Osteopathic Treatment

Osteopathic Treatments are most commonly associated with the treatment of back pain. The truth is many conditions and symptoms can respond extremely well to osteopathic treatment. Aches and pains can originate from poor posture and bad habits. Osteopaths can assess the whole body and diagnose the root of the problem, helping to treat the cause to prevent it from coming back. Osteopathy is a person centred approach that strives to provide the optimum conditions for health by working with your body’s own healing mechanism to achieve results.

Osteopaths spend four to five years training to understand organs, joints and muscles and are experienced in treating disorders of the musculoskeletal structures throughout the whole body.

Osteopaths see people of all ages including babies, young children and pregnant women.

The risks associated with having osteopathic treatment are extremely low, if you have any concerns about the safety of your treatment your osteopath will be happy to discuss these with you.

The Assessment

During your first consultation osteopath will take time to listen to you and ask questions about your symptoms, diet, general health, activities and lifestyle.

The Osteopath will need to examine the area(s) of your body causing discomfort. You might be asked to get undressed to your underwear, but if you do not feel comfortable getting undressed, please let your Osteopath know. (Blankets & Towels are provided for your comfort.)  They may also assess your posture and the way you move and will usually want to make a full examination of your spine and carry out simple tests to check your reflexes and take blood pressure. Sometimes the cause of the problem may be on a different area to the pain, that is why they may examine your whole body.

Occasionally they may suggest that you consult your GP for further tests. This will help them to make an accurate diagnosis and suggest appropriate treatment(s) that you can consider.

Your treatment

Osteopaths use a wide range of gentle hands on techniques. Treatment varies between patients depending on your age, fitness and diagnosis but often focuses on releasing tension, stretching muscles and mobilising joints. Before you receive treatment your osteopath and you will jointly decide an appropriate and suitable treatment plan. Occasionally osteopathic techniques can result in an audible “click”, this is perfectly normal. Research evidence shows that these manipulations can have beneficial effects, especially in the back, helping you to return to normal activity.

Most osteopaths will begin your treatment at your first appointment- you may experience mild discomfort afterwards, but in most cases this will resolve in 24-48 hours.

The treatment may require several visits and very occasionally, further test and or referrals to other appropriate health care professionals.