Osteopathy in Chichester

Helping you move better, feel better and stay active

I'm Simon Palmer, a registered osteopath in Chichester, and I've been treating people with musculoskeletal problems for more than 35 years.

People come to see me for all sorts of reasons. Sometimes it's a sudden episode of back or neck pain. Sometimes it's a sports injury. And sometimes it's a problem that has been grumbling away for months and is beginning to interfere with everyday life.

Whatever brings you in, my starting point is the same:

What's going on — and what is it stopping you doing?

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What Is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a hands-on approach to assessing and treating problems involving the muscles, joints and the way the body moves.

But treatment isn't simply about finding the painful spot and working on it.

Your back pain, for example, may be influenced by how your hips, pelvis or upper back are moving. A painful shoulder may need us to look at your neck and upper back as well as the shoulder itself.

That's why I look at you as a whole person rather than treating an isolated body part.

The aim is to understand what's contributing to the problem, improve movement where appropriate and help you get back to the activities that matter to you.

What Can I See an Osteopath About?

Some of the common reasons people come to see me include:

Back Pain

From a sudden painful spasm to a persistent ache that keeps returning, back pain is one of the most common problems I see.

The important thing is understanding what's happening and helping you regain confidence in moving.

#SIMONSAYS: BACK PAIN

Neck Pain & Headaches

Neck pain can range from waking with a stiff neck to persistent discomfort associated with work, sport or everyday life.

Some headaches can also be associated with tension or problems involving the neck and surrounding muscles.

I'll assess what's happening and whether osteopathic treatment is appropriate.

#SIMONSAYS: NECK PAIN

Shoulder & Arm Problems

Shoulder problems can interfere with everything from getting dressed to serving at tennis or hitting an overhead in padel.

Because the shoulder works closely with the neck, upper back and rib cage, I'll usually consider how the whole area is moving rather than concentrating solely on the painful spot.

Hip, Leg & Sciatic-Type Pain

Pain around the hip, buttock or leg can have several possible causes.

Sometimes the problem is local to the hip or surrounding muscles and tendons. Sometimes symptoms may be associated with irritation involving the lower back or nerves.

The first job is working out what's most likely to be causing your symptoms and whether osteopathy is appropriate.

Sports Injuries & Staying Active

I've been involved in sport throughout my life and have a particular interest in helping people continue doing the activities they enjoy.

You don't have to be an elite athlete.

My patients include runners, golfers, padel and racket-sport players, gym-goers, walkers and gardeners.

Often the question isn't:

"Can I exercise?"

It's:

"How can I keep exercising sensibly while this gets better?"

STAYING ACTIVE 40+

Keep Your Clothes On!

Feeling comfortable during treatment matters.

Unlike some people's expectations of osteopathy, you won't normally need to undress. I can usually assess and treat you perfectly well in loose-fitting clothing or activewear.

So come in something comfortable that you can move in.

If I ever need to examine an area differently, I'll explain why and ask your permission first.

What Happens During Treatment?

There isn't a standard treatment that every patient receives.

After taking a history and examining you, I'll explain what I think is happening and whether I think osteopathic treatment may help.

Depending on what I find and what you're comfortable with, treatment may include:

Soft tissue and massage techniques
Gentle joint mobilisation
Stretching
Muscle energy techniques
Manipulation where appropriate
Cranial, structural or functional osteopathic techniques
Advice about movement, exercise and managing the problem yourself

And despite what some people expect:

You don't have to be "clicked".

Manipulation is simply one technique available to an osteopath. If it's not appropriate, you don't want it, or I think another approach would suit you better, I won't use it.

WATCH: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU VISIT AN OSTEOPATH?

35+ Years of Experience

I've been practising as an osteopath for more than 35 years and have carried out over 30,000 treatments.

Experience doesn't mean having one clever technique that fixes everybody.

If anything, it teaches you the opposite.

Two people can arrive with apparently similar symptoms but require completely different approaches.

So I don't work to a fixed treatment formula. I'll adapt what I do according to you, what I find and how your body responds.

And if I don't think osteopathy is the right approach — or I think your symptoms need further investigation — I'll tell you.

Keeping Active People Active

For many of my patients, being pain-free isn't the only goal.

They want to play golf on Saturday.

Get back on the padel court.

Walk the South Downs.

Run.

Garden.

Go skiing.

Play with their grandchildren.

Or simply get through the working day without constantly thinking about their back.

That's why one of the most useful questions I can ask is:

What is your problem stopping you doing?

That's what we'll work towards.

WOMEN & ACTIVE LIVING

#SimonSays

Straightforward answers to common questions

After more than 35 years as an osteopath, I've been asked thousands of questions about backs, necks, injuries, exercise and staying active.

#SimonSays is my collection of short videos answering some of the most common ones.

You'll find advice on:

Back pain and spasm
Walking and back pain
Stretching
Neck pain
Exercise with pain
Recovery as we get older
Staying active after 40

No complicated medical language and no miracle cures.

Just practical advice to help you understand what's happening and make sensible decisions about keeping active.

WATCH #SIMONSAYS

Not Sure Whether Osteopathy Is Right for You?

You don't need to diagnose yourself before making an appointment.

If pain, stiffness or an injury is interfering with your work, sport or everyday life, come and see me.

We'll talk about what's happening, I'll assess you and I'll explain what I think.

If I think I can help, we'll make a plan.

If I don't, I'll tell you what I think your next step should be.

Simon Palmer
Registered Osteopath
Fishbourne, Chichester, West Sussex
35+ years' experience | 30,000+ treatments