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Business Details
35 Years
experience
Expert Osteopathy & Shockwave Therapy in Harpenden
Established in 1991 by Matthew Tant, our practice combines decades of expertise with a patient-centred approach to osteopathic care. Matthew qualified at the British School of Osteopathy in 1990 and further honed his skills through teaching roles and extensive clinical experience. We specialise in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions using hands-on techniques, including joint mobilisation, soft tissue therapy, and exercise rehabilitation. Our Shockwave Therapy service, utilising Storz Medical equipment, offers non-invasive solutions for chronic pain with 90% success rates.

We prioritise holistic assessments, addressing structural imbalances and lifestyle factors to restore mobility and alleviate pain. With over 30 years of service in Harpenden, we remain committed to evidence-based treatments aligned with NICE guidelines and General Osteopathic Council standards. Our approach integrates modern technology with traditional osteopathic principles, ensuring tailored care for conditions ranging from sciatica to sports injuries. We maintain transparency in treatment plans and provide clear guidance to empower patients in their recovery journey.
Services
Osteopathy Shockwave Therapy Initial Consultation Follow-up Treatment Sciatica Relief Sports Injury Recovery Joint Mobilisation Muscle Massage Pregnancy Care Headache Treatment
Details
  • Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
  • We have over 30 years of osteopathic experience treating musculoskeletal conditions
  • Our Shockwave Therapy uses Storz Medical equipment with 90% success rates
  • Holistic assessments address structural and lifestyle factors affecting health
  • Treatments align with NICE guidelines and General Osteopathic Council standards
  • Combination of manual therapy and advanced non-invasive pain management techniques
Associations and certifications
  • General Osteopathic Council
  • NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence)
Services
Osteopathy
Our osteopathic treatment addresses musculoskeletal issues through hands-on techniques including joint mobilisation, soft tissue manipulation, and exercise rehabilitation. We treat chronic pain, sports injuries, and posture-related conditions by restoring structural balance and improving mobility. This holistic approach considers your overall health and lifestyle factors affecting recovery.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy delivers high-energy acoustic waves to injured tissues, accelerating healing for chronic tendon conditions. Approved by NICE for heel pain, tennis elbow, and shoulder calcifications, this non-invasive treatment achieves 90% success rates by stimulating blood flow and tissue regeneration without medication or surgery.
Initial Consultation
The initial consultation involves comprehensive medical history review, physical examination, and diagnostic testing to identify structural imbalances. We develop personalised treatment plans combining manual therapy, exercise prescription, and lifestyle advice to address your specific mobility and pain management needs effectively.
Follow-up Treatment
Follow-up sessions monitor progress and adapt treatment plans as needed. We combine ongoing manual therapy with progressive exercise programmes to reinforce recovery, prevent recurrence, and optimise musculoskeletal function through structured rehabilitation protocols tailored to your condition.
Sports Injury Recovery
Our sports injury treatment addresses acute and chronic athletic injuries using osteopathic techniques and Shockwave Therapy. We focus on restoring joint mobility, strengthening connective tissues, and accelerating recovery timelines for conditions like shin splints, hamstring strains, and ligament sprains through targeted rehabilitation programmes.
People
Matthew Tant
Osteopath
Matthew qualified from the British School of Osteopathy in 1990 and established Harpenden Osteopaths in 1991. He taught at his alma mater from 1992-2004 and has practiced in Harpenden since 1995, combining clinical work with ongoing professional development in manual therapy techniques.
Questions
What conditions do you treat?
We treat musculoskeletal conditions including back pain, sciatica, neck pain, headaches, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, knee pain, and sports injuries using osteopathy and Shockwave Therapy.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy uses high-energy sound waves to accelerate healing in soft-tissue injuries. It's NICE-approved for heel pain, Achilles tendon pain, and other chronic musculoskeletal conditions with 90% success rates.
How many treatments will I need?
Osteopathy typically requires 3-6 sessions. Shockwave Therapy needs 3-6 sessions lasting 10-15 minutes each, depending on your condition's severity and response to treatment.
Is osteopathy safe during pregnancy?
Yes, we provide tailored osteopathic care for expectant mothers to address mechanical problems caused by postural changes and hormonal effects on ligaments.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required. We accept self-referrals and can coordinate care with your GP if needed during your treatment journey.
Reviews (6)
James Woledge
Jan 28, 2020 Report
Mathew Tant taught me at college and was highly respected. He has now invested in the best technology for healing plantar fasciitis and chronic tendon problems.
Jay Patel
Aug 28, 2017 Report
Professional service and recommended for those with back/shoulder/neck pain. Saw Matt yesterday and as on previous occasions he managed to help improve my back/shoulder pain which was causing me huge discomfort. Before my first appointment here I would have not wanted to have my neck manipulated but Matt gave me confidence that it would be fine and it was! Feeling much better today, but probably need another appointment.
Ben Przedborski
Jul 20, 2016 Report
Would always highly recommend Harpenden Osteopaths to friends and family. Have helped me out on many occasions.
Sarah Gataora
Oct 17, 2015 Report
Sean helped to fix my very painful neck/shoulder in just two sessions. Very professional and knowledgeable. Thanks Sean!
Kate Homer
Sep 01, 2015 Report
Just been to see Sean for a first consultation - very professional and back is feeling a lot better already. Thank you!
Chris Burdett
Oct 24, 2014 Report
I have suffered from a constant lower back problem for over 10 years now but Matthew Tant has managed it to a point that I rarely have a problem with it anymore. Could not praise him enough.