Osteopathy for all the family

What is osteopathy?

Osteopathy is an established and recognised system of healthcare. Osteopaths work to restore the musculoskeletal system of the body to a state of balance and harmony. Using hands on treatment for a broad spectrum of health problems. It recognises that much of the pain/disability we suffer stems from changes to the way our body functions, through incidents in daily living, e.g. sprains, back pain, poor posture. Osteopathy uses many diagnostic procedures used in conventional medical diagnosis. Its main strength, however, lies in the unique way the patient is assessed from a mechanical, functional and postural standpoint, and the treatment techniques applied to suit the needs of each patient.

Osteopathy was the first complementary medicine to be granted statutory recognition. This means there is a governing body that maintains standards and safety for patients. The term Osteopath can only be used by someone that is registered with the General Osteopathic Council. Only practitioners meeting the highest standards of safety and competency are eligible to join the register. This also involves completing a recognised qualification. Abigail completed a four-year full time degree at the European School of Osteopathy, achieving a BSc (Hons) in Osteopathy and also a Diploma. Abigail is therefore registered with the General Osteopathic Council, and the British Osteopathic Association, and holds professional indemnity insurance. Abigail also undertakes regular on-going professional development.

What is cranial osteopathy?

Cranial osteopathy was developed by Sutherland in the early 20th Century. It is a refined and subtle type of osteopathic treatment that uses very gentle manipulative pressure to encourage the release of stresses throughout the body, including the head. Osteopaths that use a cranial approach are trained to feel a very subtle, rhythmical shape change that is present in all body tissues. This can be felt in the skull, which is made up of 26 bones. The bones are joined in such a way that the skull can change shape, very slightly, to accommodate the rhythmic involuntary motion of the brain inside.

Abigail Cook

Registered Osteopath
BSc(Hons)Ost, DO

Abigail

Abigail returned to East Cornwall after completing her four year full time degree at the European School of Osteopathy, having previously worked in this area a few years ago. Prior to this Abigail lived in North Hampshire and worked for the NHS in Healthcare. Abigail likes to use a variety of techniques, depending on the patient, including cranial osteopathy . In her spare time Abigail enjoys walking the coastal footpaths, Pilates and worldwide travel.

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[Updated 15/11/2008]