Spotlight on Osteopathy

Have you ever tried Osteopathy?  A common myth is that Osteopathy is all cracking and clicking – we met Osteopaths Sarah and Dermott to find the truth.

Therapists: Sarah Oliver, Dermott Earley

 

Most Commonly Treated Conditions:  

Osteopathy is used to manage a wide range of conditions but our top 3 is probably:

• Back pain
• Sciatica
• Neck pain

 

What advice can you give to someone suffering with back pain?:

Firstly, keep moving as much as you can.  This will help keep your muscles supple and promotes the release on endorphins, which are a natural pain killer.

Secondly, use heat or cold packs to reduce pain.  Cold packs are best in the first 48 hours after an injury.   After that either heat or cold would be effective.

Thirdly, get a professional opinion if it doesn’t improve after a few days.  Speak to your GP or see a registered Osteopath, Chiropractor or Physiotherapist.

 

 

What training do you need to become an Osteopath?:

To become an Osteopath you must complete a course accepted by our regulatory body, the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).  This usually leads to a Bachelors or Masters degree.  Most courses are 4 years full time or 5 years part time.

Osteopathy training includes anatomy, physiology, pathology, nutrition and biomechanics plus at least 1,000 hours of clinical training.  There is also extensive training in osteopathic technique.

The General Osteopathic Council has a list of recognised courses.

 

What happens during a consultation?:

Your first appointment will last for 1 hour.

The first 15-20 minutes are spent discussing the problem needing treatment.  We’ll also talk about your general health and lifestyle.

The next 15 minutes will be spent conducting a thorough examination.  We’ll look at your posture and assess the strength and flexibility of your muscles and joints.  We may also use some special tests such as taking your blood pressure.

Then we will tell you what we think is causing the problem, how we propose to treat it and how many sessions you are likely to need.  We’ll answer any questions you have about the treatment.

We’ll spend the remaining 20 minutes or so on treatment.  This can involve a variety of ‘hands on’ techniques such as stretching, massaging muscles, gently encouraging movement in your joints and stronger joint manipulations.  Sometime’s there is a little discomfort during treatment but it shouldn’t be painful.

We will also discuss posture, lifestyle changes and exercises to help you recover quicker.

 

Try Osteopathy if…. you are suffering with back pain and want a safe, effective and natural treatment.

Thank you, Sarah and Dermott
For more information or to book an appointment, call us on 020 8520 5268.