What is Osteopathy
Osteopaths at The Westoe Practice use a wide range of gentle manipulations, depending on your age, fitness and diagnosis.
Treatment is different for every patient but may include techniques such as soft tissue massage, mobilisation and manipulation to release tension, stretch muscles and relieve pain. The Westoe Practice also offers Cranial Osteopathy.
Osteopaths must study for four to five years for an undergraduate degree. This is similar to a medical degree, with more emphasis on anatomy and musculoskeletal medicine. Training includes more than 1,000 hours in Osteopathic techniques. The British Medical Association’s guidance for general practitioners states doctors can safely refer patients to Osteopaths.
How does it work
Treatment can consist of a wide range of techniques including massage, mobilisation, gentle manipulation or “cranial Osteopathy”.
The skull subtly expands and contracts at a rhythm that coincides with fluctuations in blood pressure (THM oscillations). By feeling where movement is tight or restricted cranial Osteopathy uses gentle pressure or certain holds to facilitate relaxation of these tight areas in the head.
Birth trauma or just day to day tension can create areas of restriction amencable to cranial osteopathic treatment.
Conditions treated
Conditions Osteopaths most commonly treat are:
• generalised aches and pains,
• joint pains including hip and knee pain from osteoarthritis as an adjunct to core OA treatments and exercise*
• arthritic pain,
• general, acute & chronic backache, back pain (not arising from injury or accident)*
• uncomplicated mechanical neck pain (as opposed to neck pain following injury i.e. whiplash)*
• headache arising from the neck (cervicogenic)* / migraine prevention
• frozen shoulder/ shoulder and elbow pain/ tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) arising from associated musculoskeletal conditions of the back and neck, but not isolated occurrences*
• circulatory problems,
• cramp,
• digestion problems,
• joint pains, lumbago,
• sciatica,
• muscle spasms,
• neuralgia,
• fibromyalgia,
• inability to relax,
• rheumatic pain,
• minor sports injuries and tensions .
- Also available: CRANIAL OSTEOPATHY
Patients have found osteopathy a help for a range of other conditions.
What to expect on your first visit
Your medical history
Before commencing treatment a full case history is taken. By taking time to listen to you and ask questions a full understanding is obtained of your medical history and day-to-day routine.
Examination
A full assessment is made of your posture and how you move your body. By asking you to perform simple movements (e.g. bending) and by gently moving parts of your body you will be assessed for pain and loss of movement.
Using touch areas can be identified which are sensitive or tight to help further formulate a diagnosis.
Other standard medical and orthopaedic tests may be preformed such as reflexes, blood pressure, etc
Once this is done a diagnosis can be made of your condition. Sometimes osteopathy may not be appropriate for you in which case we can refer you to your GP or another specialist.
Frequently asked questions
Q.What should I wear?
A.Shorts and gowns are provided to be worn over undergarments when appropriate. Patients are always welcome to bring their own shorts or loose fitting trousers if they wish. Chaperones are not available but patients can bring in a friend or partner.
Q.Do I need to see my doctor first?
A.You do not need to see your doctor first if you are paying for your own treatment. However, some insurance companies require you to see your doctor first.
Q.How much does treatment cost?
A.Cost of treatment is £25 a session. Treatment slots are 30 mins. This allows us time to assess your individual needs.
To find out if your health insurance providers are recognised at the Westoe Practice please contact us prior to your treatment.
Q.How many treatments will I need?
A.The number of treatments you need depends on the condition and person being treated. We ALWAYS aim to keep your appointments to a minimum.
