Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a safe, natural and holistic form of diagnosis and physical therapy used to assist with the recovery of a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. Each treatment is tailored specifically to the needs of the individual.
Osteopathy involves gentle and specific palpation (touch), mobilisation and soft tissue techniques of the joints and muscles to evaluate and ease areas of weakness, imbalance and excess strain throughout the body. Osteopathic management not only focuses on the prevention of injuries, but also the recovery. Your osteopath will always provide you with exercise and postural advice in order to maximise your progress whilst working to limit the risk of reoccurrence in the future.
Following completion of a (minimum) four year full time Bachelor degree in Osteopathy (B.Ost), osteopaths are required by law to maintain registration with the profession's governing body - The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) as well as full indemnity insurance. Please see www.osteopathy.org.uk for more information.
Your osteopath will take a full and detailed case history, which will include presenting problem, previous relevant medical history and general health questioning. We ask that patients provide us with full and accurate information so that your osteopath can provide an effective treatment plan focusing on the patients’ specific needs.
After the case history, in order to allow your osteopath to carry out a thorough physical assessment, we advise wearing loose and comfortable clothing to appointments. Patients may be asked to remove certain items of clothing, however this remains entirely at the discretion of the patient and we are always respectful of any requirements and wishes. The physical assessment is carried out using a series of active and passive movements, observation, specific palpation and neurological examination (where indicated) of the appropriate areas of the body. Your osteopath will then form an osteopathic diagnosis based on the case history including lifestyle factors (occupation, hobbies) and physical examination.
A treatment and management plan will be developed appropriate to the patient's individual requirements, which your osteopath will explain prior to commencing treatment. We always endeavour to provide our patients with appropriate exercises and advice in order to maximise the beneficial effects of treatment and to help prevent future recurrence.
Osteopathic treatment involves the use of highly skilled palpation of the body, in particular the joints and muscles. Treatment techniques include joint mobilisation, manipulation to improve mobility and range of movement of specific joints, soft tissue massage, stretching, traction and gentle release techniques. As every treatment is tailored, the application of techniques will vary according to the patients’ needs.
All osteopathic sessions are approximately 30 minutes duration. Within the initial session your osteopath will take a detailed case history and examination in order to ensure an effective and appropriate treatment plan. We always aim to provide treatment during this first session.
As part of your treatment plan, your osteopath will give you an indication as to how many sessions you may require. Every case is different and some patients may require only one or two sessions, however others, for example more chronic conditions, may require ongoing 'maintenance' treatment. In these instances we will regularly review the treatment and management plan with the patient to ensure we have a clear, agreed understanding of the purpose and benefits of continued treatment.
Following osteopathic treatment, some patients may experience transient stiffness and/or soreness, this may last from a few hours to a couple of days. This is normal and a result of the physical nature of osteopathic treatment. Your osteopath will advise you of ways to minimise treatment reaction. However, if you have any concerns about the discomfort that you are experiencing following treatment then we ask that you contact your osteopath so that we may take the appropriate, prompt action.
Patients are welcome to be accompanied by a friend or relative during treatment sessions. If you require a chaperone to be provided by the practice, please advise when booking so a convenient appointment can be arranged.
Individuals under the age of 18 are required to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times.
Registered Osteopaths
Nina Leadbeater B.Ost Registered Osteopath
In 2004, after graduating with a Bachelors degree in Osteopathy from the British School of Osteopathy in London, Nina returned to her hometown of Bristol working as an associate at two large multi-disciplinary clinics and alongside GPs at Southville Surgery providing both private and NHS funded osteopathy to the public. Nina founded Belmont House Osteopaths, with a vision to provide top quality, accessible osteopathic and complementary care, suitable for the whole family in North Bristol.
Nina enjoys treating a wide range of patients, from the newborn to the elderly and regularly works alongside local sports teams, running clubs as well as mixed martial arts clubs.
As part of her continued professional development, Nina has completed specialist post-graduate courses in cranial osteopathy (babies and children) and has a keen interest in sports osteopathy, biomechanics as well as pre & post-natal care.
As well as keeping busy with her three young boys, Nina enjoys an active lifestyle and regularly takes part in charity events including Tough Mudder and the 24 hour fitness challenge ‘24in24’ for Bristol based charity The Capella Foundation (see www.thecapellafoundation.com for more information).
Laura Humphries B.Ost MSc(PaedOst) Masters in Paediatric Osteopathy
After graduating with a Bachelors degree in osteopathy from the British School of Osteopathy in 2004, Laura went on to further her studies, becoming one of the first in the country to complete her Masters degree in Paediatric Osteopathy. As part of her MSc, Laura worked part-time for three years at The Osteopathic Centre for Children – the clinical arm of the Foundation for Paediatric Osteopathy, based in London (www.occ.uk.com). This also included working at the outreach clinic in the premature baby unit in Barnet Hospital.
Since completing her MSc and moving to Bristol, Laura has continued to specialise in the treatment of children and pregnancy, with a personal interest in sleep issues. Laura has also maintained a good general practice base and has spent 5 years as the first team osteopath for a local rugby team and enjoys the variety this has brought to her everyday practice. Laura has also assisted fellow osteopaths, working as a tutor for postgraduate cranial courses in London.
Robyn Ash M.Ost
Robyn Ash graduated from the European School of Osteopathy with a Masters degree in Osteopathy. Robyn enjoys treating patients from all walks of life, from children to the elderly.
She believes in using a combination of hands-on treatment, exercise rehabilitation and simple lifestyle changes, in order to improve the body's function and overall health.
Robyn uses a wide range of techniques including joint mobilisation, manipulation, muscle energy techniques and soft tissue massage. She is also qualified in Western Medical Acupuncture, which she integrates into her osteopathic treatments.
Outside of Osteopathy, Robyn likes to keep active and enjoys hiking, cycling and practising yoga.
Rebecca Austen M.A M.Ost CPO
Rebecca qualified as an Osteopath after receiving a first class degree from Swansea University. She has experience working with patients aged 7 days old to over 80 years old and enjoys what each of these patients can teach her. Since graduating, she has undergone further training in cranial osteopathy as well as ongoing studies for a Diploma in paediatric, pregnancy and post-partum osteopathy at the Osteopathic Centre for Children in London.
As a runner and climber Rebecca appreciates the importance of moving pain free, so her aim is to facilitate patients to feel comfortable in their own bodies, regain confidence and return to regular activities in a way that works for them.
Rebecca's qualifications and training include:
- Master in Osteopathy at Swansea University
- Certificate in Paediatric Osteopathy at the Osteopathic Centre for Children
- Osteopathy in the Cranial Field at the Sutherland Cranial College of Osteopathy
- Functional Neuromuscular Rehabilitation with Eyal Lederman
Harry Greaney M.Ost Registered OsteopathHarry’s fascination with the human body began when he developed a strong interest in strength and conditioning training and competitive powerlifting during his teenage years through to adulthood. Harry wanted to understand more about injury recovery and prevention and loved every minute studying a 4-year Osteopathy degree at Swansea University where he graduated with a First-class M.Ost degree. He is committed to staying up to date with the latest evidence in the osteopathic profession so he can provide the best possible care to his patients.
Harry favours a structural approach to his treatments, combining manual techniques, such as soft tissue, joint manipulation, mobilization, and stretching exercises He listens carefully to his patients and devises a treatment plan to address the root cause of the problem, often prescribing home exercises or rehab plans so his patients can be involved in the recovery process and take steps to prevent future injury. Harry aims to restore balance, alleviate pain, and improve overall function.
Harry enjoys treating people of all ages and conditions, so whether you are seeking relief from chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or looking to improve your overall musculoskeletal health, Harry is here to guide you every step of the way.
