OSTEOPATHY

WHAT IS IT?

Manipulative or Conventional Osteopathy uses various techniques to relieve pain and restriction in joints, muscles and ligaments in the back, neck or limbs. Sometimes a click is heard in joints when this is done. Some osteopaths also seek to treat circulatory, respiratory, digestive and hormonal problems by encouraging the body to function better - rather like tuning a car.

WHAT IS IT USED FOR?

Patients commonly seek osteopathic treatment for neck and back pain, arthritic pain in  hips, knees, shoulders etc, tennis / golfer’s elbow, frozen shoulder, headaches, pregnancy or childbirth related strains, sports injuries, whiplash, RSI, sciatica, sprains and strains, postural problems, pulled muscles, period pain, shin splints, heel spurs and other musculoskeletal problems.  

The secondary effects of other health problems may also be addressed, for example although we do not treat asthma directly, the stiffness and postural changes (barrel chest, raised shoulders etc) that are found in asthma sufferers may respond well to osteopathy and this treatment may reduce the symptoms of asthma.

Please note that - unlike the mainstream medical profession that gets funding from government and drug companies - as a small private profession, osteopaths are not able to undertake extensive (and expensive) research into the effectiveness of treatment for a wide range of conditions.  Therefore this list is to give you an example of conditions commonly presented to osteopaths; it is not a claim that there is cast-iron scientific evidence that osteopathy is proven to be of benefit, which would be a breach of trading standards legislation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Is it painful? - Treatment does not normally hurt, and is often very relaxing, but if the area is very sensitive it may leave some temporary soreness (not normally worse than the original pain).  A two year study in this clinic shows that about one in ten patients complain of temporary soreness after their first treatment, and follow-up treatments are less likely to cause this reaction.  This is rather like the reaction to your first session in the gym.

Can it cause any permanent harm?  - Very rarely more serious adverse reactions could occur - this is usually injury to blood vessels or other body structures that are already damaged by another disease process.  That is why an osteopath will ask a lot of questions about your general health to reduce the risk of these complications.

Can you put discs back?  - No, no-one can put discs back but osteopathy may help your body heal faster (you may hear a click during the treatment. This is a bubble forming in the joint when it is stretched, not discs 'going back in place').

Can anyone have treatment? - Yes, from birth to old age! A very gentle treatment called cranial osteopathy is used for babies and young children (see other section).

Does my doctor need to be involved? - No, but we may send you back to see him or her if we can’t help you or we need other tests like X rays.  We are happy to receive referrals from doctors, midwives etc. We routinely send your doctor a note to let them know we are treating you, and details of the diagnosis and likely outcome - but if you do not want this to be sent we will respect that.

Do I need to undress? - Yes.  Treatment is normally done in underwear, if the low back or thigh area is involved.  If you have a neck or shoulder problem it is usually sufficient to remove your shirt or blouse.  If you are embarrassed about undressing, you may wear a swimming costume, sports clothing or loose / stretchy garments, or have a towel or blanket to cover you.

Your Osteopath is Peter Still.