• As a form of manual therapy, Osteopathy is highly effective for reducing pain and discomfort and focuses on the manipulation of joints and soft tissues to improve and restore function.
  • At the heart of Osteopathic principles is the philosophy that the body has an innate ability to heal itself and it is the responsibility of the Osteopath to facilitate this function.

Preparing for your treatment

  • A full medical history will be taken on your initial consultation. To allow for a comprehensive overview on the status of your health, it would be good to bring any medical records, test results and scans that you may have, even if you think they may not be relevant to your specific problem.
  • You will have the opportunity to describe your problem and will be asked associated questions to determine the root cause
  • After the medical history has been recorded, a physical examination to evaluate areas of pain, tenderness, restriction, and function will take place. An assessment of posture and joint movement will help determine predisposing and maintaining factors contributing to the problem area. It is a good idea to wear loose fitting and comfortable clothing for your consultation. 
  • Following the initial consultation, which will include treatment, you will be advised on a diagnosis, unless further tests, scans ,and or a referral to your GP or specialist are required.  You will be advised on what the next steps will be and how many treatments will be needed going forward and what you can do to further progress your situation through exercise and observing aggravating factors.
  • Osteopathic treatment is pain-free, whilst there might be manipulation of painful joints and soft tissues, the treatment itself is always conservative and there are numerous ways to treat any one condition.

FAQ's related to Osteopathy

Osteopathy

  • How many osteopathy appointments will I need?

    It is normal to experience significant improvement within 3 sessions, however patients are advised to allow for up to 6 sessions.

    It is common to continue your treatment after discharge as a form of maintenance and patients are often advised to see the osteopath every 3 months especially if they are physically very active, recovering or rehabilitating from injury, or have been managing chronic pain for a number of years.

  • Do Osteopaths “crack” joints?

    Yes, Osteopaths use high velocity thrusts to mobilise joints when needed. However, there are always numerous ways of achieving the desired result and patients that are uncomfortable with such techniques can request for them to be avoided.

  • Is Osteopathic treatment painful?

    Osteopathic treatment will not be painful at all. Whilst we may address areas of tenderness and pain, the techniques used will be relaxing. Some patients experience a reaction to treatment whereby the site and character of their existing pain becomes more specific a day later, however this is temporary and is often the result of increased blood flow and movement, it is a positive sign and is easily managed.

  • What is the difference between Chiropractic & Osteopathic treatment?

    • Aside from the history and philosophies of both therapies, there are many similarities, and practitioners will approach patient care using similar techniques. Chiropractic treatment often focuses on spine alignment and relates postural importance with good function.  Osteopaths are also ‘aligned’ to that principle, but view the patient holistically and incorporate their wellbeing, visceral function and general systems in evaluation and diagnosis. For example, it is not uncommon for an Osteopath to link lower back pain with foot and ankle function, or with poor upper back mechanics.
    • During treatment an Osteopath will recruit many techniques, including soft tissue massage, high velocity thrusts and other joint manipulation techniques to bring about a functional change.

  • Can I have Osteopathic treatment when pregnant?

    You can still receive Osteopathic care when pregnant, however there are considerations on which techniques are used during certain stages of pregnancy. Please inform the Osteopath if you are pregnant and the stage of pregnancy.

  • Do I have to remove my clothes for an Osteopathy appointment?

    During the physical examination it is advisable to undress to your underwear. However, if you are uncomfortable removing clothes, please feel free to make it known and it can be avoided.

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Testimonial

In July there was another round of X-rays and finally a bone scan.  It was discovered that, in fact the problem was a stress fracture.  With Dad, I went to see Simon Costain at his Harley Street surgery in London.  After doing some analysis, he showed how the source of the problems was a collapsed arch.  “The actual stress fracture” said Simon “won’t get better until you get the arch corrected.  And that won’t happen without some arch support”.  He made rigid orthotic supports for my arch that would be inserted into whatever shoes I wore.

Paula – “My Story so Far” by Paula Radcliffe was published by Simon & Schuster in 2004

Paula Radcliffe