Osteopathy Frequently Asked Questions
Is Osteopathy safe?
Yes, Osteopathy is regarded as being very safe. Osteopathy has one of the best safety records of any medically related profession. Osteopaths are trained to recognise a wide range of conditions and when not appropriate to treat with osteopathy, a referral to another medical professional can be made if required. We are registered and regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) and are governed by the Osteopaths Act (1993) which provides regulation in a similar manner to those in place for doctors and dentists.
On a first consultation the Osteopath will take a case history that will include questions about general patient health, medical history and present complaint. This is to ensure that your complaint is suitable for osteopathic treatment and this can be undertaken safely.
Your osteopath will also need to undertake a physical examination which they will explain to you beforehand. This will often comprise of you undertaking some movements and for the osteopath to examine areas to feel for any tightness in the muscles and stiffness in the joints to identify problems.
Sometimes the cause of the problem may be in a different area to the pain, for example, pain in your lower arm may be linked to the nerves in your neck, so they may need to examine your whole body.
You may find that your osteopath may undertake other examinations, such as blood pressure or nerve checks, or even refer you for other tests such as x-rays, MRIs or blood tests. Occasionally they may diagnose an issue that they are unable to treat and may refer you to your GP or another appropriate health professional.
As with any health consultation, they will record this confidential information to form part of your health record and store it in accordance with legal requirements for medical data.
Osteopathic treatment often involves manual therapy – a range of gentle hands-on techniques that focus on releasing tension, stretching muscles and improving mobility – together with exercises and helpful advice designed to help you relieve or manage your pain, keep active and maintain the best of health.
Before an osteopath starts any treatment, they will explain what is involved so you can agree and consent to your course of treatment.
Osteopathic treatment is usually a very gentle process. There may be times when you experience discomfort during or experience some mild soreness after treatment. This will normally go away within 48 hours. Your osteopath will let you know if they think that any of the techniques they recommend are likely to be uncomfortable.
If you experience serious or unusual symptoms after treatment you should contact your osteopath straight away for advice. Osteopaths often work with or refer you to other healthcare professionals as needed to ensure you receive the most appropriate care and treatment.
Does Osteopathy Work?
96% OF OSTEOPATHIC PATIENTS SAID THEY WERE SATISFIED OR VERY SATISFIED WITH THEIR CARE
98% OF PATIENTS SAID THEIR EXPERIENCE OF OSTEOPATHY WAS GOOD OR VERY GOOD
AFTER 1 WEEK, 89% OF PATIENTS REPORT SOME LEVEL OF IMPROVEMENT IN THEIR SYMPTOMS
AT SIX WEEKS 96% OF OSTEOPATHIC PATIENTS REPORT IMPROVEMENT OR RECOVERY
What happens when I see an Osteopath?
Osteopaths will take the time to understand your symptoms, medical history and lifestyle which in turn will help them make an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your issue and formulate a treatment plan with you that will achieve the best outcome.
Your osteopath will also need to undertake a physical examination which they will explain to you beforehand. This will often comprise of you undertaking some movements and for the osteopath to examine areas to feel for any tightness in the muscles and stiffness in the joints to identify problems.
Sometimes the cause of the problem may be in a different area to the pain, for example, pain in your lower arm may be linked to the nerves in your neck, so they may need to examine your whole body.
You may find that your osteopath may undertake other examinations, such as blood pressure or nerve checks, or even refer you for other tests such as x-rays, MRIs or blood tests. Occasionally they may diagnose an issue that they are unable to treat and may refer you to your GP or another appropriate health professional.
As with any health consultation, they will record this confidential information to form part of your health record and store it in accordance with legal requirements for medical data.
Listening and examining
Osteopathy is a patient-centered, system of healthcare. A first appointment generally lasts about 45 minutes to an hour to allow the osteopath adequate time to:
· Listen and ask questions about your problem, your general health, other medical care you are receiving or medication you are taking, and record this in your case notes. The information you provide will be confidential.
· Examine you properly. It is likely the osteopath will ask you to remove some of your clothing. Tell your osteopath if you are uncomfortable about this. You should expect privacy to undress and a gown or towel should be provided. You can ask a friend or relative to accompany you and be present throughout your treatment.
· Ask you to make simple movements and stretches to observe your posture and mobility. Because of the body’s structure, pain or stiffness you are experiencing in one part may be linked to a problem elsewhere.
· Examine the health of the joints, tissues and ligaments using their hands and a highly developed sense of touch called palpation.
Your osteopath will also check for signs of serious conditions they cannot treat and may advise you to see your GP or go to hospital. They should provide you with a letter explaining what they believe to be the problem.
Diagnosis and treatment
Osteopathy specializes in the diagnosis, management, treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal and other related disorders.
Your osteopath will give you a clear explanation of what they find (their diagnosis) and discuss a treatment plan that is suitable for you. They will explain the benefits and any risks of the treatment they are recommending. It is important to understand and agree what the treatment can achieve, and the likely number of sessions needed for a noticeable improvement in how you feel.
Treatment is hands-on and involves skilled manipulation of the spine and joints, and massage of soft tissues. Your osteopath will explain what they are doing and will always ask your permission to treat you (known as consent). Ask questions at any time if you are unsure what you have been told or if you have any concerns.
Self-help measures and advice on exercise may be offered to assist your recovery, prevent recurrence or worsening of symptoms.
What does treatment involve?
Osteopathic treatment often involves manual therapy – a range of gentle hands-on techniques that focus on releasing tension, stretching muscles and improving mobility – together with exercises and helpful advice designed to help you relieve or manage your pain, keep active and maintain the best of health.
Before an osteopath starts any treatment, they will explain what is involved so you can agree and consent to your course of treatment.
Osteopathic treatment is usually a very gentle process. There may be times when you experience discomfort during or experience some mild soreness after treatment. This will normally go away within 48 hours. Your osteopath will let you know if they think that any of the techniques they recommend are likely to be uncomfortable.
If you experience serious or unusual symptoms after treatment you should contact your osteopath straight away for advice.
Osteopaths often work with or refer you to other healthcare professionals as needed to ensure you receive the most appropriate care and treatment.
Can I claim on my private medical insurance?
Many private health insurance policies provide cover for osteopathic treatment. It may be possible to claim for a course of treatment but you should check in advance with your insurance company before seeking osteopathic treatment, in order to confirm the available level of cover and whether you will need to have a referral from your GP or a specialist.
Do I need to see my GP first?
What should I do if I have concerns about the osteopath or the treatment I have received?
All osteopaths are expected to have a complaints procedure in place in their practice to address patient concerns.
If you have concerns about the competence or the professional conduct of your osteopath, and you have been unable to resolve the issue satisfactorily with the osteopath, or their employer, the General Osteopathic Council will advise on the next steps to take under a formal complaints procedure.