Home / Treatments / Osteopathy / OSTEOPATHY

Osteopathy at thepractice

Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. It works with the structure and function of the body, and is based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues functioning smoothly together.

Appointment Details

To a registered Osteopath, for your body to work well, its structure must also work well. So Osteopaths work to restore your body to a state of balance, where possible without the use of drugs or surgery. Osteopaths use touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension, to enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues, and to help your body’s own healing mechanisms. We may also provide advice on posture and exercise to aid recovery, promote health and prevent symptoms recurring.

Osteopaths’ patients include the young, older people, manual workers, office professionals, pregnant women, children and sports people. Patients seek treatment for a wide variety of conditions including back pain, repetitive strain injury, changes to posture in pregnancy, postural problems caused by driving or work strain, the pain of arthritis and minor sports injuries.

Simon qualified in 2004 from the British School of Osteopathy in London as a Registered Osteopath.

Returning to his home town of Totnes he opened thepractice with his wife Jacqui, who is a Body Control Pilates Teacher. This combines well with Osteopathy to give clients a more effective treatment outcome.







Having worked in insurance in the City before retraining as an osteopath, Duncan understands the impact that ongoing stress and effort has on the body and mind, and his research into the neuro-physiology of pain equips him with the knowledge and skills to help you work, function and feel better.

In addition to pain, Duncan has a particular interest in the relationships between stress, chronic pain and digestive function. After he graduated with distinction from the British School of Osteopathy, he completed additional studies in visceral manipulation with the Barral Institute. Sports Massage, and dry needling.

As a martial arts, climbing and cycling enthusiast, he understands the frustration an injury can cause to your sporting progress, and is also registered with the British Academy of Performing Arts Medicine.

Book an appointment

With patient consent Simon and Duncan combine structural Osteopathic techniques such as joint articulation, massage, low amplitude high velocity thrusts (clicking of the joints) and very gentle Cranial Osteopathic techniques which are suitable from the newborn to the old.

The aim of treatment is to help all clients feel comfortable, listened to and to be involved in all treatment decisions, enabling and supporting an effective recovery to good health

Book an appointment

As Osteopaths we consider each person as an individual. On your first visit to thepractice, Totnes, we will spend time taking a detailed medical history, including information about your lifestyle and diet. You will normally be asked to undress to your underwear and perform a series of simple movements. We use our hands to identify abnormalities in the structure and function of a body, and to assess areas of weakness, tenderness, restriction or strain. By this means, we will make a full diagnosis and discuss with you the most appropriate treatment plan, estimating the likely number of sessions needed to treat your condition effectively.

We work with your body’s ability to heal itself. We will usually start any treatment by releasing and relaxing muscles and stretching stiff joints, using gentle massage and rhythmic joint movements. The particular range of techniques we use will depend on your problem.

The first treatment generally lasts about 60 minutes (to allow for case history taking and diagnosis) and for subsequent treatments we allow up to an hour. We may also offer added exercises and health advice, to help reduce the symptoms and improve your health and quality of life.


Most patients 'self refer' to an Osteopath for treatment. Although referral by a GP is not necessary, patients are encouraged to keep both their GP and osteopath fully informed, so that their medical records are current and complete and the patient receives the best possible care from both healthcare practitioners.

Osteopaths are skilled in diagnostic techniques and trained to identify when a patient needs to be referred to a GP.

In the unlikely event of a complaint and for your peace of mind please download our compliants procedure

Download
How much

does treatment cost?

Most people visit an Osteopath as a private patient and pay for their treatment.

It's time to look after yourself

Subscribe to our Newsletter to be the first to know about events and workshops at thepractice