The Diagnostic Process
At Key Osteopaths, the diagnostic process is a comprehensive and holistic approach that aims to identify the root causes of a patient’s discomfort or pain. Osteopaths are trained to look beyond the immediate symptoms and consider the body as a whole. The process typically begins with a detailed discussion about the patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and specific symptoms. This is followed by a physical examination that may include observing posture, gait, and range of motion, as well as palpating muscles and joints to detect areas of tenderness, stiffness, or imbalance.
Tools and Techniques Used
Osteopaths at Key Osteopaths use a variety of tools and techniques to aid in diagnosis. These can include:
Assessing the movement of specific joints and areas to identify restrictions or pain points.
Evaluating the alignment and posture of the body to identify any deviations that may contribute to pain or dysfunction.
Specific tests designed to assess the integrity and function of bones, joints, and muscles.


Role of Patient History and Physical Examination
The role of patient history and physical examination is crucial in osteopathic diagnosis. A detailed patient history provides essential information about past injuries, surgeries, chronic conditions, and lifestyle factors that may influence the current health status. This background information helps the osteopath understand potential underlying causes of the patient’s symptoms.
The physical examination allows the osteopath to observe and feel how the body moves and responds to certain maneuvers. This hands-on approach helps in identifying specific areas of dysfunction or pain. Together, the patient history and physical examination form the foundation of an accurate diagnosis, enabling the osteopath to create a personalised treatment plan tailored to the patient’s needs.
Anna, Principal Osteopath at Key OsteopathsAt Key Osteopaths, we specialise in diagnosing and treating back pain, whether it's from discs or muscles. Our personalised approach targets your specific needs for effective relief and improved mobility.
Common Diagnoses by Osteopaths

Musculoskeletal Disorders
Joint and Muscle Pain
Postural Problems
Sports Injuries
Chronic Pain Conditions
Rosie treated our baby boy for and it made a huge difference. After the treatment he started sleeping better and crying less. A big relif

Anna is a brilliant osteopath she has helped me with varioys limitations and helped improve my quality of life

Friendly and professional and most of all…effective! I had a really comprehensive assessment with Francesca who helped with a range of postpartum pelvis and back issues. I was given a… read more variety of different exercises to do at home and after just a couple of weeks I’ve noticed a huge improvement. Thanks Francesca and Anna.

Specialised Areas of Diagnosis

Paediatric Osteopathy
Geriatric Osteopathy


Prenatal and Postnatal Osteopathy
Anna, Principal Osteopath at Key OsteopathsAt Key Osteopaths, we diagnose and treat disc-related back pain with precision. Our osteopaths conduct a thorough examination in order to identify issues like herniated discs. Our holistic approach employs non-invasive techniques to alleviate pain and enhance natural healing.
Diagnostic Challenges and Considerations

Differential Diagnosis
Coexisting Medical Conditions
Referrals to Other Specialists

MEET THE
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How to Prepare for an Osteopathic Consultation

What Information to Provide
Questions to Ask
- What is the likely cause of my symptoms?
- What treatment options are available, and how do they work?
- How many sessions will I need, and how often should they be scheduled?
- What can I do at home to support my treatment and recovery?
- Are there any activities or movements I should avoid?


Understanding Your Diagnosis
I can not recommend Anna more…..she has totally helped me sort my lower back after a slipped disc. I now see her regularly just to prevent any further issues with… read more my back. She has worked magic! I have recommended her to many friends and family who have equally been really pleased with her.


What Does an Osteopath Diagnose?
Comprehensive Insights from Key Osteopaths
From musculoskeletal disorders and joint pain to sports injuries and chronic pain conditions, osteopaths diagnose a wide range of conditions. At Key Osteopaths, our holistic approach ensures that we consider all aspects of your health to provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans. Specialised areas such as paediatric, geriatric, and prenatal/postnatal osteopathy allow us to cater to patients of all ages and stages of life.
Understanding the diagnostic process, the common conditions treated, and the specialised areas of osteopathy can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare. By preparing adequately for your consultation and actively engaging with your osteopath, you can maximise the benefits of your treatment and support your journey to optimal health.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Key Osteopaths. Our team is dedicated to providing personalised and effective care tailored to your unique needs. Take the next step towards better health and well-being by booking your appointment today. We look forward to helping you achieve a pain-free and active lifestyle.