Osteopathic FAQ

What is Osteopathy ?

Osteopathy is a primary health care system, complementary to other medical practices. It is a form of drug-free non-invasive manual medicine that focuses on the total body. Osteopaths do not simply concentrate on treating the problem area, but use manual techniques to help balance all the systems of the body to assist with over all good health and wellbeing. If one part of the body is restricted, then the rest of the body must adapt and compensate for this, potentially leading to inflammation, pain, stiffness and other health conditions.

By treating and strengthening the musculoskeletal framework, which includes the joints, muscles and spine, the aim is to positively affect the body’s nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems leading to pain relief and wellbeing

Does treatment hurt ?

My aim is to relieve your pain and in most cases treatment is completely pain free. On occasions treatment might be a little uncomfortable, for example when a tight muscle spasm is worked on, although typically patients refer to this as a good pain in that the right spot is being treated. You may also feel a little stiff or sore the next day but this is a normal and healthy response to treatment as your body begins to remodel and function in a more normal way. This is often described to me as a similar feeling to having had an exercise workout where you feel achy after a different activity and commonly lasts 24-48 hours.

Can I bring a friend or relative?

Yes of course and they can be present throughout your consultation, treatment or both if you wish.

Do I need to see my doctor first?

You do not need to see your doctor first if you are paying for your own treatment. However, if you are intending for your private medical insurance to pay then you should check the terms and conditions of your policy since some require a GP referral.

Can I have Osteopathy on my Private Medical Health Insurance?

Both practices are registered with all major health care providers including, AXA PPP, Aviva, HSA, Standard Life, Simply Health, Pru Health, Bupa and many more.
You may need a GP referral in order to claim so please check with your insurance provider.

Can I have Osteopathy on my Private Medical Health Insurance?

Both practices are registered with all major health care providers including, AXA PPP, Aviva, HSA, Standard Life, Simply Health, Pru Health, Bupa and many more.
You may need a GP referral in order to claim so please check with your insurance provider.

What is the difference between an Osteopath, Chiropractor and Physiotherapist?

As an Osteopath I often get asked this question when I am at work and it is difficult to give one definitive answer to as all Practitioners are different.

Osteopaths, Chiropractors and Physiotherapists all treat very similar conditions including, low back pain, neck pain, minor sports injuries and issues with the joints, muscles and nerves of the body. In their own separate ways they can be very effective. Since I am not trained as a Chiro or Physio I do not feel it is fair to comment in too much depth on their scope of practise or treatment methods.
Every Osteopath undergoes a minimum of 4 years’ full time education studying subjects such as anatomy, physiology, neurology and pathophysiology before qualifying. Osteopaths are trained to deal with patients that may simply walk in from the street and who may not have seen a medical doctor previously and therefore the Osteopath has to identify the cause of the pain and any underlying and potentially serious problems that may also cause back or neck pain. In such circumstances if Osteopathic treatment is not appropriate then they would refer you for appropriate treatment or advise you to consult your GP.

Is Osteopathy Regulated?

Osteopathy joined mainstream medicine in 1993 when the Queen signed the Osteopathic bill, giving the profession its Royal Charter. Following this The Statutory Register of the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) opened on 9 May 1998. The title Osteopath became protected by law from 9 May 2000 and as a result it is a criminal offence to describe oneself as an Osteopath in the UK unless registered with the regulating body the GOsC. Only practitioners meeting the high standards of safety and competence are eligible to join the GOsC register. Proof of good health, good character and professional indemnity insurance cover are also a requirement of registration.

Any further questions?

If your question has not been answered here and you are still unsure please give us a call in complete confidence and we will do our very best to help you.