Frequently asked questions

Osteopaths are well-known for treating low back pain and neck pain. But Osteopaths also treat a myriad of other complaints – from knee, hip, ankle, shoulder, elbow and hand pain to sciatica, nerve entrapments, migraines, frozen shoulder, irritable bowel syndrome and more.
This blog post provides a list of conditions treated by Osteopaths.

Osteopathic manipulation refers to the treatment offered by osteopaths. The word ‘manipulate’ means to ‘handle skilfully by hand’. Therefore, ‘osteopathic manipulation’ reflects the hands-on approach by osteopaths.
Osteopathic manipulation covers spinal adjustments, soft tissue techniques, mobilisations, lymphatic, neurological, vascular, cranial osteopathic and visceral osteopathic techniques.

This blog post provides a list of conditions treated by Osteopaths.

A musculoskeletal disorder is a problem involving muscles, bones, joints, and fascia.
Hands-on therapy (such as osteopathy or chiropractic medicine), exercise prescription and movement are the gold standard for such conditions.

Leg pain and arm pain can be due to a range of problems, such as muscle strains, tendinopathies, or local joint problems. However, pain can also be referred from the low back or neck.

Referred pain means that the source of the pain is elsewhere and most often this is the lower back or neck.

Sciatica is low back pain radiating along the course of the sciatic nerve into the buttock or posterior thigh.
The reasons for sciatica are numerous, so, first of all, the cause has to be established.
Whether it be the lumbar spine, the sciatic nerve (true sciatica), the pelvis, ligaments, or muscles – an osteopath will treat the dysfunctions and reduce the biomechanical stress on the nerve.

As with low back pain, neck pain can have a wide range of causes, e.g. muscles, joints, nerves, ligaments or discs in the cervical spine and upper thoracic spine. 

Again, manual therapy, especially osteopathy, has a very good track record.

Osteopaths treat people from all walks of life – from babies to the elderly, from athletes and builders to desk-based workers and pregnant women. Osteopathic treatment is safe and tailored to each individual – so no matter your age we can make sure you get the care you need.

Yes, we treat children and babies. Please note under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult chaperone for the duration of the session. This is in accordance with our governing body’s Code of Practice.

As Osteopaths we are very privileged in that our work is highly appreciated – according to the GOsC, 96% of respondents are satisfied or very satisfied with their osteopathic care. I have many patients that tell me they wish they had tried Osteopathy sooner.

This can be difficult to predict because progress depends on various factors such as:

-how long you have had the issue
-whether you are generally healthy or there are underlying health issues
-your diet, lifestyle etc.
 
Osteopaths use tests to monitor improvement, and, in addition, I use functional muscle testing which is very useful as it tells me whether the treatment is effective.

If we don’t think you are making the progress we think you should be, we will not keep you coming in for treatment. We will then look for the best option for you, which may be another therapy or clinic.

It is always easier for us to be more precise on your second appointment, because we can see how you have responded to the first treatment. 

Please be reassured that we always try to get patients better as quickly as possible because this way, we hope, you will be more likely to recommend us to others. And this will allow us to help more people.

This is a question osteopaths get asked a lot. The answer depends somewhat on the mode of onset of the problem:

If the patient comes in with a sporting injury that had a clear and obvious onset, I will advise a combination of specific proprioceptive and strengthening exercises and stretches. However, often the problem involves more than merely the localised tissues.
To reflect this, I often recommend a more general approach that can help make the body more resilient. This may include a healthy diet, a more active lifestyle, Pilates or yoga, sufficient sleep and a positive mindset.
In some cases – e.g. if there is an underlying condition – a patient may benefit more long-term from maintenance appointments. However, I will only recommend this when I deem them necessary. I always try to get patients to a point where they are pain-free, resilient and can manage themselves.

No. You do not need a referral to see an Osteopath. Osteopaths are trained in triage – so if your complaint cannot be helped by an Osteopath they will advise you further.

We will start by taking your case history. Primarily, we will want to know why you have come in. In addition, we will ask about your previous medical history, such as previous injuries, operations, and conditions you have been diagnosed with because some of these may influence your presenting complaint. The osteopath will need to know whether you are on any medication and whether you have had previous medical scans. Also, it is useful for us to know about your family history.
The case history will give us a good picture about how osteopathy can help you.

After the paperwork, the osteopath will ask you to disrobe. So please ensure you wear underwear that you are comfortable with, e.g. gym shorts. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of disrobing, please let us know.
Your osteopath will then carry out a visual assessment of your posture and may ask you to perform some simple movements. Some of these movements may be uncomfortable – e.g. when you have shoulder pain and we are testing the range of movement in your shoulder.

Your osteopath will assess your tissues, carry out passive range of movement tests and test your muscles.
This will uncover dysfunctions and inform us what needs to be treated.
Because your first appointment requires an in-depth case history and examination, it will be longer than any subsequent follow-up appointments.

In order to effectively diagnose and treat, the Osteopath may ask you to undress to your underwear. If you are uncomfortable with this, please let your Osteopath know and he or she will find a way around this. Some of our patients wear gym shorts or a sports bra so please bring these along if you feel more comfortable in these.

Treatment generally does not hurt. You may find that the osteopath finds certain tender areas, on muscles or joints. This is similar to massage therapists finding tender spots on the body. 

You may feel a bit stiff or experience mild discomfort for up to 48 hours after an appointment. This is because osteopathy can be very powerful and the body has to process or integrate the input it has received.

Yes. You are more than welcome to bring someone along if this makes you feel more comfortable.
If you are under the age of 18, you will need to bring a chaperone to your appointment.

Some patients feel a bit sorer for 1-2 days after an appointment. It is normal for some patients to get worse before they get better and is often the body’s response to the input of treatment. If you are concerned please contact us and we will offer advice.

Yes. In order for an Osteopath to be able to use the title ‘Osteopath’ he or she has to be registered with the General Osteopathic Council, which ensures Osteopaths maintain high standards of care. Osteopaths are Allied Healthcare Professionals and undertake four years of full-time study.

Yes, osteopathy is very safe. Osteopathy encourages the body back toward health using non-invasive measures.
All osteopaths study four years at undergraduate level and are required to register with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) who regulate the profession. In order to maintain our registered status, the GOsC requires us to undertake a minimum of 30 hours continual professional development every year.

If your presenting complaint requires a different intervention, we will tell you and, if necessary, provide onward referral.