Service
A Safe, Gentle & Effective Treatment
If pain or stiffness is limiting how you move, osteopathy can help you regain comfort, mobility and confidence in your body.
At Forté Physical Health in Chelmsford, our osteopaths work with people of all ages to diagnose the cause of pain and guide recovery through hands-on treatment, movement advice and tailored rehabilitation. Our focus is not only to relieve symptoms but also to help you move better long term.
Our osteopaths are registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) and have many years of experience treating musculoskeletal conditions including back pain, neck pain and sports injuries. Patients visit us from across Chelmsford and the surrounding areas to restore movement and return to active living.
If you are new to the clinic, you can learn more about your first visit before booking an appointment.
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a recognised healthcare profession that focuses on diagnosing and treating problems affecting muscles, joints and the way the body moves.
Rather than focusing only on where pain is felt, an osteopath assesses how different parts of the body are working together. Pain in one area may be linked to restrictions elsewhere, such as posture, movement patterns or muscle weakness.
Treatment may include gentle joint mobilisation, soft tissue techniques and guidance on exercises that help the body recover naturally.
Osteopathy is commonly used to help with:
- Back pain
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Shoulder injuries
- Sciatica and nerve pain
- Sports injuries
- Hip or knee pain
- Postural strain from desk work
You can explore many of these conditions within our what we treat section.
Osteopathy at Forté Physical Health
Our clinic has helped patients in Chelmsford overcome pain and movement problems for many years. Principal Osteopath Chris Branch and Senior Osteopath Niro Sriskandarajah both have extensive clinical experience treating musculoskeletal conditions.
Patients choose our clinic because we focus on understanding the root cause of symptoms rather than offering short term relief alone. Treatment plans are built around your goals whether that means returning to sport, improving posture at work or simply moving without discomfort.
Many of our patients first visit with issues such as back pain treatment or neck pain treatment before continuing care to maintain mobility and prevent future problems.
Conditions Osteopathy Can Help With
Osteopathy is commonly used to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal problems.
Back Pain
Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek osteopathic treatment. Gentle hands-on techniques combined with movement advice can help reduce stiffness and restore mobility.
Neck Pain
Neck stiffness and headaches often develop from poor posture or prolonged desk work. Osteopathic treatment can relieve tension and improve neck mobility.
Sciatica
Sciatica occurs when irritation of the sciatic nerve causes pain or tingling down the leg. Osteopathy can help relieve pressure and improve movement.
Sports Injuries
Whether you run, cycle or train at the gym, osteopathy can help manage injuries and support recovery.
Our clinic also provides sports massage therapy which may be used alongside osteopathic care.
Shoulder and Joint Pain
Joint pain may develop through injury, repetitive strain or reduced mobility. Treatment aims to restore movement while reducing tension in surrounding muscles.
Knee Pain
Knee pain can develop through sports injuries, overuse or muscle weakness. Osteopathic treatment focuses on improving joint movement and reducing strain on surrounding muscles.
What Happens During Your Osteopathy Appointment
Many patients are unsure what to expect when visiting an osteopath for the first time. Our appointments are designed to be thorough, informative and supportive.
Initial Consultation
Your osteopath will begin by discussing your symptoms, medical history and lifestyle factors that may be contributing to your pain.
Physical Assessment
A physical examination helps identify areas of restriction, tension or weakness. This may involve observing movement patterns and testing joint mobility.
Treatment
Where appropriate, treatment may begin during the same appointment. Techniques may include soft tissue work, stretching or joint mobilisation.
Personalised Advice
Your osteopath will provide guidance on exercises, posture or lifestyle changes that support recovery.
Ongoing Care Plan
If further treatment is recommended, we will explain the expected number of sessions and review progress regularly.
Meet The Team
Meet Our Osteopaths
Why Patients Choose Our Chelmsford Clinic
Patients often tell us they value the clarity and reassurance they receive during treatment.
Our approach focuses on:
- Clear explanations about your condition
- Evidence based treatment methods
- Practical exercises you can continue at home
- Honest advice about recovery timelines
- A calm and welcoming clinic environment
Our team is proud to have helped many patients across Chelmsford stay active and manage pain effectively.
When Should You See an Osteopath?
You may benefit from seeing an osteopath if:
- Pain or stiffness is affecting daily activities
- Symptoms have not improved with rest
- An injury is limiting movement
- Desk work or posture is causing ongoing discomfort
- You want professional guidance to prevent recurring injuries
Early assessment can often prevent minor issues from developing into long term problems.
Support
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about our osteopathy services, treatments, appointments, and what to expect during your visit.
Is Osteopathy Safe?
Osteopathy is a regulated healthcare profession in the UK. Osteopaths must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council and follow strict professional standards.
Do I Need a Referral From My GP?
No referral is usually required. You can book an appointment directly with an osteopath.
What Should I Wear to an Appointment?
Comfortable clothing that allows movement is helpful. Your osteopath will guide you if any examination requires different attire.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
This varies depending on the condition being treated. Some problems improve quickly while others require a short course of treatment.
Will Treatment Be Painful?
Most osteopathic techniques are gentle. Some mild soreness can occur after treatment but usually settles quickly.
Can Osteopathy Help With Sports Injuries?
Yes. Osteopathy is commonly used to support recovery from sports related injuries and help prevent recurrence.
Is Osteopathy Suitable for Desk Workers?
Yes. Many patients visit us with posture related pain caused by prolonged sitting or computer work.
Can Osteopathy Help With Sciatica?
Osteopathy may help reduce nerve irritation and improve movement around the lower back and pelvis.
What Happens After Treatment?
Your osteopath may provide exercises or movement advice to help maintain progress between appointments.
Testimonials
Patient Experiences That Speak for Themselves
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I saw Chris a few weeks about with a running gait appt. I’m glad I did, I got a bit lost over running and how to improve what plan to do etc. Chris looked at my running technique, listened to what I’m doing and looked at my Garmin results too. I walked away with a great running plan and have enjoyed starting it the last few weeks. Glad I booked the appt and got what I needed to improve running.Posted on Google aliceTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very helpful and painful but fingers crossed the treatment heals injury quickly.Posted on Google Zandra WestlakeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had not exercised properly for several years and struggled with frequent back pain that once in spasm, persisted for 4-8 weeks each time. Enough was enough! I saw Chris regularly for 3 months and joined a gym. It’s now 8 months later and I’m still using what I learnt with Chris in the gym 4/5 days a week. His guidance inspired me to keep going. And I feel so much better. I deliberately held off writing a review until now so I could be honest on the genuine impact it’s had. I haven’t been to Forte or had any contact with them for 4 months and still felt compelled to write this review of their fantastic service! Occasionally, my back still does go into spasm BUT, it’ll be because I’ve slightly overdone it in the gym or been working in the garden all weekend. The best bit being, it now only lasts 1-2 days instead of weeks! I would highly recommend Forte to anyone with an injury, discomfort or needing a change!Posted on Google Ryan JamesTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Am under the care of 'Ash' the physio, and can't thank her enough for how she is helping me with my condition. I have been treated and advised by her for three week now, and my pain symptoms are almost non-existent. She comes across as very professional and has an extremely pleasing manner. Very, very knowledgeable. Thank you Ash.Posted on Google Sid HartTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Welcoming, professional and caringPosted on Google Tonny HuttingTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really great initial session with Chris. He knew exactly what my issue was and how to fix it. He’s given me some good exercises to help too so very useful!Posted on Google Sam ShawTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I visited Chris with a bad back sprain which I got instant release from and came away with some exercises to help heal my back and hamstring. I felt I had an extensive examination with an excellent outcome. He understood my problem and gave me good instructions on how I can go back to the gym and care for my backPosted on Google Sandra SparrowhawkTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been going to see Chris for many years each time that I have injured myself. I fell backwards and injured my back last December. I saw Chris and, after a few weeks, he suggested that I saw Aishwarya, a physiotherapist who also does dry needling. I am back at the gym and am able to walk much further than I could initially. They are extremely knowledgeable, explain what they are doing and why and very friendly and polite. I would recommend Forte Physical Health highly.Posted on Google Margaret ParsonsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very friendly and professional staff that really helped with a calf strain. There's on-site parking which is very handyPosted on Google Steve MacVerified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more