OSTEOPATHY
Osteopathy is an established, recognised system of diagnosis
and treatment that lays
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.
Osteopathy uses many of the diagnostic procedures used
in conventional medical
assessment and diagnosis. Its main strength, however, 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 use their hands both to investigate the underlying
causes of pain and to
carry out treatment using a variety of manipulative techniques.
These may include
muscle and connective tissue stretching, rhythmic joint
movements or high velocity
thrust techniques to improve the range of movement of a
joint. Gentle releasing
techniques are often used, particularly when treating children
or elderly patients.
The cranial approach also uses very gentle techniques in
which the osteopath’s
highly trained sense of touch is used to identify and correct
mechanical
disturbances and limitations, both in and around the joints
for the skull, and
throughout the body.
It can help a wide range of patients with conditions including
glue ear, migraine, and
dizziness and, for babies, the after effects of difficult
deliveries. By gently releasing
tension in the baby’s body, the osteopath can often
relieve discomfort which might
otherwise be attributed to colic or fretfulness
Who do osteopaths treat?
A recent survey of osteopathic practices underlined the
wide range of patients
treated.
Half suffer low back trouble. Most back pains result from
mechanical of the spine
postural strains, joint derangement’s and spinal disc
injuries. Osteopathy, with its
comprehensive approach to healthcare, is a particularly
successful approach to
treatment.
Over half are women. Many women are working mothers and
combining both
aspects of their lives can give rise to problems from the
perennial headache to
debilitating musculo-skeletal disorders. Many headaches
originate from stiffness
and tension in the neck and osteopathic treatment can often
bring relief. Pregnancy
can put a strain on the whole spine and osteopathic treatment
can help the body
adapt to the many changes if experiences.
A quarter are in their forties. Many patients are losing
fitness at this stage in their
lives and are more prone to Injury. Osteopaths consider
the whole person,
examining posture and the strength and flexibility of muscles,
ligaments and
tendons. Treatment is designed to alleviate current problems
and to help
recurrences.
Many are elderly. Pain-killers are not the only solution
for the aches and pains
associated with ageing. For more permanent relief it is
necessary to eliminate the
underlying causes of pain, a job for which the osteopath
is specifically trained.
Osteopathy can also help to reduce pain and stiffness in
the less acute stages of
arthritis.
Many problems relate to work. Work, whether at a computer
terminal or in heavy
industry, can give rise to disorders of muscles, tendons
and joints, particularly in
the back, hands and arms. Osteopaths treat many conditions
related to the
workplace and can give remedial advice and preventative
exercise.
When you visit an osteopath for the first time a full case
history will be taken and
you will be given an 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 need additional investigations
such as x-
ray or blood tests. This will allow a full diagnosis and
suitable treatment plan to be
developed with you. Osteopathy is patient centred, which
means the treatment is
geared to you as an individual.
What will it cost?
Most people consult on osteopath privately. Telephone local
practices to find out
about fees in your area. An increasing number of osteopaths
work with GP
practices so that it may be Possible for your doctor to
refer you to an Osteopath on
the NHS. Many private health insurance schemes give benefit
for osteopathic
treatment. Some companies will reimburse the total fee that
you have paid to the
osteopath, some only a percentage. Mast companies require
GP or specialist
referral. All insurance companies have help lines to explain
your actual benefits and
methods of claiming.
Information Courtesy of:
Osteopathic Information Service
(Forms part of the General Osteopathic Council)
Tel: 020 7357 6655
For Further information visit the website
www.osteopathy.org.uk
General Osteopathic Council
Osteopathy House
176 Tower Bridge Road
London
SE1 3LU
Tel: 020 7357 6655
