Q: What is osteopathy?
A: Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy provided by licensed osteopaths that focuses on total body health and the musculoskeletal system. Osteopaths use a variety of hands-on techniques to improve function, alleviate pain, and support the body’s natural healing processes.
Q: How does osteopathy work?
A: Osteopaths manually detect areas of tissue restriction or impairment in the body that may be contributing to pain or dysfunction. They use gentle techniques like stretching, articulation, soft tissue massage, and joint mobilisation to release tension, increase mobility, improve blood flow, decrease inflammation, and help the body return to a state of balance.
Q: What conditions can osteopathy treat?
A: Osteopathy can effectively treat a wide range of acute and chronic neuromusculoskeletal conditions such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, arthritis, injuries, digestive issues, postural problems, and more by addressing impaired function.
Q: What techniques do osteopaths use?
A: Common osteopathic techniques include articulation, stretching, soft tissue massage, trigger point release, joint mobilisation, craniosacral therapy, muscle energy, counter strain, visceral manipulation, and lymphatic drainage.
Q: What does an osteopath do?
A: Osteopaths conduct physical exams to assess joint mobility, muscle function, posture alignment, tissue restriction, and more. Based on these assessments, they perform hands-on manual treatment techniques to increase range of motion, reduce pain, and facilitate the body’s self-healing mechanisms.
Q: What is the difference between an osteopath and a chiropractor?
A: While both provide spinal manipulation therapy, osteopaths focus on total body health rather than just the spine. Osteopaths use gentler techniques and emphasise the interconnectivity of the body’s systems to treat a broader range of conditions.
Q: Is osteopathy safe?
A: When performed by a licensed, trained osteopath, osteopathic techniques are considered very safe and gentle. Patients may experience mild soreness or fatigue after treatment as tissues release. Serious risks like strokes are extremely rare.
Q: Is osteopathy effective?
A: Numerous scientific studies have found osteopathic manual therapy effective for reducing pain and improving mobility in patients with chronic back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, headaches, and various other conditions involving the muscles or joints.
Q: What should I expect during an osteopathy session?
A: Your first osteopathy session will begin with an initial consultation where the osteopath asks about your health concerns, symptoms, and medical history. You’ll then receive a physical exam checking your mobility, alignment, and areas of tightness or sensitivity. The osteopath will explain their findings and recommended treatment plan. During the hands-on treatment, the osteopath will narrate techniques being used and check for feedback on pressure. Sessions generally last 30-60 minutes.
Q: Does osteopathic treatment hurt?
A: Most osteopathic techniques are gentle and cause little to no pain. You may experience some mild soreness or achiness after treatment as your body adjusts. Your comfort level will be respected throughout. Please communicate with your osteopath on any discomfort so they can adjust.
Q: How many osteopathy sessions will I need?
A: The number of treatments needed depends on your health status and goals. Acute issues may resolve within 2-6 sessions while chronic conditions may require longer management. Your osteopath will advise on an individualised treatment plan based on your response over time. Maintenance visits are often recommended.
Q: When should I see an osteopath?
A: It’s reasonable to consult an osteopath for muscle or joint aches, restricted mobility, sports injuries, headaches, arthritis, back/neck pain, poor posture, pregnancy discomfort, and various other conditions involving the muscles, bones, or nerves. Osteopathy aims to treat issues at their structural root.
Q: Can osteopathy help with back pain?
A: Yes, clinical research supports the effectiveness of osteopathic manual therapy for improving pain and function in those suffering from acute or chronic back pain caused by joint restriction, disc problems, muscular tightness, sciatica, and spondylitis. It’s an excellent drug-free option.
Q: Can osteopathy help with headaches?
A: Studies confirm osteopathic treatment significantly reduces headache pain and frequency in those suffering chronic tension or migraine headaches. Osteopaths are trained to relieve impaired strain patterns affecting the head, neck, and neurological functioning that trigger headaches.
Q: Can osteopathy help with sciatica?
A: Sciatica treatment is a common application of osteopathy. Osteopaths address muscular dysfunction, joint/disc problems, and other structural issues along the sciatic nerve pathway that may be causing compression or irritation. Techniques reduce inflammation and improve mobility.
Q: Can osteopathy help with arthritis?
A: Yes, hand-on osteopathic techniques have been found effective in decreasing pain, enhancing mobility and joint functioning, reducing stiffness, and improving quality of life for patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It enhances circulation and motion.
Q: Can osteopathy help babies and children?
A: Gentle osteopathic techniques can support health in babies and children. Treatment can help with issues like nursing difficulties, restricted growth, ear infections, colic, reflux, sleep issues, and developmental delays. Paediatric osteopathy is very light touch.
Q: Can osteopathy aid fertility or pregnancy?
A: Yes, osteopathic techniques can help address musculoskeletal strain, postural changes, circulatory impairment, and hormonal imbalances that may be contributing to fertility issues. Treatments during pregnancy can also relieve back/pelvic pain, nausea, headaches and prepare the body for delivery.
Q: Will my insurance cover osteopathy?
A: Coverage varies by insurer and location. Many major insurance providers do cover osteopathic manipulative treatment to some extent, especially with a doctor’s referral. Contact your insurance company to see if they will reimburse visits to a licensed osteopath.
Q: How much does osteopathy cost?
A: We charge £85 for your first initial consultation; any follow up appointments are charged at £60.