Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a system of manual, manipulative medicine, used to restore physical and mental well-being in the patient, promoting normal function and allowing the body to utilize it's own recuperative powers.

The osteopath aims to adjust and improve the mechanism of the body by using various treatments, including soft tissue massage, muscle energy techniques and joint manipulation.
Training in medical diagnosis means the osteopath is qualified to decide which patients are appropriate for treatment and which should be referred for further investigation by their G.P.

The history of osteopathy is traced back 120 years to the U.S.A., when the principles that are used today were formalized. These have been substantiated through recent studies into treatment outcomes and through the continuing success of osteopathy worldwide. In the U.K., the profession has recently been granted the right to it's own self-regulatory body, the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), established to maintain the highest standards in the profession. This status, with the legally protected title of osteopath only given to those who meet rigorous training requirements, ensures protection of the public.

Benefits of treatment

Treatment is effective in many conditions, including:
    sports injuries
    back pain
    joint and muscular pain
    asthma
    neck and shoulder tension
    pregnancy
    repetitive strain injuries
    sciatica
    frozen shoulder
    irritable bowel syndrome
    arthritis
Individual suitability for treatment will be decided by the practitioner at consultation.

Immediate benefits of treatment are:
    pain relief
    improved muscle tone and elasticity
    improved circulation
    improved assimilation of nutrients
    efficient drainage of waste products.

Significant and lasting health benefits include:
    less need for drugs or pharmaceuticals
    more health awareness
    a developed sense of well-being.

The osteopath

Andrew Michie graduated from the British College of Naturopathy and Osteopathy (BCNO) in London. The four-year full-time course combines training in medical diagnosis and osteopathic technique with a naturopathic approach to health, bringing students to the highest standards.
Andrew has developed his study of cranial osteopathy at postgraduate level, and also studied the use of orthotics to assist in structural balancing. Andrew continued his naturopathic training at a Nature Cure clinic in India and has a diploma in Thai massage from Thailand.

Andrew Michie currently works from The Agincourt Osteopathic Clinic in Monmouth and The Ross Herbal and Natural Health Centre in Ross-on-Wye.