Frequently Asked Questions

An Osteopath uses an established, recognised system of diagnosis and treatment laying its main emphasis on the structural integrity of the body. It is distinctive in the fact that it recognises much of the pain and disability we suffer stems from abnormalities in the function of the body structure as well as damage caused to it by disease processes. An osteopath uses many of the diagnostic procedures used in conventional medical assessment and diagnosis. Its main strength lies in the unique way the patient is assessed from a mechanical, functional and postural standpoint and the manual methods of treatment applied to suit the needs of the individual patient.

Osteopaths treat all manner of pain and injury and although about half the treatments are for back pain many other areas are treated, including neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches, wrist and ankle pain, knee pain, hip pain, sports injuries, work related pain, stress and many more. The Osteopath treats patients with a variety of manipulation techniques, mobilization, and massage and traction techniques.

There are many different reasons why people are in pain and each person has a different way of responding to it. The average number of visits to an Osteopath is between 4-6, sometimes less and sometimes more and occasionally an extended maintenance programme is required. However it is the policy of this practice that if you do not respond to your treatment we will discuss other alternatives and tries to find a therapy that works for you. In addition if the osteopath feels that osteopathy is inappropriate then there will be NO CHARGE for that consultation.

When you visit an Osteopath for the first time a full case history will be taken and you will be given a physical 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, on occasion, 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. Each patient is treated as an individual with the treatment plan geared towards their needs.

No osteopaths are independent practitioners therefore you can make an appointment without a referral from your doctor.

Yes osteopathy has been proven to be more successful in treating acute low back pain than standard medical treatment.

Yes migraine can often be the result of upper neck or cranial problems.

Osteopathy will help to correct problem in the neck or upper back, which can often be the cause of pain refereed to the head or face.

Yes osteopathy can often resolve sciatic pain, this pain is very commonly related to mechanical problems in the low back or pelvis.

Yes osteopathy can treat most sports related injuries such as ankle, knee, shoulder, wrist and groin problems.

Yes, many disc problems can be resolved with out the need for surgery with osteopathic treatment.

Osteopathic treatment is more patient centred and hand on treatment, osteopaths will treat the structure as a whole and provide a whole person approach to treatment not just direct treatment to the painful area.

Don’t worry! You will only be required to take off the minimum amount of clothing. Women will be comfortable in shorts and a sports bra. Men will be comfortable in shorts.