What can Osteopathy help with?
Osteopathy offers an approach which is suitable for people of all ages. It is often also useful where patients are unable to take usually prescribed pain relief medications. The process of treatment and management can help with the following common ailments:
General, acute and chronic back pain*.
Lumbago (low back ache)
Sciatica
Neck pain associated with posture.
Frozen shoulder, shoulder and elbow pain and tennis elbow arising from problems of the back and neck.
Headache arising from neck problems
Migraine prevention
Joint pains
Hip and knee pain from Osteoarthritis but always in addition to core medical treatments and exercise
Minor sports injuries and tensions
Arthritic and Rheumatic pain
Circulatory problems
Cramp and muscle spasms
Fibromyalgia
Generalised aches and pains
Neuralgia
Inability to relax
General aches and pains in joints or the back during pregnancy and after delivery.
* (excludes back pain arising from trauma or accidental injury)
Common Questions
1. What is the difference between an Osteopath and a Chiropractor?
This is quite a difficult question to answer, and there are probably more similarities than differences as they are both forms of manual therapy. Certainly the way the two professions are practiced in the UK are quite similar.
2. What are Visceral Osteopaths and Cranial Osteopaths?
Visceral osteopathy and cranial osteopathy are techniques used within normal osteopathic practice. They are not separate professions in their own right.
3. How many Treatment Sessions would be recommended?
This will depend on the type of condition, how long its been around, your lifestyle and how healthy you are as all these factors can also affect rates of healing. Acute symptoms might need only a couple of treatments, but more chronic long term problems might take up to 5 or 6 sessions, occasionally more. At your first session you will be advised as to the estimated number of treatments anticipated.
4. Do I need to see my Osteopath for regular maintenance visits?
The aim of a course of treatment would be to resolve the problem and equip you to self manage the return of any symptoms. In some cases your management may require some additional input with maintenance visits. This would be worked out on a case by case basis and the most appropriate interval agreed. In some instances patients prefer to return for maintenance when they start to feel the return of symptoms but before the problem develops too far.
5. Is Osteopathic treatment painful?
In general, no and we always ensure any discomfort is kept at acceptable levels to you. There may be some mild aching or a slightly "bruised" feeling after treatment. Many patients feel freer and more comfortable almost immediately.
6. Do you get in touch with my Doctor?
Yes we do if further investigations or a referral is required, but not automatically and any contact with your GP would be with your prior consent.
7. What do I do if I have a complaint?
If at any time either during or after your treatment you feel uncomfortable or simply not happy with the service please make the Osteopath or the Clinic Principle Catrin Mear, aware and we will endeavour to resolve the issue at no extra cost to you. If you are still not satisfied with this, then you can notify our governing body, the General Osteopathic Council who will take your concerns seriously and investigate.
8. What if I want to be treated by a practitioner of the same sex?
We have both male and female practitioners working at the practice. If you wish to be treated by someone of the same sex please mention this when you make your first appointment.
9. Do you treat children?
Yes we treat children of all ages from newborn through to late teens. The only requirement is that the child must be accompanied by a responsible adult who can legally give permission for the child to receive treatment.
10. What happens at my first visit?
At your first visit the osteopath will take a full case history of your problem including your medical history to help determine what the cause of your problem might be. Depending on your personal preference you might be asked to undress or partially undress to your underwear so that the area can be examined but this is entirely optional. If you wish you can wear shorts and a vest or a swimsuit to change into and you will be given privacy to change. After the examination the osteopath will explain what is wrong and then offer you treatment for your condition straight away if it is appropriate. You are at liberty to bring a friend or a relative with you to act as a chaperone during your examination and treatment if this makes you more comfortable.
