frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions
This area provides you with answers to the questions we are asked on a regular basis. If you have any further questions, we’d be happy to talk to you to answer these.
What training does an osteopath undergo?
Osteopaths undergo a 4/5 year degree course. Each new osteopath is fully assessed in various disciplines of conventional medicine as well as technique and philosophy related specifically to osteopathy, to ensure that practitioners are safe and competent.
Anyone calling themselves an osteopath is now required by law to be accepted on the recently formed General Osteopathic Council (GosC) approved by a government bill passed in 1993.
Osteopaths are highly skilled practitioners with sound clinical experience, committed to lifelong learning through implementation of Continuing Professional Development from 2004. Osteopaths are also required by law to be insured, to protect both public and themselves.
What's the difference between Osteopathy, Chiropractic & Physiotherapy?
Osteopaths use manipulation to mobilize any joints which do not move normally – either in the spine or peripheral joints and also gentle treatment such as functional and muscle energy techniques.
They also diagnose and treat muscle and fascial tension. Chiropractors main aim is to make regular and repeated ‘adjustments’ to spinal joints to treat subluxations which they often diagnose by X-Rays. They tend to do less soft tissue treatment than osteopaths.
Physiotherapists tend to concentrate more so on soft tissue work and emphasise more so on rehabilitation exercises.
These basic differences are not as defined as in the past. Within each profession, individuals vary in the way they practice.
Can I have treatment even though I am pregnant?
Pregnant ladies benefit greatly from osteopathic treatment. Joint strains can occur during pregnancy as at other times.
Additional strains can occur due to a heavy abdominal wall being balanced by arching the small of the back – causing tenderness in the low back. Movements at either sacro-iliac joint are frequent in pregnancy due to the usually strong ligaments across the joint relaxing in the last few weeks of pregnancy – leading to a subluxation (minor form of dislocation) of the sacro-iliac joint.
Often 1-2 treatments will put the joint back. More rest and care with posture thereafter may prevent recurrences.
Do you write reports for insurance companies & solicitors?
Yes, but we do this ONLY in response to a written request from the solicitor or insurance company. An appropriate report fee will be charged for this work.
Do I need to be referred by my GP?
It is not a requirement to be referred for treatment by the G.P., however some insurance companies require this for payment of your treatment.
Consult your insurance company regarding this matter. We may require further investigations or need to notify your G.P., in this case we would first gain your permission to do so. You may wish for your G.P. to be kept up to date with your diagnosis and treatment, which we would be happy to do.
How many treatments will I need?
This entirely depends on the type of condition you have. When you come in for an assessment, we can advise you on the number of sessions required based on the diagnosis made.
As a general rule, the more acute the condition the less time it takes to resolve. A more long standing problem could take longer to resolve and may need more long term measures in order to maintain changes made in treatment.
