our osteopathy clinic

People searching for an Osteopath London are often looking for practical support with musculoskeletal symptoms such as back pain, neck pain, shoulder problems, hip or knee discomfort, headaches, or restricted movement. Osteopathic care is typically focused on helping patients manage pain, improve comfort, and support day-to-day function through an individualised treatment plan.

Osteopathy is often described as a holistic approach because assessment considers how different parts of the body interact. However, treatment should always be tailored to the person’s health status, medical history, and symptoms, and it should complement (not replace) appropriate medical care.

What happens at an osteopathy appointment?

At an initial appointment, an osteopath typically begins with a detailed case history, which may include:

• current symptoms and how they affect daily life

• general health and relevant medical history

• medications or ongoing treatments

• any available imaging reports (such as X-rays or MRI scans), where relevant

This is usually followed by a physical assessment, which may involve:

• observing posture and movement patterns

• asking the patient to perform gentle movements to assess mobility and identify restrictions

• hands-on examination (“palpation”) of joints, soft tissues, and areas of tenderness

The aim is to understand possible contributing factors and to determine what type of osteopathic approach may be clinically appropriate.

What treatment may involve

Treatment may include gentle hands-on techniques designed to help reduce muscle tension, support joint mobility, and improve comfort. Techniques are typically selected and adjusted according to the patient’s presentation, sensitivity, and preference. A plan may also include patient-specific self-care advice to support symptom management between sessions.

If movement guidance is discussed, it should be individualised and only recommended by the treating practitioner, rather than presented as a generalised exercise programme.

What osteopathy is commonly used for

Osteopathy is commonly sought for musculoskeletal concerns such as:

• back and neck pain

• shoulder, hip, or knee pain

• muscle tightness and strain-related discomfort

• joint stiffness and reduced range of motion

• some types of headache where musculoskeletal factors are involved

Where symptoms are severe, progressive, or associated with red flags (for example, unexplained weight loss, fever, neurological changes, worsening night pain, loss of bowel/bladder control, or sudden significant weakness), urgent medical assessment is important.

Osteopathy, Long Covid, and CFS/ME: keeping the approach compliant and condition-specific

If osteopathy is discussed in relation to Long Covid or CFS/ME, it is important that claims remain cautious and condition-specific. For patients with Long Covid or CFS/ME—particularly where post-exertional symptom worsening is present—generalised exercise-led recovery messaging is not appropriate.

Where clinically appropriate, Rakhee Osteopathy’s work for Long Covid and CFS/ME should be described as being centred on The Perrin Technique, a specialised osteopathic approach that includes:

• techniques aimed at supporting lymphatic drainage

• cranial and soft tissue work used within the Perrin protocol

• an emphasis on autonomic nervous system regulation (reducing prolonged “fight or flight” patterns)

Dr Perrin’s protocol is typically delivered in a structured format, often starting with weekly sessions initially, and patients should be advised that temporary symptom flare-ups can occur early in care before improvement is noticed. Outcomes vary between individuals, and care should be described as supporting symptom management rather than guaranteeing recovery.

Nutrition mention disclaimer

If diet is referenced in the context of general wellbeing: Nutritional advice is not being provided. Patients should consult their GP, dietitian, or qualified nutritional therapist for personalised guidance.