Francesca de Monterey

Bachelor of Science, Osteopathy, London School of Osteopathy

Registered with the General Osteopathic Council & a member of the British Medical Acupuncture Society

How I approach work with my patients

I think it is most important to consider the whole person, not simply the symptoms; so how you live and work, what you do for fun, whether you are competitive and sporty, relaxed or highly strung.

Daily life can be stressful, so I ask about family and work demands. Gaining an impression of a persons' mental state is helpful, as our outlook on life has a significant effect on our health. Diet, including hydration and alcohol use are also taken into account.

The aims of treatment are to relieve pain, to allow better and more function and to return your structure to balance. Depending on the problem, this may take only a few sessions, or many may be required, particularly if you have had the problem for years.

It's not all about "cracking bones" !!

A common concern people have about osteopathy is the 'clicking' or 'cracking' during treatment. There are many ways to treat people, most quite gentle and non-intrusive, but occasionally it is beneficial to move the tissues more forcefully.

Once I have all the information I need to make a diagnosis and to be sure treatment will be safe for the person, a treatment plan is agreed using appropriate techniques, taking account of the person's needs, wishes and consent.

What does a treatment entail?

First off, we will discuss the problem or pain that brought you to me; the "how, what, where, when & why" of the pain.

Then, a medical history will be taken, with details of accidents, illnesses, operations and medication required.

A physical examination, usually while undressed to your underwear, (so that your entire structure may be seen) will then be done. You will be asked to do some simple movements and then asked to lie upon the treatment table and your treatment will start.

There are a range of possible techniques to use. These are some of the most common ones: Soft tissue manipulation is like a strong massage.

Articulation is a way of moving joints through their range of motion to help "normalise" function and increase range, if necessary.

Functional technique follows the directions of stress or strain in the tissues and is gentle and helpful in "unwinding' the tissues after trauma or repetitive strains.

High velocity thrust is the release of a 'stuck' joint by applying specific targeted movement. It is usually painless and may produce a 'click'.

Acupuncture is sometimes used, and is usually painless.

There are usually exercises that will help and if these are done regularly, then the treatment will be reinforced by your actions and you will be better sooner.

There may be other changes recommended, too, such as a different chair at work or a different way of doing some activity.

As a patient, you just need to relax!

For further information or to discuss your needs please call Francesca on 01225 722055.

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