will osteopathic treatment hurt?
No... we will take all possible measures to make you as comfortable as possible during a treatment. Most techniques can be done without causing pain and we can adapt what is done if you are not comfortable enough at any point.
How safe is Osteopathy?
Very safe... there are minimal risks involved but it does depend on what conditions are being treated, your age and general health and what techniques are used. During the initial consultation and throughout any course of treatment any potential risks will be discussed. Some types of neck manipulation do carry serious risks for certain people so specific screening would be carried out first, individual risks discussed and consent sought.
Will i have to undress?
By and large examination and treatment can be done through a layer of thin loose clothing. However tight fitting skirts, girdles, thick or tight jeans may be difficult to work around. It is sometimes necessary to uncover an area briefly to examine you safely and effectively and some techniques like oil massage need exposed skin. We are able to adapt treatment around what you feel comfortable with and your dignity will be respected at all times. You will certainly not be expected to strip off to your underwear!
will my neck or back be 'cracked'? i don't like that!!!
If you don't like it we won't do it... the type of spinal manipulation that causes a 'click' or 'crack' from joints is only one kind technique we can use, it can be very useful but there are always other ways of releasing the spine that we can utilise instead. Many patients have experienced the 'cracks' and have been put off Osteopathy ever since but we can treat any problem without that type of manipulation.
How many treatment sessions will i need?
That really depends on what is being treated. Simple problems with a recent onset may only need one or two treatments, where as a problem going on for years is likely to need a longer course of treatment. We will give you a clear prediction of how much treatment you are likely to need at the initial consultation and this will be reviewed each session. We will never try to make a patient sign up to block booking of treatments ahead of time. We promise to try and resolve your problems as quickly as possible and never to book unnecessary sessions.
is osteopathy a regulated profession?
Yes... Osteopathy is a fully regulated medical speciality just like Dentistry, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Chiropody etc. Since The Osteopath Act of 1993 Osteopathy has had statutory regulation under the General Osteopathic Council. This means anyone practising as an Osteopath must have completed an Osteopathic degree, abide by a strict code of professional conduct and undertake continuous professional development.
Is there a complaints process?
Yes... because Osteopathy is a statutorily regulated profession there is an established complaints procedure via the General Osteopathic Council if you are not satisfied with treatment received. However please be aware this is for serious complaints about an Osteopath's professional conduct or clinical competence and they cannot provide compensation.
Where can i get more information?
The Institute of Osteopathy
The General Osteopathic Council
The Sutherland Cranial College
University College of Osteopathy
The Foundation for Paediatric Osteopathy
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Turgoose & Turgoose
Osteopathy - reflexology
frequently asked questions
what can osteopathy help with?
Osteopaths are Primary Healthcare Practitioners so they are trained to examine, diagnose and treat musculoskeletal and other physical problems.
On the initial consultation a detailed history of your problem, general health and any other relevant information will be taken, followed by a physical examination.
This will primarily involve the Osteopath using their hands to examine the structural condition of your body as well as assessing posture and movement.
After this it should be possible to form an initial diagnosis and treatment plan. Sometimes further investigations such as X rays or blood tests may be helpful and your Osteopath can help with organising this, we are very happy to liaise with GPs and other Specialists if necessary. If it safe and appropriate to treat you with Osteopathy then treatment can start straight away.
Osteopathy for bromley and chislehurst
what is osteopathic treatment like?
Osteopathy can help relieve the symptoms of a range of conditions, including:
- Back and Neck pain
- Back ache and Lumbago
- Sciatica
- General Aches and Pains
- Joint Pain such as Hip and Knee Pain
- Arthritic Pain
- Head Ache (with a musculoskeletal cause)
- Frozen Shoulder
- Sports Injuries
- Tension and Muscle Spasm
- Aches and pains during Pregnancy
Osteopaths primarily work through the neuro-musculo-skeletal system, mostly on muscles and joints, using holistic and patient-centred approaches.
The type of Osteopathic treatment techniques we use are always hands on, we don't use machines of any kind and we never use assistants to do massage.
All Osteopathic techniques really involve some kind of manual manipulation of the body, the Osteopath will continuously feel and assess the condition of the area of the body that they are working on whilst applying some sort of manipulation to improve movement, position, blood flow, lymphatic drainage, etc. of that area.
This on-going process of feeling body tissues, making adjustments and reassessing the tissues makes Osteopathic treatment very precise, it is always adapted to the needs of the patient. Treatment is always specific to your body and your condition at that moment.
We can draw on a very wide range of manual techniques including massage, stretching, joint articulation and spinal joint manipulation ('clicking') plus the range of Cranial Osteopathic techniques.
Treatment can be very gentle and calming, or strong and stimulating, depending on what is required and your preference, you can discuss what kind of approach you feel comfortable with and we can always adapt our techniques to suit you.
We can also provide a wealth of advice on exercise, rehabilitation, sports, health matters and alternative therapies.