What is an osteopath?

An osteopath is a highly trained healthcare provider who specialises in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Using gentle, hands-on osteopathic treatment, they help relieve issues such as back pain, neck pain, joint pain, pregnancy-related discomfort, and postural strain. Osteopaths take a holistic approach, looking at how your body moves and functions to identify the root cause of your pain. Osteopathic care supports your body’s natural healing ability and is suitable for people of all ages, including during pregnancy and postpartum. Based in Milford, Auckland, Sarah Boughtwood Osteopath offers expert osteopathic care tailored to your individual needs.

What is the difference between an Osteopath, Chiropractor & Physio?

Osteopaths, chiropractors, and physiotherapists are all trained to treat musculoskeletal pain, but they use different methods. Osteopaths focus on holistic, hands-on treatment to improve mobility, reduce back pain, neck pain, joint pain, and support recovery during pregnancy and postpartum. Chiropractors are known for spinal adjustments, primarily targeting the spine and nervous system. Physiotherapists use exercise-based rehabilitation, manual therapy, and electrotherapy to treat injuries and improve function. If you're experiencing pregnancy pain, postpartum discomfort, or general aches and pains, an osteopath like Sarah Boughtwood in Milford, Auckland offers gentle, personalised osteopathic care to support your recovery and wellbeing.

How many appointments do I need?

The number of osteopathic appointments you need depends on your condition, how long you've had it, and how your body responds to treatment. Many patients feel improvement after 1–3 sessions, but ongoing or chronic issues like lower back pain, pelvic pain, or postnatal discomfort may benefit from a longer treatment plan. At Sarah Boughtwood Osteopath in Milford, Auckland, each osteopathic treatment is tailored to your specific needs, whether you're seeking general osteopathy, pregnancy care, or postpartum support. Your progress is regularly reviewed to ensure you’re getting the most effective and personalised care.

What can I expect during an Osteopathic appointment?

During an osteopathy appointment at Sarah Boughtwood Osteopath in Milford, Auckland, you’ll receive a thorough assessment tailored to your individual needs. The session includes a detailed case history, physical examination, and hands-on osteopathic treatment using techniques such as joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage, and gentle stretching. Whether you’re seeking general osteopathic care, pregnancy osteopathy, or postpartum support, treatment is personalised to relieve pain, improve mobility, and restore balance. This holistic, hands-on approach helps treat the root cause of your discomfort and supports your body’s natural healing.

Can I bring my baby and children?

Yes, you’re absolutely welcome to bring your baby or children to your osteopathy appointment. At Sarah Boughtwood Osteopath in Milford, Auckland, we understand the demands of early motherhood and create a family-friendly environment where your little ones are welcome. Whether you're seeking postnatal osteopathic care for lower back pain, pelvic pain, or shoulder tension, Sarah can work around feeding, nappy changes, and cuddles. Support partners are also welcome to attend. We make it easy and stress-free for mums to prioritise their postpartum recovery without needing childcare.

Do I need a referral?

No referral is needed to see Sarah Boughtwood, your experienced osteopath in Milford, Auckland. You can book directly for general osteopathy, pregnancy osteopathy, or postpartum osteopathic care. As a registered ACC provider, Sarah can also lodge ACC claims for you if your pain or injury is accident-related. Booking without a GP referral makes accessing osteopathic treatment easy and stress-free.

What Should I wear to my appointment?

For your osteopathy appointment at Sarah Boughtwood Osteopath in Milford, Auckland, it’s best to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows for easy movement. Activewear, leggings, or shorts are ideal so your osteopath can assess and treat the area of concern effectively. Whether you're attending for general osteopathy, pregnancy osteopathy, or postpartum care, dressing comfortably ensures you get the most out of your hands-on osteopathic treatment.