Please select an FAQ from below:
What will happen in the treatment?
To make our diagnosis of your problem as accurate as possible, we will need to know about how your complaint first appeared. You might be able to pin point exactly what caused it and when it started, or it may have gradually appeared for no apparent reason. If this is the case, our questions will try to discover what was happening in your life at the time that may have caused it.We try to understand the type of pain/discomfort/stiffness you are experiencing and what brings it on. Have you noticed a certain pattern?
Because aches and pains may have an internal cause, we also ask you about your general health, sleep and energy levels, operations or medical investigations,details of any medication or supplements you take; your diet, job and stress levels.
During the examination, you may need to undress down to your underwear or just roll up a trouser leg or sleeve. Towels are provided for your comfort and modesty, and you are welcome to bring a pair of loose shorts to wear. Sports bras may make it difficult to examine and treat your upper back, so please try to wear a normal one.
What should I expect in the examination?
Osteopaths are trained to examine areas of the body using a highly developed sense of touch, called palpation, to determine conditions and identify the body’s points of weakness or strain. We also use conventional medical diagnostic techniques to determine whether you need to be referred to your GP or a Specialist for more investigations or different treatment.You will be asked to perform simple movements to assess the range and quality of movement in your joints, along with the strength of the muscles involved. Your reflexes and sensation may be checked if a disc or nerve problem is suspected.As many problems are related to posture, your standing or sitting posture may be assessed.
What will happen in the treatment?
Your treatment will be designed to make you feel better as quickly as possible, while helping your body to heal itself and preventing the problem from coming back.You will probably undergo some soft tissue manipulation (massage), mobilisation of any stiff joints to increase their range and quality of movement. You may be taught stretches, strengthening and balance exercises to improve the stability and function of certain areas. If your posture is affecting your spine, we may use some of the Alexander Technique to help you correct this.Western Medical Acupuncture may also be offered or accupressure techniques. We also offer Cranial Osteopathy.
We will try to give you an idea of how quickly you can expect to feel better. If you have a chronic (long- term) problem we may recommend maintainance treatment to help manage your symptoms.
Naturally, people are concerned to know how they may feel at the end of the session. As you would expect, your response to treatment will be as individual as you are.
The good news is that most people leave the room feeling far better than they did at the start. Often just knowing what your problem was and that it will go eventually is a great relief. Even if you feel like running a marathon, we do recommend you take the rest of the day easy, to allow your body to respond to the changes it will be undergoing.
Sometimes people feel a little tired that day and achy the next. Their symptoms may even feel a little worse for a very short period. If this happens 5-10 minutes using an ice pack (not directly on the skin) may help, as does gentle movement and active rest. We are always happy for you to ring us for advice.Treatment of inflamed areas can be a little tender sometimes, but generally patients enjoy the treatment and most feel an improvement by the end of the first session.
For most people we expect to see a noticeable improvement within 3 sessions. If you have had your pain or condition for many years, this may well take longer. You may also need to do some “homework” in the form of stretching or exercise to support and encourage long term changes to your health.
If your condition needs further investigation or you are not responding to treatment, we will liase with your GP or specialist to ensure we find the best way forward.