If you’re in pain or discomfort but want to avoid surgery or medical drugs, osteopathy might be a good choice for pain relief. Wondering exactly what osteopathy is? We know investing in your health is a big decision to make, so in this blog we explain what you need to know about osteopathy.
What is osteopathy?
According to the General Osteopathic Council’s definition, osteopathy is ‘a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. It works with the structure and function of the body and is based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues functioning smoothly together.’
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It is a drug-free, non-invasive manual therapy whose goal is to support health across all body systems, through manipulation of the musculoskeletal framework. Through correcting structural imbalances, treatment aims to tap into the natural healing capacity of the body.
What are the benefits of osteopathy?
An osteopath will focus on the joints, muscles, and spine. Treatment helps relieve the pain of complaints such as arthritis, back pain, headaches, tennis elbow, digestive issues, and postural problems.
Treatment aims to help with the body’s nervous, circulatory, and lymphatic systems, to ensure good health for the whole person and sustain improvements.
What to expect at your osteopathy appointment
Osteopathy is healthcare that is a patient-centred. So at your osteopathy appointment, your practitioner will ask questions not only about your problem, but your general health, other medical care and your lifestyle. Any information you provide is confidential.
Your osteopath will examine you thoroughly, and to do this she may ask you to take off some clothes. A gown or towel will be provided. Please tell your practitioner if you are uncomfortable about this request – your privacy will be respected. You may bring a friend to accompany you.
As part of the examination, your osteopath will ask you to make simple movements and stretches to observe your mobility and posture. He will want to check to see if the pain or stiffness you are feeling in one part is linked to, or caused by a problem somewhere else in your body.
Your osteopath will assess the health of your joints, tissues and ligaments using her hands and a technique called palpation.
He will also check for any serious underlying conditions, and if necessary will make a referral to a GP, providing a letter to explain her concerns.
Osteopathic diagnosis and treatment
Your osteopath will offer a clear diagnosis and discuss a treatment plan to suit you. He will explain all the benefits and any risks of the treatment he recommends. The number and frequency of sessions varies from person to person.
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Treatment is hands-on and involves skilled manipulation of the spine and joints, and massage of soft tissues. Your osteopath will explain what they are doing and will always ask your permission to treat you (known as consent). Ask questions at any time if you are unsure what you have been told or if you have any concerns.
Self-help measures and advice on exercise may be offered to assist your recovery, prevent recurrence or worsening of symptoms.
Is osteopathy painful?
Osteopathy is a relatively gentle form of therapy. Sometimes, after a session, you might feel a slight discomfort. This is natural, and a sign that healing has already begun. If the pain worsens, contact your osteopath so he can assess what’s going on.
Is osteopathy safe?
Osteopathy is a regulated health profession in the UK. It is totally safe, and is a good choice for you if you are looking for non-invasive pain relief. Every osteopath must register with the General Osteopathic Council, and complete a four-year training and further checks before being licensed to practice.
Each year, osteopaths must renew their registration, and keep their professional indemnity insurance up to date as well as meeting mandatory continuing professional development requirements.
Try osteopathy
Want to experience the healing benefits of osteopathy for yourself? Contact Tom Ward at our Epsom clinic to make an appointment soon!
