What is Osteopathy?
The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) describes osteopathy as:
'Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. It works with the structure and function of the body, and is based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues functioning smoothly together. To an osteopath, for your body to work well, its structure must also work well. So osteopaths work to restore your body to a state of balance, where possible without the use of drugs or surgery.
Osteopaths use touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension, to enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues, and to help your body’s own healing mechanisms. They may also provide advice on posture and exercise to aid recovery, promote health and prevent symptoms recurring.'
What can Osteopathy benefit?
Osteopathy can assist in treating a wide variety of complaints and problems using a large range of therapies. If you have something that hurts, consult us! However, even if there isn't pain and you would just like a preventative check up to make sure everything is ok, osteopaths can also assist with this.
The most common problems we treat include:
Back pain (acute/chronic)
Shoulder & neck pain
Sports injuries
Headaches/ migranes
Whiplash injuries
Pre/post pregnancy induced pain
Arm/ leg pain
Trapped nerves
Joint pain
Knee pain
Repetitive strain (RSI)
Frozen shoulder
Hand/ foot pain
Common baby/ infant conditions
Discomfort related to EDS (Ehlers-Dunlos Syndrome)
Breathing issues
Is Osteopathy regulated?
Osteopathy is a regulated health proffession, with all UK osteopaths required each year to register with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). This gives them an annual licence to practice.
How long will it take to get better?
This is very much down to the individual and their surrounding factors i.e lifestyle, occupation, medical conditions etc. At the clinic, we try to aim to get you at least 70% better within 3-5 sessions depending on the severity and chronicity of your complaint. Some complaints may take a little longer, however the osteopath will discuss this with you on your initial consultation. You may be given advice on self help and exercise to assist in aiding your recovery, preventing the pain returning and to also stop the problem from getting worse.
After 2-3 sessions, if the osteopath is unhappy with how you are progressing, they will possibly reffer you for further investigations. Even if we aren't able to get you better, we will try and find you someone that can.
What can I expect?
After being greeted, you will be asked to fill in an information and consent form, it is recommended arriving 5 minutes before as to not lose time within the session.
During your first appointment the osteopath will need to find out information about your complaint, along with what has happend. To help them do this, a full case history will be taken a long with details about your previous medical history (to create a full picture).
Following this, the osteopath will then perform a physical assesment of your complaint along with some orthopaedic tests (when required), to help determine a working diagnosis.
Once the osteopath has diagnosed your problem, they will discuss the nature of your issue and what is needed to get you better. Treatment usually begins within this first session, however if the osteopath feels further investigation is needed, such as blood tests and scans, this will be arranged.
Please be aware that depending on your complaint, you may be asked to dress down to your underwear. If you feel more comfortable, please feel free to bring along some loose fitting shorts/ top. Also please feel free to bring somebody along as a chaperone if you wish.
Will it hurt?
Osteopathy isn't usually painful and it is very important that if something is uncomfortable during the treatment you must tell the osteopath. Our motto is 'You are the boss' and we won't ever aim to do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or painful.
After the treatment however, it's not unusual to feel a little stiff and sore for the first 24-48 hours following. Particularly if you're being treated for an inflamed or painful injury. All bodies respond differently and react to treatment in very different ways. If you have any concerns, we would always want you to contact us.
Do I have to be 'clicked'?
No you do not. The osteopath will discuss different options of treatment with you and explain which ones they think will help you to recover the quickest. If the osteoapth feels that manipulation (clicking), would be a beneficial technique to apply and if safe to do so, they will discuss this with you further. However, if you are adverse to this, there are plenty of other techniques which can be used in it's place.
Can I have treatment if I'm pregnant?
Yes osteopathy can be a very beneficial treatment to have throughout pregnancy. We usually say to have treatment from 12 weeks onwards, only to be extra safe. Treatment is safe and gentle on both mother and baby and can be very helpful in assisting with general back and shoulder pain as well as, pregnancy pelvis, SPD and sciatica.