Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a manual form of therapy that helps the body to recover from injury and cope better with the physical demands of everyday activities. Osteopathic treatment can be used on all age groups, from young children to old people.
The British Medical Association’s guidance for general practitioners states that doctors can safely refer patients to osteopaths. Although the osteopathic approach was established in the 1870’s in the USA it was not legally recognised in the UK until 1993, when the Osteopaths Act was passed. This provided for the formation of the General Osteopathic Council, which regulates osteopathy in the UK. The Council ensures that osteopaths qualify with a high standard of training, conduct themselves professionally, and are covered by professional indemnity insurance.
What do people use an osteopath for
Most patients visit an osteopath to gain relief from pain somewhere in their musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons and nerves). Often the spine is involved, but the problem may be in another area, such as a shoulder or foot.
What conditions should not be treated with osteopathy
You should avoid osteopathic manipulation if you have a broken bone or dislocation, bone cancer, a bone or joint infection, damaged ligaments, rheumatoid arthritis of the neck, osteoporosis, have recently undergone joint surgery, or take anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medication, such as aspirin or Warfarin (sometimes branded as Coumadin, Jantoven, Marevan, Lawarin or Waran).
What does osteopathy involve
Osteopaths use a holistic approach. This initially takes account of what is happening in the dysfunctional area (which is usually where there is pain), but also considers whether other parts of the body or aspects of the patient’s life are contributing to the problem.
The osteopathic approach to diagnosis and treatment is built on a detailed understanding of the physical structure and function of the body when healthy and when things go wrong. The main focus of knowledge is on the musculoskeletal system, includes bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons and nerves. Internal organs and systems are also considered.
The objective of the osteopath is to restore function to the problematic part of the body, either by working directly in the area of the pain or by addressing contributory factors elsewhere.
Some osteopathy techniques focus on the head by addressing craniosacral outflow as a means of diagnosis and treatment. This is a very gentle and soothing approach.
What happens during an appointment
Your first appointment will take up to 1 hour, and follow-up appointments last up to 45 minutes. The first appointment involves:
Your case history
Used to gather information about your problem, this covers where the pain is, its character, how and when it started, and what makes it better or worse. You will also be asked to provide details of your past medical history and any medical treatment you are currently receiving, and outline your dietary, exercise and social habits, in case any of these are relevant.
The assessment
This will identify which tissues of your body are injured or are contributing to your problem. You will usually be asked to carry out a number of movements to demonstrate your limits of motion or establish which regions are giving you pain. Touch (palpation) will be used to help assess the state of the body tissues.
The diagnosis
Judgement will be made on whether it is safe and appropriate for you to be treated. The diagnosis and treatment plan will then be discussed with you before any treatment is carried out. You are free to decline treatment at any time. If any issuers are revealed that should be addressed by your GP or another type of health practitioner, the osteopath will ask your permission to send details to your GP.
Your treatment
The treatment plan will be discussed with you, and subject to your agreement, treatment will begin. It may involve various techniques including:
· Soft tissue techniques – massage or stretching
· Mobilisation techniques – to improve the amount of motion, at a joint, for example
· Articulation techniques – a stronger form of mobilisation, used when more force is required to improve mobility
· Neuromuscular treatments – to ‘re-educate’ the musculoskeletal system so that it functions better
If exercises to stretch or strengthen muscles will help, these will be demonstrated to you. Checks will be made during subsequent appointments to ensure that you are doing them correctly.
For more information
To make an appointment or find out more about osteopathy treatment, please contact us on 0118 958 0508 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 0118 958 0508 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or by e-mail.
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