Osteopathy is an established recognised system of diagnosis and treatment, which lays its main emphasis on the structural and functional integrity of the body. It is distinctive by the fact that it recognises that much of the pain and disability which we suffer stems from abnormalities in the function of the body structure as well as damage caused to it by disease.
When you visit an osteopath for the first time a full case history will be taken and you will be given an examination. You will normally be asked to remove some of your clothing and to perform a simple series of movements. The osteopath will then use a highly developed sense of touch, called palpation, to identify any points of weakness or excessive strain throughout the body.The osteopath may need additional investigations such as x-ray or blood tests. This will allow a full diagnosis and suitable treatment plan to be developed for you.
Osteopathy is patient centred, which means treatment is geared to you as an individual. Your osteopath should be able to give you an indication after your first visit. For some acute pain one or two treatments may be all that is necessary. Chronic conditions may need ongoing maintenance. An average is 6 – 8 sessions.
A formal referral from your GP is not necessary, the majority of osteopathic patients self-refer.
Osteopaths work with their hands using a wide variety of treatment techniques. These may include soft tissue techniques, rhythmic passive joint mobilisation or the high velocity thrust techniques designed to improve mobility and the range of movement of a joint. Gentle release techniques are used, particularly when treating children or elderly patients. This allows the body to return to efficient normal function.
A Registered Osteopath has demonstrated to the General Osteopathic Council via a detailed application process that they are a safe and competent practitioner, that they have adequate malpractice insurance and have agreed to abide by a Code of Practice.
Basic structural defects for which any person may visit a Osteopathic Practitioner:
If are unsure whether osteopathy is appropriate for your needs a free 10 minute consultation is available.
In many cases of injuries from accidents, it is possible to reclaim the cost of rehabilitation.This may require may require your solicitor writing to me requesting a report to assist in your claim. Please let me know at the out set so that I can help you in the best way possible.
Occupational injuries account for a large proportion of the 350 million working days a year lost in Britain, and not just in heavy industry. New technology, whether it be automated production lines or computer work stations, can also take its toll on the musculo-skeletal system. Many people experience pain and discomfort as a result which can affect their well-being and their work.
Significant groups of illnesses due to work are disorders of the muscles, tendons and joints, particularly in the back, hands and arms. Symptoms vary from mild aches and pains to severe pain and disability.
Osteopaths are skilled at discovering the underlying causes of pain, using their hands both to gain information and to treat injuries. Treatment techniques may include soft tissue stretching, rhythmic passive joint movements or high velocity thrust to improve the range of movements of a joint.
Well-known for the effective treatment of back and neck pain, osteopaths also treat a wide range of other conditions that may be related to the workplace including tension headaches and migraine and they can also give remedial advice and preventive exercises.
For the employee
Most of the 2000 osteopaths in the UK work from private practices. It is not necessary to consult a GP before a visit to an osteopath although the patient may choose to do so. Increasingly osteopaths are working closely with GPs and many fundholding GPs now offer their patients the option of being referred to an osteopath on the NHS. The average cost of private treatment is £20 (£25 in London) but many private health insurance schemes now give benefit for osteopathic treatment (discuss the details with the company). Osteopaths can provide a sick note if time is needed off work.
For the employer
For years, a number of large companies have retained osteopaths as part of their permanent company health teams. Many smaller companies have also benefited from liaison with a local osteopath, who can advise the management team on correct posture and movement and give staff instruction on back care and preventive exercises. An osteopath involved with staff care programmes can lead to a fitter, more productive workforce, improved morale, increased productivity and less time off through musculo-skeletal ill-health.