|
F.A.Q.
Use the links below to jump to the topic of your
choice
Is osteopathy safe?
Yes the techniques employed by osteopaths are very
safe. The main side effect is aching or an
increase in your symptoms for a short period after
the treatment. About 60% of people do not experience
any adverse effects after treatment but for those
that do it is usually gone within 24 Hrs.
One technique in particular, when used on the neck
can carry a very small risk of causing problems.
However this risk is very small indeed and
probably carries a similar risk to taking non
steroidal anti inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen
or Diclofenac. We are very careful about who we
choose to use this technique on, screening your age,
family history and cardiovascular status before even
discussing its use. We will always talk it through
with you explaining the risks and benefits of this
technique, offering alternatives, if necessary and let
you make the decision about its use.
What is the difference between osteopathy and
chiropractic?
Both professions undergo a rigorous undergraduate
training programme lasting a minimum of four years.
They both act as primary care practitioners, which
means that they are trained to diagnose patients.
This means that you do not need to see a
doctor before attending. If the osteopath finds you
have a condition that would best be treated by a
doctor, or if further tests are needed, they will
send you to your GP with a letter explaining their
findings.
The main difference we have found between osteopaths
and chiropractors is in the mode of treatment they
apply. Osteopaths tend to use a greater range of
technique which involves more gentle soft tissue and
articulatory techniques. Both professions use
manipulation, although chiropractors tend to use this
more than osteopaths. However there is variety
within both professions, some chiropractors use more
gentle techniques and there are some osteopaths who
rely much more on manipulation.
What produces the "click" when using manipulation?
When we use some techniques patients can hear a
click, this is thought to be due to hydrogen bubbles
forming within the joint as it is moved quickly,
they then pop and to us it sounds like a click. It
is the same process as when someone cracks their
knuckles and is on the whole harmless. Your osteopath
will always discuss treatment options with you prior
to treatment, as there can be many ways to get
something better without using manipulation; however
it can often be the quickest way to deal with
something, we will advise you on this and help you
reach the decision that is right for you.
What do osteopaths treat?
There are many conditions that osteopaths can treat.
These include:
-
Sports injuries
-
Headaches, back, neck and arm pain
-
The symptoms associated with degenerative
conditions such as osteo-arthritis
-
Shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand problems
-
Repetitive Strain Injuries (R.S.I)
-
Hip, knee and foot problems
-
Traumatic injuries
-
Problems experienced during pregnancy
-
Childhood
problems.
How much does seeing an osteopath cost?
At present your initial consultation will cost
£43.00 and will normally take approximately 45 minutes.
However
depending on your condition, and other factors, it
may take up to an hour. The initial consultation
would normally include treatment if it is appropriate.
Subsequent consultations normally last about 30
minutes and cost £38.00
How many times will I need to come?
This is a very difficult question to answer. At our
last audit the average number of treatments per
patient was 3, however it does depend on many
factors such as age, health status, the condition
you present with, how long you have had the
condition, whether you follow the advice given and
many other things. Your osteopath will
discuss this with you at your initial consultation
and endeavour to give you a rough estimate of time
and costs.
If you think there is a
question that needs to be on our FAQ page please
email
us |
