When it comes to treating aches, pains, and movement issues, you might wonder which type of practitioner is right for you. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand the differences:
Osteopaths take a whole-body approach to health. They focus on how the muscles, joints, nerves, and organs work together. Treatment often includes gentle hands-on techniques like massage, stretching, and joint movement to improve function and reduce pain. Chiropractors mainly focus on the spine and nervous system. They use spinal adjustments (sometimes with a “click” or “crack”) to help restore alignment and relieve pressure on nerves. Physiotherapists help with recovery and rehabilitation after injury, surgery, or illness. They use exercise programmes, hands-on treatment, and advice to get you moving better and feeling stronger.
How do you know who to choose?
That is entirely your choice, if you have any queries or questions, please contact us.
As you can imagine this is one of the questions we are asked most when people first get in touch with us. Although people have often heard of the term osteopathy they often don’t know what it really entails and the range of treatments that it can include. Whilst osteopathy is most commonly linked to back pain treatment not many people know that it can also treat headaches, sports injuries and even poor sleep.
You might have heard about osteopathy and be wondering what it actually involves. Here at Cotswold Holistic Health I provide structural osteopathy that works through the neuro-muscuo-skeletal system, which focuses mostly on muscles and joints. I pay special attention to how the internal organs affect and are affected by that system. Osteopaths use gentle massage and manipulation to help bring your body gently back to health. I can also provide lifestyle, specific exercises and guidance on posture too.
Osteopathy is complementary to other medical practices and can be used to treat a wide range of conditions from chronic back pain to pregnancy related joint issues. There is no age limit on who can benefit from osteopathy and I have worked with clients of all ages.
Osteopathy was founded in the late 1800’s in America by a doctor named Andrew Taylor Still. It was a time when many medical or surgical treatments were ineffective or in some cases downright dangerous. Andrew Taylor Still felt that to gain optimum health all parts of the body needed to work together in harmony. Using his osteopathic techniques he started to treat patients for a wide range of conditions.
Taylor Still began to teach pupils his methods and his student J Martin Littlejohn was responsible for bringing osteopathy to the UK – founding the British School of Osteopathy in 1917. Since that time osteopathic training and techniques have continued to evolve and improve. Osteopathy is now taught in a number of universities across England.
Osteopathy today
Osteopathy is now a respected and regulated discipline and is even available on the NHS in some areas. A qualified osteopath will need to have completed a 4-5 year degree course and we will also continue to develop and expand our knowledge throughout our professional life.
Osteopaths today often practice alongside GP’s, nurses or midwives. We can also work with practitioners of complementary medicine who take the more holistic route to wellbeing.
Whether you’re visiting for Osteopathy or Massage, your appointment is designed to be thorough, unrushed and tailored to you.
You can expect:
Our aim is not just short-term relief but to understand why your symptoms are there.
Yes, osteopathy is generally considered safe when practiced by a qualified and registered osteopath. In the UK, osteopaths must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), which ensures they meet strict standards for training, professionalism, and patient care. Before being registered, osteopaths complete a recognised degree and clinical training.
You may be asked to undress to your underwear so we can carry out a full assessment. As osteopaths, we consider the whole body—not just the area where you’re experiencing symptoms. This means we may need to examine other areas to understand the root cause of your problem. Please wear comfortable, appropriate underwear or bring a pair of shorts if you prefer. We understand that some people may feel uneasy about undressing, and that’s completely normal—please don’t feel embarrassed.
You’re welcome to bring a friend or relative with you if it helps you feel more comfortable. Once the examination is complete and you’re lying on the treatment table, we can offer a blanket to keep you covered during treatment. If you have any concerns about undressing, please speak to us—we’ll do our best to adapt the examination and treatment in a way that respects your comfort and preferences.
Some deep tissue techniques used during treatment can feel a little uncomfortable, but overall, osteopathic treatment should not be painful. Your osteopath will always check in with you to ensure that any technique used stays within your comfort levels. You’re encouraged to speak up at any time if something feels too uncomfortable.
There’s a difference between “good pain” and “bad pain.” “Good pain” often feels like the technique is targeting a tight or restricted area—it might be intense, but it feels helpful and productive. Many patients find this reassuring, as it confirms we’ve found the area contributing to their symptoms.
“Bad pain,” on the other hand, feels wrong or sharp and is not something you should experience during treatment.
If at any point you feel discomfort, please let us know. Your ability to relax is essential—when your body is at ease, treatment is more effective. If you’re tense or uncomfortable, even the most well-chosen technique may not have the desired benefit.
It’s also normal to feel a little sore or stiff for 24–48 hours after treatment. This is similar to the feeling you might get after trying a new exercise or using muscles you haven’t used in a while.
Yes, we do – but more importantly, we treat you.
At Cotswold Holistic Health, we don’t just focus on individual conditions—we look at your whole body and how everything is connected. People come to us with a wide range of issues, including:
If you’re not sure whether osteopathy is right for you, feel free to get in touch—we’re always happy to discuss your concerns.
Our osteopaths are trained to view your body as a whole. For example, if you’re experiencing knee pain, the root cause could be an imbalance in your pelvis. Simply treating the knee might offer short-term relief, but unless the underlying issue is addressed, the symptoms are likely to return.
That’s the beauty of osteopathy at Cotswold Holistic Health—we aim to uncover and treat the cause of your symptoms, not just the site of pain. We also consider lifestyle factors, such as posture, work habits, and stress, and can offer guidance to help you improve these areas and support your overall wellbeing.
Many people ask whether they should choose Physiotherapy or Osteopathy. The answer depends on your individual needs, and that’s exactly why we have both professions together under one roof.
If it has been more than 12 months since your last visit, your body and health history may have changed.
A longer appointment allows us to:
This ensures your care remains accurate, personalised and clinically appropriate.
Administrative and Clinical Reports
Requests for letters, reports, MRI referrals, and other administrative work outside a consultation may incur a fee. Charges reflect the clinician’s time required to prepare letters or write a referral for an MRI and will be confirmed before work is undertaken.
Copies of medical records requested under UK GDPR subject access rights are normally provided free of charge.
**Pricing information is detailed on our pricing page**
At Cotswold Holistic Health, payment for all appointments is required in full at the time of treatment, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
If you intend to claim the cost of your treatment through a private medical insurer, health cash plan, employer benefit scheme, or any other third-party provider, it remains your responsibility to check eligibility, practitioner requirements, policy terms, and reimbursement levels before attending your appointment.
We are happy to provide receipts and supporting documentation where appropriate; however, we cannot guarantee that treatment costs will be reimbursed by your insurer or scheme provider.
Patients remain solely responsible for payment of all fees incurred, regardless of whether an insurance claim is accepted, declined, delayed, or partially reimbursed. Cotswold Holistic Health is not liable for any costs that are not covered by an insurer, health plan, or third-party provider.
It is the patient’s responsibility to ensure that the treating practitioner meets the registration, accreditation, or membership requirements of their insurer or reimbursement scheme before booking treatment. Information regarding practitioner qualifications and professional registrations is available upon request.
By booking and attending an appointment, you acknowledge and accept responsibility for payment of all treatment fees and understand that any claim for reimbursement is a separate arrangement between you and your insurer or benefit provider.
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