Osteopathy Frequently Asked Questions Is it True that Osteopaths Just Treat Bones? No. Although the word 'osteo' is derived from the Greek work 'osteon', meaning bones, osteopaths treat your whole body, including your joints, muscles and body systems. Osteopathy is in fact one of the most comprehensive manual therapies available. How Qualified Are Osteopaths? All osteopaths are university qualified. This involves completing both an undergraduate degree and a post graduate degree. During this time osteopaths are thoroughly trained in physiology, biology, pathology and anatomy. In addition, they must also complete two years of supervised treatments on real people. Osteopaths are also classified as primary health care providers. This means that you do not require a doctor's referral to make a booking. Will Osteopathy Interfere With Other Medical Treatments? Osteopathic treatments aim complement and enhance your existing medical treatments. In general, osteopathic treatments will not interfere with other treatments. When you first visit an osteopath you will discuss your past and current medical treatments. It is important to make your osteopath aware of any medication you are taking and/or any other medical advice you are receiving as this may alter your osteopathic treatment. Usually my Pains go Away if I Wait Long Enough. Why? Your body is amazing. It has a pain magic trick that you may not be aware of. If your body receives an injury, it will subtly try and adjust itself to lessen the pain it experiences. And it will do this without you even knowing. While adjusting itself in very small ways, your body often transfers the pain from one area to another. This is not good for your overall health. An osteopath recognises the magic tricks that your body plays and ensures all your joints and muscle systems are at their best. This includes treating both the area of your pain and the origin of your pain. What Happens During a Treatment? Osteopathy is a manual therapy, so your treatment will be hands on, conducted on a treatment table. After discussing your medical history, your osteopath will begin a physical assessment of your body focusing on your areas of pain. After assessing these areas, the surrounding areas will be assessed and then finally all other areas. This assessment technique will ensure that you receive a complete treatment. Where needed, you may be referred for an x-ray or MRI, but that is dependent on your condition. Will My Osteopathic Treatment Hurt?
Osteopathy aim aims to reduce your pain as quickly and for as long as possible. Some osteopathic techniques involve applying controlled pressure on joints to release muscle spasms. For perspective, this short term pain is insignificant to the longer term relief it generates. At the end of your treatment you may experience a small amount of ongoing pain which can last for up to 48 hours. This is a natural reaction caused by your body adjusting to its new position. If you have any concerns, feel free to contact your osteopath. Is Osteopathy Safe? Osteopathy is one of the safest manual therapies. It's gentle and precise approach to treatments ensures only the minimum physical force is used. As discussed above, you may experience a small level of discomfort from treatments, but this will usually pass within 48 hours. More serious complications from osteopathy are extremely rare. How Many Treatments Will I Need? Everyone is different and everyone's response to osteopathic treatment is different. In general the longer you have had a condition, the longer it will take to achieve long term relief. Other factors that can influence the number of treatments include; the condition itself and other surrounding medical conditions. At the conclusion of your first treatment, your osteopath will be able to give you an indication of how many treatments your condition will approximately require. Why See an Osteopath Instead of a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist? This is a very common question. Your number one goal is to find a practitioner who you're comfortable with and that can help you reduce your pain for the longer term. Although there are differences in treatment philosophies, the bottom line is you need someone who will reduce your pain. Like any industry, some practitioners will deliver outstanding results, while others are more mediocre. It's a good idea to ask your friends and family if they know of a good practitioner. If you try a practitioner but do not see results within a reasonable time period, it may be best to investigate other alternatives.
Osteopathy & Physiotherapy Clinic Based In Manningtree, Essex: Manning Tree Osteopath & Physiotherapist