Osteopaths’ patients include the young, the more mature person, manual workers, office professionals, pregnant women, children and sports people. Patients seek treatment for a wide variety of conditions, including back pain, shoulder/neck pain, knee, ankle pain, repetitive strain injuries, changes to posture in pregnancy, postural problems caused by driving or work strain, the pain of arthritis and minor sports injuries.
These three therapies are quite similar, but there can be some overlap between the disciplines. One common goal is to reduce a patient’s pain, this is achieved by improving the patients structure and function. Each therapy has its own philosophies and treatment approaches so that these common aims are achieved.
Chiropractors are fairly similar to Osteopaths, their philosophy is that everything needs a good nerve supply where as osteopathy suggests that all body function is in harmony with a good blood supply! However Chiropractors do seem to manipulate the spine more whereas Osteopaths do seem to use a greater range of techniques, not only manipulation. Such techniques involving stretching, massage, articulation (mobilisation). Most Chiropractors work on 10-15 minute consultations whereas osteopaths generally work on 30-40 minute appointments, this normally results in less frequent treatments.
As a general rule Physiotherapist are less hands on compared to Osteopaths and Chiropractors. Treatment is based on using more machines such as ultrasound, laser therapy and interferential. They do allocate exercises to do at home as do Osteopaths and Chiropractors.
Osteopathy is a holistic approach treating the whole body, the underlying cause and not just the symptoms.
Your initial consultation with the Osteopath will include a detailed case history taking as well as careful observation and examination using highly developed skills of palpation (feel through touch), to find areas of restriction, strain, and weakness in the body.
A movement and postural analysis will then be completed along side special diagnostic tests to diagnosis your symptoms.
After making a diagnosis, your Osteopath will explain their findings and discuss their diagnosis and treatment plan with you so you can understand what’s causing the problem.
You may be asked to remove your outer clothing to help the Osteopath get a clearer picture of your posture and of how your body as a whole is moving. Most women usually wear a sports bra and shorts or leggings. Men are normally ok wearing shorts or boxers. Don’t worry if you choose not to remove your clothing, your Osteopath will do their best to assess and treat through your clothing if necessary.
Treatment will the be provided to relieve your symptoms, improve function and promote healing. Through treatment and advice, we also seek to help reduce the chances of the problem recurring.
Some soft tissue treatment may cause slight discomfort during treatment. Your osteopath will tell you what to expect, and will want you to let them know if you are uncomfortable. You may feel a little stiff or sore after treatment but this is not unusual, however this will quickly subside. This is a normal, healthy response to the treatment.
Osteopathy is a very safe & effective form of treatment & most patients feel substantially better for it.
The number of sessions you need depends on the condition and person we are treating. The aim is to keep your appointments to a minimum. Your osteopath will usually be able to tell you by the second treatment the number of treatments that are likely to be required and this will be discussed with you after the diagnosis has been explained at your initial assessment.
To qualify, an osteopath must study for four to five years for an undergraduate degree. This is similar to a medical degree, with more emphasis on anatomy and musculoskeletal medicine and includes more than 1,000 hours of training in osteopathic techniques. By law, all osteopaths must register with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). It is an offence for anyone to call themselves an osteopath if they are not registered. The British Medical Association’s guidance for general practitioners states that doctors can safely refer patients to osteopaths.
Osteopaths are required to update their training throughout their working lives. They must complete at least 30 hours of Continuing Professional Development per year.
You can wear whatever you are comfortable!
In your initial examination, your osteopath may ask you to get undressed to your underwear to get a better overview of your spine & posture.
If you feel uncomfortable, we can definitely also assess you through your clothing.
Osteopaths are highly specialised in treating musculoskeletal injuries. Osteopathic techniques can be used to help indeed any athletes whether an amateur or professional to reach their highest potential in performance. In 2012, osteopaths took part in Summer Olympic games to offer osteopathic care for all athletes, helping them improve their performance through easing pain and reducing the chance of injury. Whether you’re an elite athlete or just started training, your osteopath can help you relieve the pain, enhance your recovery, and prevent re-injury by use a variety of techniques such as spinal manipulation, joint articulation, and rehabilitation.
Here are some of the injuries that an osteopath can help:
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