Osteopathy FAQs
What to expect?
What is Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a healthcare system that focuses on the physical functioning of your body and how this affects your comfort and various health problems.
An osteopath sees each patient as a unique, integrated whole, rather than as a collection of symptoms or diseases.
It is this approach that allows an osteopath to “connect the dots” and see the causes of symptoms that traditional “disease” based diagnoses may miss.
Osteopathic treatment aims to positively influence your health by improving the physical functioning of your body.
What should I expect from my first appointment
The History
Andrew begins a first appointment by taking a detailed history.
You will be asked about the problem that brought you here today;
Andrew will want to know:
- where it hurts
- when it started
- what makes it feel better or worse
- how the problem is impacting your life
- what does it stop you from doing
Also, expect to be asked about your general health and medical history, any medications you are taking, your occupation and any sports or pastimes.
Getting a good overall picture helps Andrew to understand how your problem arose so he can work out how best to help resolve it and how you can prevent it from recurring.
The Examination
What should I wear?
As with most medical examinations, you will usually be asked to undress to your underwear, shorts or leggings and a sports top are fine if you prefer.
Often the source of your symptoms will be far removed from the site of those symptoms, it is only by seeing how you move as an integrated whole that these links can be identified and effectively treated.
You will be given privacy to undress.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes, if it would make you more comfortable, please feel free to bring someone into the treatment room with you.
During the examination you will be observed going through various simple movements to help assess for any stiffness or instability that may contribute to your problem.
You will only be asked to move within your comfort range, no heroics are required!
Other routine medical examinations such as checking your blood pressure or listening to your heart or lungs will be used when appropriate.
The Treatment
Treatment usually involves gentle rhythmic movements (the technical term would be “wiggling”!) to help restore normal movement to muscles, joints and other tissues.
A variety of mobilising techniques may be used, patients frequently report that treatment is relaxing and reduces their discomfort
You will also be advised on things you can do (or not do!) to help speed your recovery.
Andrew is keen to help you understand how to reduce your stress and strain, aiding you to experience the best health possible.
He may prescribe exercises to improve poor movement patterns, motion limitations, or any problems with stability that he detects.
Will it hurt?
Andrew’s primary rule of thumb about osteopathic treatment is that:
it is comfortable.
Many patients are surprised at the movements that can be comfortably achieved during treatment, when those same movements were painful or impossible previously.
Some patients experience soreness after treatment. If this occurs it is usually mild and resolves within 24-48 hours, rather like the muscle soreness or stiffness that people experience after unaccustomed exercise.
If you are ever concerned about reactions after treatment, please call for advice.
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This is very variable depending on the nature of your problems.
Some acute problems are resolved after one treatment.
At the other end of the scale, those suffering from chronic, degenerative conditions may benefit from ongoing, periodic treatments to manage symptoms if their condition cannot be resolved.
Commonly patients will have three to six treatments. The more you get involved in your recovery, following any advice given, the more fully and more quickly your symptoms are likely to resolve and your function improve.
How much does it cost?
Find out about the appointments we offer and our opening times…
Still have questions
We’re happy to answer…
