The Osteopathic Approach
Osteopathy is a holistic and natural hands-on treatment approach to healthcare that seeks to restore your physical health without the need for invasive procedures or the use of medication. It is possible to explain, treat and relieve many complaints and aches that so often result from restricted joint, tissue and fluid movement due to the physical demands placed upon your body. Enabling movement through these tissues with specific hands-on treatment can enhance the natural healing process, restore health and prevent a cascade of other symptoms developing.
Osteopaths are highly trained musculoskeletal specialists and treat all body regions including the head & face, neck & shoulders, back & ribs, abdomen & pelvis, hips, knees, ankles, feet and toes, arms, elbows, hands and fingers.
Patients often present to osteopaths with:
Headache
Jaw Pain
Neck pain
Back Pain
Any Joint Pain
Sports and other physical Injuries
Repetitive Strain Injuries
Digestive Problems
Pain in Pregnancy
Coccyx Pain
Postural Problems
Pain in Arthritis
Osteopathy is a fully regulated and recognised allied healthcare profession alongside the NHS. You do not need a referral from your GP to see an osteopath. You can book an appointment directly.
What happens at an osteopathic appointment
At the start of your first consultation you will be asked questions about your medical history and lifestyle as well as your symptoms and concerns. This is very important as it will help screen you for any health concerns, make an accurate diagnosis and suggest an appropriate course of treatment. Please note that as with any medical profession, information about you or any information you provide during your appointments is kept strictly confidential and kept on file in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
The osteopathic examination itself involves a full postural and functional assessment, including a hands-on examination of your spine, joints, ligaments and muscles and their movements to identify problems. The problem may be in a different area to the pain, therefore the body as a whole may need to be examined. This will be explained to you whilst the examination takes place. As with a visit to a GP or other medical professionals, for the examination to be effective it may be necessary to ask you to remove some clothing as required for the condition. The examination process may include tests with or without special equipment to check for the health of your cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive or nervous system. If you feel uncomfortable with any part of the examination please do speak up, we can discuss this and take a different approach altogether. You are welcome to bring someone with you for all or part of your consultation, and children should always be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Once the examination has been carried out and a diagnosis can be reached or hypothesised, you will receive treatment or advice on the best way forward, whichever is the most appropriate. If treatment is appropriate, the osteopath uses her hands to work on areas of your body that are found to be restricted or out of balance and thought to be at the root of, or contributing to your symptoms. The osteopathic manual procedures applied will be explained to you throughout the treatment and you will always be asked for permission to make sure you as a patient are comfortable and in control. The appointment finishes by providing you with self-care advice and proposing an ongoing treatment plan for you. There are few occasions when a referral to another healthcare service may be deemed necessary before treatment can commence.
Remember, your questions can be discussed at any time - before, during or after your treatment. It is important that you feel comfortable and understand your condition.
Please also visit the Institute of Osteopathy website at http://www.osteopathy.org/osteopathy/what-to-expect-from-a-consultation/ or the General Osteopathic Council at http://www.osteopathy.org.uk/visiting-an-osteopath/ for further information.