Question 1

What is Osteopathy?

Accepted Answer

Osteopathy is a form of natural medicine that promotes the body’s innate ability to heal itself and therefore requires no drugs or any of the associated side effects.

Question 2

How does it work?

Accepted Answer

Through a variety of physical techniques, osteopaths are able to ensure two main aims: 1 – That the fluids of the body are able to flow freely to their targets from their origins and 2 – That the brain and nervous system are communicating freely with the body in order to ensure maximum function of tissues. By enhancing both processes the immune system of the body can operate with maximum efficiency and in the process allows for pain reduction, better mobility and improved health.

Question 3

How can it help me?

Accepted Answer

If you or someone you know suffers from pain, immobility, poor health or the fear of demise as we progress through the years, osteopathy can help for all of these things. The goal is to keep doing things you like to do, pain free.

Question 4

What is the difference between osteopathy and chiropractic?

Accepted Answer

Not much. The first chiropractor was a student of the first osteopath (we don’t like to brag…) There are different principles between the two practices but in practical terms the techniques and results are very similar.

Question 5

How long does it take to get better?

Accepted Answer

This depends on what your problem is, how healthy you are, how good your practitioner is and how much work you are prepared to do to help the process. Pain is a fairly simple thing to reduce or remove completely, usually within 2 to 4 sessions. However, if your pain was caused related to your habits and posture, then changing these factors can take much longer. Your practitioner will ask you about what your aims are from the treatment and a realistic plan will be provided for you.

Question 6

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

Once your osteopath has made an assessment of you and your condition, they will offer some conservative treatment. The response to that initial treatment combined with the review of your assessment will reveal a pretty accurate timescale and treatment plan for your recovery, and from this you will learn how many sessions will be required.

Many people choose to stay in treatment after they have healed their condition because they love the feeling of wellbeing treatment provides them as well as maintaining their mobility and reducing their fear of restricted mobility and degeneration.

Question 7

How much will it cost?

Accepted Answer

This depends on how much work you are willing to put in when it comes to the corrective advice your osteopath will provide for you. Patients who put in the work get better sooner and need less sessions. All of this will be discussed with you by your osteopath for oyu to consider before you proceed with treatment.

Question 8

How long is a treatment session?

Accepted Answer

The first meeting with your osteopath lasts an hour and involves them actively listening to you talk about your symptoms, analysing your posture and how your body moves, performing relevant tests to make sure the treatment is safe to proceed and offering some conservative treatment.

Your second session is called a  ‘Report of Findings.’ This is wen your osteopath will review your response to your first session and provide you with an explanation of what your problem is, what is causing it and how it can be properly treated. They will then discuss a realistic plan for you and commence the next treatment. This usually takes 45 minutes.

Subsequent sessions last 30 minutes, although may well take less time depending on the requirements of the treatment.

Question 9

Do I need to get undressed?

Accepted Answer

No. All of the session can be performed fully clothed. You will be asked to remove  a jacket and shoes. Obviously, if you are attending for a skin condition then clothing will need to be removed for examination purposes only.

Question 10

Is it dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. There is a very slight possibility of some soreness after an initial treatment which is similar to the feeling you have after doing exercise when you’re not used to it. It’s an adaptive process and lasts a few hours before you go back to feeling comfortable.

Your osteopath within this practice is highly trained at testing to ensure treatment is safe to perform on you. If your safety tests show anything adverse, this will be brought up in your Report of Findings and your osteopath will discuss with you an appropriate way forward for you

Question 11

Can I bring someone with me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In fact, it is encouraged for your second session. If you can bring your significant other with you it really helps them to understand what you need to do. This way they can encourage you to stick with your plan and help keep you motivated.

Anyone under the age of 16 will need a chaperone. If you need to bring your children with you to make things easier for you regarding childcare then that’s great. We’d love to show your kids that you’re taking good care of yourself and help educate them about the body and its amazing ability to heal itself.

If you’d like to bring someone with you simply to make you feel more comfortable then they will be most welcome too.

Question 12

Do I need to be referred from a GP?

Accepted Answer

No.

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