(2-minute read)
As an experienced osteopath in Henleaze, I often get patients asking me for advice on physical therapy in Bristol, to help them with various issues and conditions.
I would start by saying that physical therapy in Bristol covers anything involving physical manipulation (the physical manual treatment) of muscles, ligaments, joints and the skeleton.
Osteopathy is a safe and effective type of physical therapy requiring a specialist osteopathy degree qualification.
Osteopathy as a profession is regulated by a governing body called the GOsC.
Why is physical therapy useful?
Physical therapy is useful for patients across Bristol with body injuries such as muscular injuries, ligament damage, joint and skeletal issues, including chronic issues like arthritis, as well as being great for injury prevention.
What body areas are treated?
Physical therapy is therefore commonly used in Bristol osteopathic clinics to treat the neck and shoulders, lower back, hips, arms, wrists, ankles and knees.
It can also be used to help internal respiratory issues such as bronchitis and asthma, as well as chronic headaches and migraines.
Why book an osteopath for physical therapy?
Osteopaths use a holistic, whole-body approach when it comes to diagnosis and physical therapy treatments in Bristol.
This makes osteopathy an excellent choice for a broad range of issues.
I diagnose and treat a wide range of patients, and can carefully and confidently identify if a patient will benefit from physical therapy (osteopathic) treatment with me.
I wrote an article to help patients decide whether they need to book an osteopath, a chiropractor or a physiotherapist. Visit here to find out more.
Briefly, a chiropractor generally works on spinal alignment, whilst a physiotherapist will treat specialist areas of the body.
Why do you need physical therapy?
I advise patients to be mindful of their bodies when it comes to needing physical therapy treatments in Bristol. Prevention is always better than cure, whenever possible.
A patient may benefit from physical therapy if they notice pain, aching or stiffness in their body, or sharper pains in joints, muscles or even pain in distant areas such as their fingers or toes.
Who can benefit from physical therapy?
I treat a broad range of patients using osteopathic physical therapy, including:
Elderly patients with chronic long-term conditions
Middle-aged patients with poor posture, reduced flexibility and deconditioned muscles or joints.
Younger patients, including acute injuries such as a sporting injury, and growing issues.
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To make a booking for a physical therapy consultation at my osteopathic clinic in Bristol, please visit here.