Osteopathy?

A Few of the Most Frequently Asked Questions

What is osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a system of health care that looks at the whole person and their lifestyle, not just their symptoms. Osteopaths use their highly developed sense of touch to find and treat the causes of pain, loss of mobility or disturbance to normal function.

Osteopaths understand that what happens in one part of the body will have repercussions in another part. Similarly, outside influences- such as tension at work- can affect health. Rather than just alleviating symptoms, osteopaths seek to restore the normal environment within the body, so that damaged tissues have a real chance to heal.

What do osteopaths treat?

Osteopathy is a safe and effective ‘hands on therapy’ suitable for treating pain and dysfunction in people of all ages. Osteopaths are known for treating neck and low back pain, but also treat headaches and migraine, aching, stiff joints, frozen shoulder, rheumatic and osteoarthritic pain, period pain, pain from injury such as whiplash and sports injuries.

Treatment can also help with sinus problems. asthma, and persistent respiratory problems as well as some forms of digestive disturbances.

Osteopathic treatment through pregnancy can help the woman’s body to adjust to increasing weight and postural changes, help with lower back pain, upper back pain and pubic symphesis problems. Treatment will often relieve the symptoms of morning sickness and heart burn, too.

Common problems alleviated in babies and children include colic, glue ear, constipation and sleeping difficulties.

Is Osteopathy safe?

The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) regulates the profession and sets the standards of education, training and professional practise for all osteopaths. Under the Osteopaths Act 1993, no one can use the name ‘osteopath’ unless they are registered with the GOsC. This means patients have the same statutory protection as when they visit a dentist or doctor.

What happens during a visit to the osteopath?

On the first visit a full medical history will be taken and you will also be asked about your lifestyle. Then you will be physically examined, usually in your underwear, in order to assess your mobility. A diagnosis will be given and a treatment plan discussed with you. Occasionally, it may be necessary to refer you back to you GP for further tests.

Osteopaths use a variety of ‘hands on’ techniques, depending on the patient and the problem. These techniques include the high velocity thrust with the dramatic clicks, soft tissue manipulation or massage, articulation and cranial technique. It is rare for any of these techniques to be painful, although some patients are sore for a few days after treatment.

How many treatments will I need?

An acute episode is unlikely to need more than 3-4 visits for relief of symptoms. However, if the underlying cause is chronic, then a longer course of treatment may be recommended to reach and reduce the causes.

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

» back to top