Benefits of at-home osteopathy:
At-home treatment from a qualified, insured and registered osteopath
An initial consultation or follow-up treatment, with no need for a referral from your GP
Support with health conditions affecting your joints, muscles or bones
Realign with a pro
Osteopaths work with people who experience chronic pain, have previous injuries or suffer from migraines. They’re a bit like mechanics for your body, working to treat presenting issues with your joints, muscles and bones, and prevent future ones.
What to expect during your treatment
If this is your first session, your osteopath will start with a consultation and physical assessment to get a full picture of your health and treatment goals. In most cases, they’ll then treat you using manipulation, soft tissue therapy and stretching.
They’ll also put together a plan to help address those issues in the long term. That could include anything from daily stretches you can do on your own to a series of appointments with them.
During your session, they may ask you to undress to your underwear (or a sports top and leggings/shorts – whatever you’re most comfortable with), so they can fully assess your spine, joints and soft tissue.
Your osteopath may recommend further follow-up treatment (online or in person), which they can help you book.
More info about mobile osteopathy
Osteopathy treats the body holistically, meaning it can help to treat a number of conditions both directly and indirectly. So while an osteopath might use manual therapy to treat arthritis, sciatica, lower back pain and plantar fasciitis, the extra work they do to correct your alignment and posture can help with things like sinusitis, migraines, indigestion and tinnitus.
Urban osteopaths are all fully registered with the General Osteopathic Council. That means they’ve got a four- or five-year degree programme under their belt, and a minimum of a thousand hours of clinical training. You’re in good hands.
Osteopaths occasionally crack joints to help relieve tension, but they’ll always check it’s okay beforehand. Cranial osteopathy requires specific training which not all osteopaths have – if it’s something you’re after, check it’s listed in your osteopath’s bio before booking, or ask them via instant message.
Osteopathy should never hurt, although your treatment might involve some manual stretches and manipulations which can get uncomfortable at times. Always let your osteopath know if you’re in pain.
The practices of osteopathy and physio can occasionally overlap, but the best way to think about the difference is prehab vs rehab. It’s best to see an osteopath when you’re in fair to moderate discomfort or pain, and concerned your lifestyle might be making a physical health condition worse. It’s best to see a physio after injury or illness for more detailed guidance on rebuilding strength and mobility.
Yes, for regular appointments with the same osteopath, simply search for their name when you go to choose a practitioner.
Yes, osteopathy is a safe treatment to book if you’re pregnant. Browse osteopaths’ individual bios to find a pregnancy specialist.
Yes, osteopathy is a safe way to treat and prevent physical health conditions. It’s heavily regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) to make sure only qualified professionals can work as osteopaths under strict rules on safety.