Osteopathy vs. Biomechanical Assessment: Which Do You Need?

At Urban Health Exeter, we offer a range of therapies to keep the people of Exeter moving well. However, with the launch of our new Biomechanical Assessment, we often get asked: "Which appointment should I book?"

While both services deal with the body's structure, they serve very different purposes. Choosing the right one ensures you get the best results, faster.

When to Book Osteopathy (Diagnosis and Treatment)

Osteopathy is primarily for diagnosis and treatment of current pain. You should book an Osteopathy appointment if:

• You are in pain right now.

• You have recently injured yourself (e.g., a sprained ankle or a back spasm).

• You need manual (hand-on) therapy, massage, or manipulation to relieve symptoms.

  
  

When to Book a Biomechanical Assessment (Movement analysis)

This service is an in depth analysis of your body posture and movements. There is no diagnosis and no hands-on treatment of an issue. You should book this if:

• You have a recurring niggle that never quite goes away, you know what the niggle is (i.e. you have a diagnosis already) but it keeps coming back!

• You want to improve your posture or sporting performance.

• You are currently pain-free but want to prevent future injuries.

  
  

The Deep Dive

During a Biomechanical Assessment, we look at all of your body postures and movements. We analyse your gait, squat patterns, and balance to find inefficiencies and imbalances. You will leave with a comprehensive report and a proactive plan, usually a set of tailored exercises, to build a more resilient foundation for long-term health.

Still Unsure?

If you are hurting today, or have undiagnosed aches and pains, book Osteopathy. If you want to understand in depth how you move and how to move better for the future, book a Biomechanical Assessment.