Woburn Osteopaths

Woburn Osteopaths Woburn Osteopaths is a patient-centred practice with accessible service. We are a skilled, well-qualified & friendly multi-disciplinary team. What is osteopathy?

About Woburn Osteopaths:
Woburn Osteopaths is a patient-centred practice with accessible service. We are a skilled, well-qualified and friendly team of registered osteopaths practising within Woburn’s newly converted Old Fire Station. Treatments:
Osteopathy | Acupuncture | Sports Massage

Private health insurers accepted.

24-hour answering service and free parking available. Full disabled access. Osteopathy is a primary health care system complementary to other medical practices. It focuses on the adjustment of poor musculoskeletal function, allowing the body to heal naturally and efficiently. Osteopathy can provide relief for simple mechanical problems and contribute to the management of a range of long-term complaints. Osteopaths consider a person’s physical and emotional state in their approach to the restoration of normal tissue health and function. Osteopathy is suitable for almost anyone from babies to the elderly. The General Osteopathic Council has regulated all osteopaths in the UK since 1993. What sort of conditions can osteopathy help? Back pain - disc and joint problems, sciatica, muscle spasm and non-specific low back pain. Head and neck pain - headaches arising from the neck (cervicogenic), migraine prevention and jaw pain. Sports injuries - muscle/tendon strains, joint sprains, repetitive use injuries (e.g. tennis elbow) and cramp. Occupational complaints - postural problems (desk and driving-related), repetitive strains and the inability to relax. Pain in pregnancy - back pain, p***c symphysis dysfunction, difficulty breathing, rib pain, heartburn, carpal tunnel syndrome, swollen ankles and varicose veins. As we get older - arthritic pain, joint stiffness, osteoarthritis (wear and tear). General - frozen shoulder, neuralgia, fibromyalgia, rheumatic pain, digestive and/or circulatory problems. Babies and children - mechanical stresses and strains associated with birth and activities, which osteopaths believe could contribute to different problems as the child grows.

🩻 The Spine: The spine is the body’s central support & the main communication hub between the brain & body.It is made up...
02/11/2025

🩻 The Spine:

The spine is the body’s central support & the main communication hub between the brain & body.

It is made up of 33 vertebrae divided into cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral & coccygeal regions.

It protects the spinal cord — the ‘data cable’ of the nervous system.

It provides structure, flexibility & balance for everyday movement.

⚡️ Spinal Nerves:

31 pairs branch out from the spinal cord through tiny openings between vertebrae.

Each nerve carries messages between the brain & specific muscles, organs & skin areas.

If spinal joints become restricted or irritated, these nerve pathways are also affected — sometimes leading to pain, tingling or weakness.

🤝 Osteopathy & Conditions Affecting The Spine:

Osteopathic treatment helps improve spinal mobility, reduce tension & restore healthy nerve communication.

(1) Cervical (Neck) Spine Conditions

➡️ Cervical spondylosis (age-related wear & tear of neck joints)

➡️ Neck strain/sprain (from poor posture or sudden movement)

➡️ Whiplash-associated disorders (after car accidents or trauma)

➡️ Cervicogenic headaches (headaches originating from the neck)

➡️ Torticollis (wry neck) – abnormal neck posture due to muscle spasm or joint irritation

(2) Thoracic (Mid-Back) Spine Conditions

➡️ Postural strain (from prolonged sitting, computer work, etc.)

➡️ Costovertebral/costotransverse joint pain (rib & spine junction irritation)

➡️ Muscle tension & myofascial pain in the upper back & shoulders

(3) Lumbar (Lower Back) Spine

➡️ Mechanical low back pain

➡️ Facet joint dysfunction (irritation of the small joints in the spine)

➡️ Lumbar disc herniation / disc prolapse (with or without nerve root irritation or sciatica)

➡️ Sciatica (pain radiating down the leg due to nerve compression)

➡️ Sacroiliac joint dysfunction (pain in the pelvis or lower back region)

➡️ Degenerative disc disease / osteoarthritis of the spine

(4) Sacrum / Coccygeal Region

➡️ Coccyx dysfunction (trauma / result of childbirth)

Are you struggling with spinal symptoms? Contact this week.

💡Link in bio.

Is your body ready for the 2025/26 ski season?Skiing & snowboarding are incredible fun — the fresh air, the views, the a...
22/10/2025

Is your body ready for the 2025/26 ski season?

Skiing & snowboarding are incredible fun — the fresh air, the views, the après-ski… what’s not to love?

At Woburn Osteopaths, we’re already seeing people needing and wanting to get ski-fit.

🚩Key joints at risk during skiing & snowboarding:

1. Knees – the most commonly injured joint! They take a lot of strain during turning, stopping & absorbing bumps.

2. Hips – need to be strong & mobile to help with balance & carving.

3. Lower back – twisting & staying in a semi-squat position all day can lead to stiffness or even injury.

4. Ankles – less mobile in ski boots, but still crucial for shock absorption & alignment.

If any of these are stiff, weak or already have a previous history of injury, skiing & snowboarding can each put you at higher risk of injury.

🚩Major muscle groups used:

1. Quadriceps – control your descent & absorb shock

2. Glutes – help with stability & control during turns

3. Hamstrings – work hard to support the knees

4. Core muscles – essential for balance, posture & protecting the spine

5. Calves & shins – help with edge control & balance, especially in ski boots

💡 A little pre-season prep goes a long way: strength training, mobility work & simple balance drills you can do at home.

♥️ Osteopathy for skiers & snowboarders in advance will help to:

✅ Identify joint restrictions
✅ Improve mobility & alignment
✅ Help prevent common ski injuries
✅ Support recovery if you’re managing a previous injury

🗓️ Book in early to make sure your body is working with you, not against you, on the slopes this season! Link in bio 👍

UK osteopaths are highly trained healthcare professionals — both qualification & regulation structure is well defined & ...
20/10/2025

UK osteopaths are highly trained healthcare professionals — both qualification & regulation structure is well defined & legally protected.

🚩Education & Qualifications

1. Degree Requirement

To practise in the UK, osteopaths must complete a degree in osteopathy that is approved by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).

The degree is typically a Bachelor of Osteopathy (BOst), Bachelor of Science (BSc Hons Osteopathy), or Master of Osteopathy (MOst).

Duration:
Full-time: 4 years
Part-time: 5–6 years (for mature students or those working alongside study)

2. Course Content

Osteopathy degrees are hands-on & science-based, covering:

✅ Human anatomy, physiology & biomechanics

✅ Pathology & clinical medicine

✅ Osteopathic technique & manual therapy skills

✅ Case-based clinical reasoning

✅ Exercise & rehabilitation

✅ Professional conduct & ethics

✅ Over 1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice in teaching clinics

3. Regulation & Registration

The GOsC is the statutory regulator for osteopaths in the UK.

Registration shows that the osteopath has:

✅ Completed an approved qualification

✅ Met professional & ethical standards

✅ Holds appropriate insurance & CPD commitments

4. Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Registered osteopaths must complete a minimum of 90 hours of CPD every 3 years, including:

✅ Clinical skills updates

✅ Patient safety & communication training

✅ Peer discussions or case reflections

✅ Ongoing professional development in areas such as pain science, sports injury or rehabilitation

✅ Professional Recognition

5. Protected Title

“Osteopath” is a protected title under the Osteopaths Act 1993 — only those registered with the GOsC can use it.

🚩Neck mobility can be restricted by:✅ Muscle tension✅ Joint dysfunction in the cervical or upper thoracic spine✅ Postura...
19/10/2025

🚩Neck mobility can be restricted by:

✅ Muscle tension
✅ Joint dysfunction in the cervical or upper thoracic spine
✅ Postural strain (desk work, phone use, driving)
✅ Whiplash or repetitive strain injuries
✅ Stress-related muscular guarding

🚩Osteopathic Approach

Osteopaths use hands-on techniques to restore normal movement & function include:

👍 Soft Tissue Techniques

Gentle massage & stretching to release muscle tension & improve local blood flow.

👍 Articulation & Mobilisation

Repetitive, rhythmical movements to improve joint range of motion without forceful manipulation.

👍 High-Velocity Low-Amplitude (HVLA) Manipulation

A quick, precise thrust to release joint restrictions. Used selectively & only when appropriate.

👍 Muscle Energy Techniques (MET)

The patient actively contracts muscles against resistance to help realign & lengthen restricted tissues.

👍 Postural & Ergonomic Advice

Osteopaths often address contributing factors such as desk setup, sleep position or exercise habits.

🚩Neck Mobility at Home

✅ Gentle range-of-motion exercises (slow rotations, side bends)

✅ Heat application for muscle relaxation

✅ Proper ergonomic workstation setup

✅ Regular movement breaks & posture awareness

✅ Strengthening deep neck flexors & upper back muscles

🚩Are you struggling with reduced neck mobility? Contact us this week for an appointment.

📱Booking link in bio.

Have you ever noticed that your knees, hips or hands feel stiffer when it’s cold? 💠 Reduced circulation – cold causes bl...
13/10/2025

Have you ever noticed that your knees, hips or hands feel stiffer when it’s cold?

💠 Reduced circulation – cold causes blood vessels to tighten, so muscles & joints get less warm blood.

💠 Thicker joint fluid – synovial fluid moves more slowly in the cold, making joints feel stiff.

💠 Barometric pressure drops - tissue around joints can expand slightly, irritating sensitive nerves.

💠 Muscle tension – the body naturally tenses in the cold, which can restrict movement & cause aches.

💠 Osteopathy looks at how the body adapts to stress.

When joints stiffen & muscles tighten, it disrupts the flow of blood, lymph & nerve signals.

By restoring motion & balance, osteopathic treatment helps the body to warm up & move freely again.

💠 Tips to beat the chill

1. Keep moving — gentle motion keeps joints lubricated.
2. Stay warm — layers, heat packs, warm baths.
3. Hydrate — tissues move better when hydrated.
4. Book an osteopathic treatment to help maintain joint mobility & circulation.

💠 Move better. Feel warmer. Function fully.

💠 Online booking in bio.

World Mental Health Day is observed every year on 10th October. It’s a day dedicated to raising awareness about mental h...
10/10/2025

World Mental Health Day is observed every year on 10th October. It’s a day dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues, fighting stigma & promoting mental well-being around the world.

Each year has a specific theme — for 2025, the official theme (announced by the World Health Organization) focuses on “Mental Health as a Universal Human Right.”

Here are a few key points:

🩵 Purpose:

To make mental health & well-being a global priority.

To encourage open conversations & reduce stigma.

To advocate for better access to mental health care & support.

🩵 Simple ways to support mental health today:

Take a mindful break — breathe, walk, rest.

Reach out to someone you care about.

Reflect on your own well-being & seek support if needed.

are delighted to support World Mental Health Day 2025.

05/10/2025

We often hear terms like slipped disc, disc bulge or disc herniation — but what do they actually mean?

1. What is an Intervertebral Disc (ID)?

Each ID sits between the spinal vertebrae, like a small cushion made of 2 parts:

1. Annulus Fibrosus (tough outer ring)
2. Nucleus Pulposus (gel-like centre)

IDs allow the spine to move, bend & absorb shock — they are strong & flexible.

2. What happens when there is an ID ‘issue’?

IDs can change shape or respond to strain, like any other tissue.

🔎 Common terms include:

✅ Disc bulge: the ID’s outer wall stays intact but the disc slightly bulges outward.

Very common, often completely symptom-free.

✅ Disc herniation (or prolapse): the inner material pushes through part of the outer wall.

Can irritate a nearby nerve — sometimes causing leg pain, tingling or sciatica-type symptoms.

✅ Disc degeneration (spondylosis): over time, discs naturally lose water & height.

Very normal - occurs at varying speed with each parson.

3. Why can it hurt? 🤕

ID changes can cause inflammation or nerve irritation, leading to pain down the leg, numbness or stiffness — but the body is excellent at adapting & healing.

Most ID issues improve naturally within weeks or months, especially with movement, exercise & good support!

4. How can Osteopathy help?

✅ Reduce spinal muscle spasm & tension
✅ Improve movement & spinal alignment
✅ Support healthy nerve function
✅ Guide patients through safe, progressive exercises
✅ Rebuild patient confidence in the body’s ability to move.

Most people recover without surgery &, with the right approach, can get back to doing what they love.

The spine is resilient, adaptable & designed for movement.

Contact this week for help! Booking link in bio.

What is Sciatica?⚡️Sciatica refers to pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve — the longest nerve ...
03/10/2025

What is Sciatica?⚡️

Sciatica refers to pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve — the longest nerve in the body, running from the lower back (lumbar spine), through the hips, buttocks & down each leg.

Common Symptoms 🔍

✅ Sharp, shooting or burning pain down the back of the leg
✅ Numbness, tingling or pins & needles
✅ Muscle weakness in the leg or foot
✅ Pain that worsens with sitting, coughing or sneezing

When to seek help? ⏰

✅ If pain lasts longer than a week without improvement
✅ If symptoms interfere with daily activities, work or sleep
✅ If symptoms are getting worse
✅ Loss of bladder or bowel control (urgent – seek immediate medical care)

How can Osteopathy help? 🙌

An Osteopath can properly diagnose sciatica with a detailed case history, active examination & neurological tests.

Osteopathic treatment can support recovery by reducing nerve irritation, improving mobility & guiding you with tailored movement & posture advice.

💡 Early treatment can make recovery smoother & prevent chronic issues.

📌 Save this post for reference & share with someone who might need it!

Persistent headaches & migraines are not always just about what’s happening inside the head — the neck & one’s posture c...
02/10/2025

Persistent headaches & migraines are not always just about what’s happening inside the head — the neck & one’s posture can play a huge role too.

❇️ Why?

Poor posture (especially from desk work, screen use or looking down at phones) can strain the muscles at the back of the neck.

This tension can irritate nerves & restrict blood flow, leading to pain that radiates into the head.

Stiff joints in the neck & upper back can also contribute to recurring headaches.

❇️ What can help?

Osteopathic treatment to release muscle tension, improve joint mobility & rebalance posture can make a big difference.

Osteopathic advice on simple lifestyle changes, specific upper extremity stretches & ergonomic adjustments to support long-term relief will help too.

A personalised plan that addresses not just the symptoms, but the root cause is important for keeping symptoms at bay in the long-term.

At we regularly see patients who notice a real difference in the frequency & intensity of their headaches once the neck & posture have been addressed.

❇️ Can we help you too? Booking link in bio.

🔆 Better posture. Better balance. Better you! 🔆

From toddler to teenager, young bodies are constantly adapting. Growth spurts, sitting at desks, sports & heavy school b...
30/09/2025

From toddler to teenager, young bodies are constantly adapting.

Growth spurts, sitting at desks, sports & heavy school bags can all place extra strain on developing muscles & joints.

How can Osteopathy help? 💡

🔹 Supports growth & development – gentle techniques encourage good movement & balance as bones and muscles grow.

🔹 Improves posture – addressing stiffness & imbalances from sitting, screens or uneven carrying of heavy school bags.

🔹 Reduces strain & tension – easing aches in the neck, shoulders & back caused by daily loads or sports activities.

🔹 Encourages healthy habits – children become more aware of how they sit, stand & carry themselves.

🔹 Boosts overall wellbeing – regular check-ins support confidence, energy & comfort in daily life.

Why might parents choose Osteopathy for kids & teens?

✅ It’s safe, gentle & tailored to each stage of development.

✅ Early support means fewer long-term issues & a happier, healthier body for the years ahead.

📍Are you ready to support your child’s health? Book a consultation today - booking link in bio.

Sports massage (SM) can be especially beneficial during the colder months, when muscles & joints often feel tighter, rec...
29/09/2025

Sports massage (SM) can be especially beneficial during the colder months, when muscles & joints often feel tighter, recovery can be slower & training outdoors may place additional strain on the body.

Here are the main benefits of SM:

1. Improves circulation & warmth ✅

Cold weather reduces blood flow to extremities, making muscles feel stiff. SM increases circulation, helping deliver oxygen & nutrients while keeping tissues warm & supple.

2. Reduces muscle tightness & stiffness ✅

Low temperatures can cause muscles & connective tissues to contract, increasing the risk of strains. SM helps release tension, improve elasticity & maintain mobility.

3. Supports injury prevention ✅

Winter training (on cold pitches, hard ground or icy surfaces) heightens injury risk. Regular SM keeps tissues pliable and reduces microtears or imbalances that could lead to injury.

4. Enhances recovery after training or competition ✅

SM promotes removal of metabolic waste (like lactic acid), reducing soreness & speeding up recovery at a time when the body may be slower to adapt due to reduced daylight & energy levels.

5. Boosts immune system function ✅

By improving circulation & reducing stress hormones, SM can support immune resilience, which is valuable during the cold & flu season.

6. Improves joint mobility ✅

Cold weather can aggravate stiffness in joints, particularly in athletes with previous injuries. SM encourages synovial fluid movement & reduces restriction.

7. Mental benefits ✅

Winter can lower mood & motivation. SM provides relaxation, reduces stress & promotes better sleep—helping athletes stay consistent with training through the darker months.

📍Book a SM session with one of our experienced team members (Carla / Beth) today!

📲 Online booking in bio.

Day-to-day activities that may contribute to low back pain (LBP) include:1. Prolonged sitting (desk work, driving) 🪑Why?...
28/09/2025

Day-to-day activities that may contribute to low back pain (LBP) include:

1. Prolonged sitting (desk work, driving) 🪑

Why? Sustained hip flexion, slouched posture & static load on spinal discs & ligaments.

Advice:

✅ Sit with hips higher than knees, feet flat, back supported.

✅ Take a break every 30–45 minutes: stand, stretch, walk.

✅ Use a lumbar support cushion.

2. Lifting & carrying (shopping bags, children, boxes) 📦

Why? Repetitive flexion, twisting or lifting away from the body strains discs & paraspinal muscles.

Advice:

✅ Bend at the hips & knees.

✅ Keep the load close to your body.

✅ Avoid twisting while carrying—pivot with your feet.

✅ Split heavy loads into smaller trips.

3. Household chores (hoovering, mopping, gardening) 🧹

Why? Long periods of bending, reaching or twisting in awkward positions.

Advice:

✅ Use long-handled tools to keep upright posture.

✅ Alternate sides frequently to avoid repetitive one-sided strain.

✅ Take breaks & gently stretch backward after prolonged forward bending.

4. Prolonged standing (cooking, working retail, childcare) 👶🏼

Why? Static load on spinal joints & paraspinal muscles; weight often shifted unevenly.

Advice:

✅ Place one foot on a small stool intermittently to offload the spine.

✅ Wear supportive footwear.

✅ Keep weight evenly distributed.

✅ Gentle calf & hamstring stretches after long standing sessions.

5. Poor sleep postures 😴

Why? Sleeping on a very soft mattress or stomach sleeping, increases spinal extension & rotation stress.

Advice:

✅ Sleep on your side with a pillow between knees, or on your back with a small pillow under knees.

✅ Avoid stomach sleeping.

✅ Ensure mattress gives firm but not rigid support.

Contact this week for a session to help your LBP & daily postures.

Booking link in bio.

Address

The Old Fire Station, Leighton Street
Woburn
MK179PH

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 8pm
Friday 9am - 5:30pm
Saturday 9am - 2pm

Telephone

+441525290615

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