Birch House Osteopathic Clinic

Birch House Osteopathic Clinic operates from one site in Bristol, in the Yate area. It provides osteopathy, with care focused on the musculoskeletal system, including the bones, muscles and joints. Patients are seen by Tom or Nina, and a GP referral is not needed to book an appointment.

A first visit includes a detailed case history covering symptoms, the reason for attending, and past and current medical conditions. The osteopath may ask the patient to carry out movements so they can assess joint and soft tissue movement and general posture, then judge whether osteopathic treatment is appropriate and which techniques are safe to use.

Treatment is hands-on and may include massage, stretching, articulation, muscle energy techniques, counterstrain, manipulation or adjustments, and functional techniques for gentle joint mobilisation. The clinic may also provide stretches, exercises, and advice about suitable physical activity after treatment.

The clinic can refer privately for X-rays or MRI scans through Cobalt Imaging in Cheltenham, or refer back to a GP to request imaging through the NHS. It may also refer people to minor injuries or A&E where it thinks an emergency needs assessment, such as a suspected broken bone.

Patients may bring a chaperone, and the clinic provides towels and a gown during treatment if needed. Osteopathy is a regulated profession in the UK, and only practitioners registered with the General Osteopathic Council may call themselves osteopaths.

Tom has completed a postgraduate diploma in veterinary osteopathy and often treats dogs at the clinic. Local visits around Yate may sometimes be possible for animal treatment, where stated by the clinic.