FAQ

What should I wear?

As with any medical examination, you may be asked to undress to your underwear, so please wear something you are comfortable in. For women a loose top and shorts are usually fine (we have emergency shorts for those caught on the hop!). We will never make you feel uncomfortable.

 

Can I bring a friend or relative?

Yes – if you wish, you can have someone present throughout your consultation and treatment.

 

Does it hurt?

Some soft tissue treatment may cause discomfort during treatment. Your osteopath will tell you what to expect, and will want you to let them know if you are in pain. You may feel a little stiff or sore after treatment. This is a normal, healthy response to the treatment.

 

Do I need to see my doctor first?

You do not need to see your doctor first if you are paying for your own treatment. However, some insurance companies require you to see your doctor first. Osteopathy is available on the NHS in some areas – and national guidelines say it should be available everywhere for low back pain.

 

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments you need depends on the condition and person we are treating. We aim to keep your appointments to a minimum. Your osteopath will be able to tell you within a short period of time whether they can treat you or if they need to refer you to someone else.

 

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is the science of locating tension and abnormal movement in the spine and other joints of the body, and the art of reducing their negative impact.

 

How does osteopathy work?

Osteopaths correct and restore proper function to your spine, joints, muscles, and blood circulation, facilitating your body’s natural healing. Tension in the body caused by tight muscles or joints can interfere with the drainage of waste products, leading to a build up of noxious chemicals, and can tight joints (especially in the spine) can irritate or compress nerves. Since the primary focus of your care is to restore normal flow of blood and improved nervous system function, osteopathy can have a positive effect on many health conditions not normally thought of as “back” problems. Specific spinal adjustments, soft tissue techniques, massage, cranial and other gentle techniques can improve joint mobility decrease muscle spasm, reduce nerve interference and improve circulation, increasing your health.

 

What is osteopathic manipulative therapy “OMT?”

OMT is the art of using specific force in a precise direction to adjust a specific joint that is “locked up” or not moving correctly. This helps to restore movement. The purpose of this safe procedure is improved spinal function, blood circulation, nerve transmission and better muscular tone.

 

What makes the sound during an adjustment?

Lubricating fluids separate the bones of each spinal joint. The sound you hear results from a gas bubble popping in the fluid of a joint.

 

Can I adjust myself?

Since OMT is a specific force applied in a precise direction to specific joint it is virtually impossible to adjust oneself in the proper way. Even osteopaths must consult a colleague to have their spine adjusted.

 

Are all patients adjusted the same way?

No. The osteopath evaluates each patient’s unique problem and develops an individual custom tailored care programme.

 

Will OMT make my spine too loose?

No. Only joints that are not moving well are adjusted. This allows weakened muscles and ligaments to stabilise and heal.

 

Is osteopathy safe?

Yes! That’s because it’s delivered by a registered Practioner and risk factors are identified before any treatment is given! Osteopathy has been proven to be remarkably safe, much safer than taking painkillers or surgery. The Royal College of General Practitioners issued guidelines for GP’s, which recommends manipulation (as performed by osteopaths), for the relief of acute low back pain. Risks are considerably low when compared to medical care due to drugs and surgery. Positive proof is that fact that doctors malpractice insurance are on average 10 to 14 times higher! Your osteopath will explain possible risks of treatment and discuss any concerns you may have prior to commencing with treatment.

 

Do I have a slipped disc?

Yours discs serve as a connector, spacer and shock absorber for your spine. However due to the way it attaches to the spinal bones it can’t “slip”. It can tear, bulge, thin, dry out or worse, rupture. This can be painful since the soft centre leaks out putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.

Do I have a pinched nerve?

Many patients consult an osteopath because they believe they have a pinched nerve. In fact a pinched nerve is rare. Researchers suggest that only 1% to 15% of spine related problems are caused by direct pressure of bone on nerve tissue! This can result in numbness, burning, or a “pins and needles” feeling More frequently nerves are irritated, stretched, scraped or have their blood supply reduced by a loss of spinal curves, malfunctioning spinal joints, tight muscles or inflammation. This can distort nerve messages sent between body and brain and can cause numbness, pins and needles or unhealthy alterations to the organs and tissues.

 

How long until I fell better?

Some patients have instant relief. Others discover it can take days or weeks. Many factors can affect your recovery such as your age, how long you’ve had the problem, severity, and keeping your appointments.

 

Am I too old for osteopathic care?

More and more people are consulting osteopaths in their later years. With concerns about over medications and side effects of drugs, safe natural osteopathic care is growing in popularity. Many people are told to put up with their pain due to their age. But you don’t have to. Restoring better body and spinal function can help improve mobility, vitality and endurance. As we get older and wiser the simplicity and effectiveness of osteopathy becomes more and more obvious.

 

Can I speed up the healing process?

While there are no short cuts to better health there are many things you can do. Although movement is important to aid healing proper rest is vital. Give your body the rest it needs and avoid sleeping on your stomach. Proper nutrition is more important than ever so make sure you eat balanced meals and if you’re overweight now might be a good time to slim down and decrease stress to your body. Also make sure you sit and lift correctly. Perhaps most important is to keep your appointments and follow your osteopaths recommendations

 

What training do osteopaths get?

Today’s osteopaths are well educated. They undertake an intense 4 – 5 year full time degree course with specific emphases on anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, X- rays, spinal adjusting and soft tissue techniques, not to mention the 1,500 clinical hours under the guide of qualified osteopaths. To graduate with an honours degree, each candidate passes a demanding Examination. Then, osteopaths apply to the governmental licensing board (The General Osteopathic Council) before being granted the privilege to practice.

Due to the passing of the osteopaths Act 1993 it is now illegal for someone to call themselves an osteopath unless they have undergone training at an approved school, so you now have the same safeguards as when you visit a doctor or dentist.

 

Does it really work?

YES! Health Which 1997 found that osteopathy is the most widely used discipline in complementary therapy. Osteopathy achieved an amazing 96% overall satisfaction whilst 92% of patients felt osteopathy had improved their condition. The House of Lords Committee recently acknowledged there is scientific evidence to support osteopathy. Our patients are our best evidence. Ask someone who has seen an osteopath. Prominent researchers compared osteopathic manipulative therapy “OMT” with standard care for low back pain. The research in The New England Journal of Medicine 1999 states that “Given the known and potentially serious affects and costs of nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs, the achievement of pain relief, function and satisfaction with less use of medication and physical therapy suggest an important benefit of OMT.” They also state that “most patients improved” and 90% of patients were satisfied. The OMT group also used less muscle relaxants