Southside Osteopathy
Osteopathy
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a ‘whole body’ system of manual therapy which uses hands-on techniques to diagnose and treat a wide range of health problems.
Osteopathy is safe, gentle and effective.It aims to relieve your pain, discomfort and immobility.
The osteopathic philosophy is to treat you as a ‘whole’, not just treat your specific symptoms. By improving the function of your body, osteopathy helps to stimulate your body’s own self-healing / self-regulating processes, aiding a return to health.
The emphasis of Osteopathy is on the interrelationship of your body’s structure – such as muscles, bones, joints, nerves etc – and its function – such as breathing, circulation, digestion, metabolism etc. Osteopaths work on the philosophy that structure governs function, so if your body’s structure is correct, it can then function at optimum health and wellness.
What types of problems can osteopathy help with?
Osteopathy can help with a wide variety of problems including:
- Neck and back pain
- Sciatica
- Headaches and Migraines
- Sports Injuries
- Work and Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
- Arthritis
- Jaw pain.
- Pain associated with pregnancy
- Pain associated with menstruation
- Pain in peripheral joints such as shoulders, knees and ankles,
tendonitis and muscle strains
In addition, Osteopaths can utilize a wide variety of gentle non-manipulative techniques for use on infants and small children.
What to expect when you visit an Osteopath
During your first consultation, your Osteopath will ask questions and conduct a full osteopathic and orthopaedic examination. You will normally be asked to remove some of your clothing, depending on the area of your body requiring treatment. Following osteopathic treatment, your Osteopath may need additional investigations such as x-ray, scans or blood tests. This will allow a full diagnosis and suitable treatment plan to be developed for you. If needed, your Osteopath may refer you on to another health professional.
Do you need a referral from your GP?
Many patients are referred to Osteopaths by their Doctor, other health practitioners or personal trainers. However, as Osteopaths are primary practitioners, you can make an appointment without a referral.
Is osteopathic treatment painful?
Most osteopathic treatment is gentle and should not cause undue discomfort. Some injuries however, may require the handling of painful areas but your osteopath will take all care to make you as comfortable as possible. Some people experience mild soreness for a day or two after treatment similar to that felt after unaccustomed exercise.
How long will your treatment take?
Your initial consultation may last up to one hour because it includes a thorough history and examination as well as treatment. Follow-up treatments are usually a little shorter. Depending on your condition, they can take up to 30 minutes.
What do I need to bring?
Your osteopath will ask to see any X-rays, scans or test results that you may have. Your osteopath may ask you to undress to your underwear depending on the area of your body requiring treatment. Therefore you may want to wear loose pants or bring a pair of shorts if this would make you more comfortable.