FAQS

Why should I visit an osteopath?

Osteopathy is an alternative non-medicinal treatment option that is available to you to remedy musculoskeletal ailments. As musculoskeletal specialists, osteopaths are trained to treat areas throughout the body due to their knowledge of orthopaedics, neurology and the anatomy.

What will my consultation look like?

Your consultation will commence with the osteopath taking a detailed case history before thoroughly assessing the affected area/s. Once the examination is complete, treatment will include the use of manual techniques such as soft tissue release, gentle mobilisation and decompression of the affected area/s. Postural correction may also be required. Osteopathy is safe to use alongside treatment prescribed by your GP.

What is Sciatica?

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, starting in the lower spine, passing through the buttocks, the back of the thighs and ending in the feet. The primary function of this nerve is to connect the feet and leg muscles to the spinal cord. Irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve results can result in a lumbar radicular pain known as sciatica. Sciatica symptoms often manifest as a pain occurring in the buttocks, legs and feet.

What is the difference between an osteopath and a physiotherapist?

Osteopaths and physiotherapists treat very similar conditions, so you will be forgiven for thinking they are the same practice.

A physiotherapist treats patients affected by disability, illness or injury through manual therapy, movement and exercise to help manage pain and prevent disease. Physiotherapists also cover neurological, respiratory and musculoskeletal health problems and often use ultrasound and electrotherapy during their treatment.

Osteopathy on the other hand tends to focus more on spinal issues and involves a hands-on approach when treating patients.

An osteopath uses techniques such as massage or stretching to identify, treat, and prevent physical misalignments from occurring, by manipulating the joints and muscles. Osteopathy aims to increase joint mobility, relieve tension in the muscles and boost blood supply to tissues, for the body to heal and stay healthy and strong.

If you are looking for a non-surgical or non-pharmaceutical treatment option, give us a call, as osteopathy does not involve the practice of surgery or administering medication.

What is chronic pain?

Chronic pain is defined as pain that is ongoing, lasting longer than three months or beyond the time of normal healing. This type of pain can continue even after the injury or illness that caused it has completely healed as the pain signals remain active in the nervous system for several weeks, months or even years. The pain may be sharp or dull, causing a burning or aching sensation in the affected area(s). Pain may be steady or intermittent, coming and going without apparent reason. Chronic pain can occur in nearly any part of your body and can feel very different in each.

Who is eligible for osteopathic treatment?

Everyone can benefit from osteopathy, from new-born babies to the elderly. Your age and/or level of fitness is irrelevant to this form of physical therapy as each patient’s treatment plan will be specifically tailored and carefully adapted to their diagnosis and needs.

Can a person who has had back surgery see an osteopath?

Osteopathy is beneficial for post-surgical rehabilitative care. Through gentle, non-invasive techniques the body’s natural healing process is promoted.
some patients who have had spinal surgery experience a return of the symptoms of their  condition a few months or years later. Osteopathy can be used to help prevent the need for repeated back surgery.
In some cases back surgery can be entirely avoided if osteopathy is optimally used.

Can I see an osteopath during pregnancy?

Osteopathy is a safe form of physical therapy for all stages of pregnancy. Your Osteopath will only use techniques and forms of treatment which will enhance your health and well-being. Osteopathy is helpful to assist the body to adapt to the postural changes related to pregnancy, thus helping to make this experience as comfortable as possible for you.

In preparation for childbirth, it is important to ensure that the mothers’ pelvis is structurally balanced, which will allow the baby to pass through the birth canal. Osteopathy is effective for releasing any strains within the pelvis, thus giving you the best possible chance at an easy and uncomplicated labour.

Is the treatment for each person by an osteopath the same?

No, osteopathic treatment is specifically developed per patient. a holistic approach when diagnosing our patients, thus ensuring the treatment is tailored to their individual needs. We will also take into account your lifestyle, age and general health.

How many treatments will I need?

Many factors affect the way you recover, such as your age, how long you have had the condition, the severity of the condition, your fitness level and general overall health.
The amount of treatments that you receive will depend on you as an individual patient. Some patients after one session experience relief immediately. While others need to have on going treatment sessions. Because every patient reacts differently, your osteopath will be able to advise you on your likely recovery time. Most patients do express significant improvement in the first one or two treatments. Generally, the longer you have experienced the condition for, the longer it will take to heal, thus needing more treatment sessions. Your commitment to the recommended treatment plan, home exercises, any diet or lifestyle adjustments, will also determine your treatment outcome and your long term benefits from osteopathic care.

Are you mobile or see patients only at the clinic?

We are able to accommodate you wherever you feel comfortable, either at our clinics in Frimley and Guilford, or we can come to you in the comfort of your own home. There is a price variation for mobile visits and callouts

How long will a session last?

depending on the treatment that you need to receive, a session can last from between 30 minutes to an hour.

what is Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a medical practice that focuses on the treatment of the physical, physiological and muscular structures of the body.
This includes your joints, your muscles and the tissues that connect it all together.
Osteopaths use mostly gentle ‘hands on’ manual therapy to improve movement and mechanical function in your whole body. This helps to bring your body into balance and improves your overall health and well-being.
Osteopathy is a recognised treatment for many conditions involving the bones muscles joints and nervous system. It may be effective in the management and treatment of back pain, sciatica, neck pain, headaches/migraines, jaw pain, sports injuries, poor posture, rehabilitation, pregnancy care, unsettled babies, birth trauma, breast feeding difficulties, preventative health care and so much more.
Our team of osteopaths use a wide range of treatment approaches including soft tissue massage, stretching, muscle energy, mobilisation, manipulation, balance ligamentous tension and cranial osteopathy.

What are osteopaths qualified to do?

Osteopaths undergo a minimum of 5 years of university training with special emphasis on anatomy (body structure) and its normal physiology (how it functions physically and chemically). They are experts in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of problems in the musculoskeletal system. Osteopaths are primary healthcare professionals and are trained to recognise conditions that require medical referral. They use standard medical and orthopaedic examination, as well as a variety of refined osteopathic testing. They are able to interpret abnormal motion, texture and asymmetry in the muscles, bones and joints of the body. Osteopaths provide a unique approach to how they treat the body, focusing on  the ‘health’ within the body to determine the cause of the problem rather than just looking at ‘disease’. They treat the body as a ‘single unit of function’ using a variety of treatment approaches that are specifically tailored to the individual’s needs.

What is the difference between an osteopath and chiropractor?

There are distinct similarities between chiropractors and osteopaths, both disciplines are concerned with musculoskeletal health and the importance of a healthy spine, but the treatments and approaches are they differ.

Chiropractors can help with issues related to the nervous system (such as pinched nerves), as well as focusing on making adjustments to the spine.

Osteopaths, meanwhile, take a more holistic approach to problems with the body and use a wider range of techniques than a chiropractor will, covering soft tissue, articulations, muscle manipulation and exercise rehabilitation.  An osteopath uses techniques such as massage or stretching to identify, treat, and prevent physical alignments from occurring, by manipulating the joints and muscles. Osteopathy aims to increase joint mobility, relieve tension in the muscles and boost blood supply to tissues, for the body to heal and stay healthy and strong.