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What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a unique form of drug-free non-invasive manual medicine that focuses on total body health by treating and strengthening the musculoskeletal framework, which includes the joints, muscles and spine. Its aim is to positively affect the body’s nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Osteopathy is a unique holistic (whole body) approach to health care. Osteopaths do not simply concentrate on treating the problem area, but use manual techniques to balance all the systems of the body, to provide overall good health and wellbeing.
The key tools for osteopathic diagnosis include listening to the patient’s history, examining muscles and joints and observing movements. X -rays, scans and other clinical investigations are also used if required. A wide range of gentle, non-invasive manual techniques such as deep tissue massage, joint articulation and manipulation are applied therapeutically.
Osteopaths are highly trained and must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council in order to practice. Patients may be referred by their doctor, or may opt to see an osteopath independently.
On any one day, up to 30,000 people consult osteopaths in the UK alone.
What happens on your first visit?
In every instance your osteopath will take a detailed case history of your symptoms, as well as information about your medical history and lifestyle.
You will be examined whilst standing to assess your posture and you may be asked to make one or two simple movements to facilitate diagnosis. You will usually be asked to remove some of your outer clothing for this part of the examination. We suggest you bring a sports vest and shorts to change into if this might make you feel more comfortable.
Osteopaths are trained to use their highly developed sense of touch (palpation), which they use to detect stresses and strains in the body in the standing, sitting and lying down positions.
After this examination your osteopath will discuss your symptoms, offer a diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan. Where necessary, recommendations for further medical tests and investigations through your GP, or a more appropriate form of therapy, will be considered.
After the diagnosis and treatment plan has been explained to you and you have agreed to proceed with treatment, various osteopathic techniques will be applied, including rhythmic articulation of joints and muscles, gentle manipulation and pressure, and support for damaged or strained tissues. The aim is to relax tension and ease restriction to movement. This will help to increase blood flow and reintegrate the body’s power of self healing.
About Stillpoint Osteopaths
All Stillpoint osteopaths are registered with the General Osteopathic Council – the profession’s statutory regulator, established by parliament under the Osteopath’s Act 1993. The GOsC maintains and develops the standards of osteopathic training and practice thereby ensuring high levels of safety and competence for the general public. Unregistered practice is a criminal offence in the UK. Osteopaths are one of the 15 healthcare professions recognised as Allied Health Professionals, the third largest workforce in the NHS. AHPs are degree level professions and are professionally autonomous practitioners.
We also take a special interest in what is known as ‘Cranial Osteopathy’. This approach to treatment uses very gentle manipulative pressures to encourage the release of stresses and strains throughout the body, including the head. All joints in the body are designed to move, and this includes even the subtle movement between the individual bones of the skull.
Stillpoint osteopaths have all completed post graduate courses in cranial osteopathy and are actively engaged in postgraduate education and research in this field.
When should I use Osteopathy?
Osteopaths treat the whole person, not just the condition. Patients include everyone from new born babies to men and women in their eighties and nineties.
Although commonly associated with back pain, osteopaths treat people for all kinds of complaints. Manual workers, office professionals, pregnant women, children and sports people seek help for a wide variety of conditions.
We recently sent a questionnaire to around 500 of Stillpoint’s patients and these are some of the more common problems out of a large range that they presented with:
- Back and neck pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Jaw pains
- Shoulder pain, such as ‘frozen shoulder’
- Sports injuries, such as ‘tennis elbow’
- Sinus pain
- Stresses and strains in pregnancy
Osteopathic techniques are suitable for children at all stages of development. Babies’ skeletons are softer than adults and osteopaths will therefore use gentler techniques such as cranial osteopathy when treating them.
Research
Currently, although we have gathered a wealth of anecdotal evidence, over many years of treating babies and children, there is a lack of robust evidence of the effectiveness of osteopathic treatment for children.
It is a passion of ours to work to develop research in this area. To date, there is scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of manual treatments for the management of a variety of musculo skeletal conditions in adults. It may be that some of these results can be applied to rating the effectiveness of osteopathic treatment of children, due to some physiological similarities in the musculo-skeletal system between children and adults, but more specific research on children is needed.
We are keen for our service to form an important part of developing consensus on the effectiveness of osteopathic treatment for children with our inter- disciplinary model of best practice in treating the newborn. We have developed extensive links with local midwives, lactation consultants and health visitors and are engaged in exciting research into efficacy of treating babies and children.
And after treatment…
Usually patients feel an immediate benefit from osteopathic treatment. However, because they often come in pain and may have been in pain for some time, a mild reaction to treatment can occur. This will usually settle down within 48 hours. If you are at all concerned about your symptoms, please don’t hesitate to call Stillpoint and an osteopath will discuss these with you.
Insurance
We are recognised by most health insurers. Please contact them directly or consult your policy documents.
Cancellation Policy
Please give at least 24 hours’ notice if you wish to cancel your appointment. This helps us accommodate those who may be on our waiting list.
If you miss your appointment without telling us or cancel on the day (except in exceptional circumstances) The full appointment fee will be charged.
Book an appointment
If you’re interested in Osteopathy services at Stillpoint, you can get further information and book in by calling 01225 460 106
You can also look at our qualified practitioners below to see how to contact them directly.
Our Practitioners
Colette Tirimo
Colette is passionate about osteopathy and continually inspired by the human body’s capacity to adapt and heal. She feels her role as an osteopath is to support you to find health and balance.
Having worked in several busy London practices for over 10 years, Colette is experienced at managing a diverse range of symptoms and is keen to help you understand and unravel the underlying cause, and find ways to prevent their reoccurrence.
Since graduating, Colette has continued to expand her skills and practice. She completed a postgraduate diploma specialising in paediatric osteopathy while volunteering at the Osteopathic Centre for Children. It was during this experience that she developed a love for treating babies, children and women, pre and post-pregnancy. She has qualified in medical acupuncture and continuing to advance her cranial osteopathy skills with the Sutherland Cranial College.
Colette has always been fascinated by the human body having previously completed a BSc in Neuroscience and Psychology and a diploma in sports massage. Her holistic approach aims to encompass all elements of her training, using a combination of techniques tailored to each individual.
When not working, Colette can often be found balancing on a yoga mat, hiking in the countryside or exploring the delights of the Southwest following her recent move to the region.
If you would like to make an appointment, please phone reception on 01225 460106
Colette Tirimo
Colette is passionate about osteopathy and continually inspired by the human body’s capacity to adapt and heal. She feels her role as an osteopath is to support you to find health and balance.
Having worked in several busy London practices for over 10 years, Colette is experienced at managing a diverse range of symptoms and is keen to help you understand and unravel the underlying cause, and find ways to prevent their reoccurrence.
Since graduating, Colette has continued to expand her skills and practice. She completed a postgraduate diploma specialising in paediatric osteopathy while volunteering at the Osteopathic Centre for Children. It was during this experience that she developed a love for treating babies, children and women, pre and post-pregnancy. She has qualified in medical acupuncture and continuing to advance her cranial osteopathy skills with the Sutherland Cranial College.
Colette has always been fascinated by the human body having previously completed a BSc in Neuroscience and Psychology and a diploma in sports massage. Her holistic approach aims to encompass all elements of her training, using a combination of techniques tailored to each individual.
When not working, Colette can often be found balancing on a yoga mat, hiking in the countryside or exploring the delights of the Southwest following her recent move to the region.
If you would like to make an appointment, please phone reception on 01225 460106
Rose Bruneau
Rose has always been attracted to osteopathy due to its holistic view of the body and its ability to help individuals with a wide range of conditions.
Following a previous career in the charity sector, Rose retrained for 5 years at the University College of Osteopathy (formerly the British School of Osteopathy) with a masters’ degree. Having discovered a passion for treating pregnant women and children in her undergraduate training, Rose then completed a two-year diploma in paediatric
osteopathy at the Osteopathic Centre for Children (OCC) in London. She enjoyed working with a diverse range of patients at the children’s clinic where every day brought new challenges and opportunities.
As a registered osteopath, Rose continues to undertake regular courses in order to develop her skills. She enjoys working with various techniques tailored for each individual to allow an integrated approach to recovery.
Having worked in an award-winning East London clinic since 2015, Rose relocated to Bath with her family in early 2020. Rose is excited to join the Stillpoint team and work with Baby Check Bath, having heard of its great reputation since her time in London.
Outside of work Rose enjoys staying active with cycling, running and exercise classes. She also enjoys travelling, good food, and jumping around in the sea in a wetsuit.
Rose Bruneau
Rose has always been attracted to osteopathy due to its holistic view of the body and its ability to help individuals with a wide range of conditions.
Following a previous career in the charity sector, Rose retrained for 5 years at the University College of Osteopathy (formerly the British School of Osteopathy) with a masters’ degree. Having discovered a passion for treating pregnant women and children in her undergraduate training, Rose then completed a two-year diploma in paediatric
osteopathy at the Osteopathic Centre for Children (OCC) in London. She enjoyed working with a diverse range of patients at the children’s clinic where every day brought new challenges and opportunities.
As a registered osteopath, Rose continues to undertake regular courses in order to develop her skills. She enjoys working with various techniques tailored for each individual to allow an integrated approach to recovery.
Having worked in an award-winning East London clinic since 2015, Rose relocated to Bath with her family in early 2020. Rose is excited to join the Stillpoint team and work with Baby Check Bath, having heard of its great reputation since her time in London.
Outside of work Rose enjoys staying active with cycling, running and exercise classes. She also enjoys travelling, good food, and jumping around in the sea in a wetsuit.
Dorota Jedryszka
Dorota graduated from the European School of Osteopathy in Maidstone (Kent), where she completed a four-year Integrated Masters course in Osteopathic Medicine, including cranial, visceral and structural approaches. Dorota has developed a special interest in gentle and subtle techniques that tend to be very effective and safe for newborns, adults, children and the elderly, and she is undertaking further post-graduate study in the cranial field at the Sutherland Cranial College of Osteopathy.
Dorota is dedicated to helping her patients by adapting her treatments to suit each individual patient, as she understands that the root of musculoskeletal problems, although presenting similar symptoms, might be different for each individual.
Dorota was born in Lublin and grew up in Szczecin, Poland. Dorota originally trained as a nurse and worked in hospitals in Poland and in London. After studying craniosacral therapy in Warsaw, Dorota moved to the UK and re-trained as an Osteopath.
Dorota is passionate about balancing body, mind and spirit, therefore in her free time she is training her body with CrossFit and swimming, her mind with meditation and yoga and her stomach with 5 Elements philosophy cooking!
Dorota Jedryszka
Dorota graduated from the European School of Osteopathy in Maidstone (Kent), where she completed a four-year Integrated Masters course in Osteopathic Medicine, including cranial, visceral and structural approaches. Dorota has developed a special interest in gentle and subtle techniques that tend to be very effective and safe for newborns, adults, children and the elderly, and she is undertaking further post-graduate study in the cranial field at the Sutherland Cranial College of Osteopathy.
Dorota is dedicated to helping her patients by adapting her treatments to suit each individual patient, as she understands that the root of musculoskeletal problems, although presenting similar symptoms, might be different for each individual.
Dorota was born in Lublin and grew up in Szczecin, Poland. Dorota originally trained as a nurse and worked in hospitals in Poland and in London. After studying craniosacral therapy in Warsaw, Dorota moved to the UK and re-trained as an Osteopath.
Dorota is passionate about balancing body, mind and spirit, therefore in her free time she is training her body with CrossFit and swimming, her mind with meditation and yoga and her stomach with 5 Elements philosophy cooking!
Rosalind Ward
Rosalind began her training as an osteopath in 1997 and qualified as a Registered Osteopath in 2002, with a Bachelor of Science First Class Honours from the London School of Osteopathy, joining the Stillpoint team that same year.
Having first studied Psychology at the University of Manchester and then working in Manchester, London and Bristol, Rosalind returned to her home town of Bath to continue her work as an osteopath and to start a family.
Rosalind is a Fellow of the Sutherland Cranial College of Osteopathy, having completed this highly regarded and internationally recognised post-qualification training pathway.
Combining her knowledge of anatomy, physiology, principles of osteopathy, osteopathic techniques and of psychology makes for a fascinating and rewarding approach to restoring health and wellbeing.
Rosalind runs a popular family practice at Stillpoint clinic and is as happy treating injured Bath Half runners as working with longer-term physical and mental health issues. Children make up around a third of her patients, from newborns, toddlers and school children to teenagers and young adults. Some of her older patients are in their 90’s and especially benefit from a range of subtle and gentle techniques to encourage flexibility and ease of movement.
In addition to her clinical work, Rosalind is the research lead for Baby Check Bath, the charitable arm of Stillpoint, supporting local families by providing free post-natal osteopathic treatment for new mothers and babies. In partnership with the University of Bath and the Royal United Hospitals Trust, Rosalind has been developing a robust approach to research in measuring the effectiveness of these services, particularly in terms of patient satisfaction and wellbeing.
Rosalind is happy to discuss how osteopathy may be able to help you and your family and can be contacted at rosalind@stillpointbath.co.uk
Rosalind Ward
Rosalind began her training as an osteopath in 1997 and qualified as a Registered Osteopath in 2002, with a Bachelor of Science First Class Honours from the London School of Osteopathy, joining the Stillpoint team that same year.
Having first studied Psychology at the University of Manchester and then working in Manchester, London and Bristol, Rosalind returned to her home town of Bath to continue her work as an osteopath and to start a family.
Rosalind is a Fellow of the Sutherland Cranial College of Osteopathy, having completed this highly regarded and internationally recognised post-qualification training pathway.
Combining her knowledge of anatomy, physiology, principles of osteopathy, osteopathic techniques and of psychology makes for a fascinating and rewarding approach to restoring health and wellbeing.
Rosalind runs a popular family practice at Stillpoint clinic and is as happy treating injured Bath Half runners as working with longer-term physical and mental health issues. Children make up around a third of her patients, from newborns, toddlers and school children to teenagers and young adults. Some of her older patients are in their 90’s and especially benefit from a range of subtle and gentle techniques to encourage flexibility and ease of movement.
In addition to her clinical work, Rosalind is the research lead for Baby Check Bath, the charitable arm of Stillpoint, supporting local families by providing free post-natal osteopathic treatment for new mothers and babies. In partnership with the University of Bath and the Royal United Hospitals Trust, Rosalind has been developing a robust approach to research in measuring the effectiveness of these services, particularly in terms of patient satisfaction and wellbeing.
Rosalind is happy to discuss how osteopathy may be able to help you and your family and can be contacted at rosalind@stillpointbath.co.uk
Peter Cockhill
Osteopathy Practitioner at Stillpoint Bath
Peter graduated from the European School of Osteopathy in 1980, and he has been involved in undergraduate and postgraduate osteopathic education in the UK, Europe and Australia for many years. He is a past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Sutherland Cranial College of Osteopathy, one of the largest postgraduate teaching bodies.
He is particularly interested in the treatment of children and has initiated a pioneering service for newborn babies at the Pulteney Street GP Surgery. His long-term aim is to provide a free service for all newborn babies to be checked and treated osteopathically.
After graduating, Peter worked in a busy practice in London’s West End before moving to Bath to set up Stillpoint, one of the first osteopathic practices in the city. Getting large ground-floor premises in the centre of Bath has always been hard, but he managed to find the perfect site by the river off Walcot Street. Here, together with his martial arts friend and colleague, Adrian Baker(see ‘the dojo’), he has built a centre for health that is full of light and calm, where practitioners from different therapies can work together.
Peter found his way into osteopathy by needing treatment for a back injury in his early twenties. He found his osteopath extremely helpful and was inspired to take it up as a career. He says: “The beauty of osteopathy is its simple, gentle and powerful way of relieving pain and restoring health.” He uses all osteopathic approaches where appropriate and has been using cranial osteopathy for over 30 years.
Peter Cockhill
Osteopathy Practitioner at Stillpoint Bath
Peter graduated from the European School of Osteopathy in 1980, and he has been involved in undergraduate and postgraduate osteopathic education in the UK, Europe and Australia for many years. He is a past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Sutherland Cranial College of Osteopathy, one of the largest postgraduate teaching bodies.
He is particularly interested in the treatment of children and has initiated a pioneering service for newborn babies at the Pulteney Street GP Surgery. His long-term aim is to provide a free service for all newborn babies to be checked and treated osteopathically.
After graduating, Peter worked in a busy practice in London’s West End before moving to Bath to set up Stillpoint, one of the first osteopathic practices in the city. Getting large ground-floor premises in the centre of Bath has always been hard, but he managed to find the perfect site by the river off Walcot Street. Here, together with his martial arts friend and colleague, Adrian Baker(see ‘the dojo’), he has built a centre for health that is full of light and calm, where practitioners from different therapies can work together.
Peter found his way into osteopathy by needing treatment for a back injury in his early twenties. He found his osteopath extremely helpful and was inspired to take it up as a career. He says: “The beauty of osteopathy is its simple, gentle and powerful way of relieving pain and restoring health.” He uses all osteopathic approaches where appropriate and has been using cranial osteopathy for over 30 years.