Osteopathy
- Summary
- More Detail
- Typical Conditions
- Questions
- Links
Osteopathy is a safe and natural approach to health care, treating individuals for health problems from the potential trauma of a difficult birth to arthritis of the elderly, from cradle to rocking chair, as it were.
The osteopath considers the musculo-skeletal system as the physical expression of the person as a whole, rather than merely as protection, carriage and support for the vital organs.
A highly trained sense of touch is used to identify dysfunction within the body. The person is then treated to remove/reduce all restriction & impediments to improve/restore mobility and balance and thereby enhance well being.
Osteopaths have at hand a wide range of techniques, the more commonly used include; soft tissue stretching, rhythmic passive joint movements and manipulation. Both osteopaths & chiropractors tend to reserve the word 'manipulation' for what is more technically known as HVT (high velocity thrust). The principle of this is based on a rapid movement over a very short range to release a stiff or locked joint without injury or trauma to the tissues. I mention this as some have concerns about the safety of this approach, especially with regard to manipulation of the neck. In reality it has been found in studies to be significantly safer than taking a course of anti-inflammatories which are available 'over the counter'.
Physiotherapists tend to apply the word manipulation in a wider context. ranging in grades from 1 to 5, with 5 being equivalent to HVT, but there are relatively few physios in the UK that perform grade 5 manipulation, with it requiring extra postgraduate training. Other manual or 'manipulative therapists' may well not be qualified to perform such manipulations, so don't be shy to ask - your health could be at risk!
HVT manipulation is only one approach of many in the osteopaths itinerary, which would be discussed before application and may be unsuitable for some, i.e. those with osteoporosis or vascular complications. The person would be assessed and examined for the possibility/risk of these and not assumed to absent if they have not been previously diagnosed. Those advising that people with such conditions should never consult an osteopath is doing them a disservice, as said there are many more osteopathic approaches that could help.
Usually when treating the elderly and children the very gentle release techniques of Cranio-Sacral Osteopathy are used.
Osteopathy is a particularly successful approach for the treatment of spinal pain most commonly in the lower back and neck, but often referring pain to the lower and upper limbs respectively. Similarly restriction and pain originating in the limbs such as arthritis, injury and repetitive strain conditions may also be helped.
Although osteopaths are best known for treating neck & back pain and yes spinal problems are the mainstay of most osteopathic practices, but many will be surprised by the range of problems that we may well be able to help with.
Pain, unless it's from a recent injury, is often a late indicator that there is a problem and the earlier a problem is caught, then the greater the chances of a full recovery.
A few examples of the problems that people seek osteopathy for;
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Arthritic Pain - The pain of osteoarthritis or common arthritis unfortunately affects most of us sooner or later. This may just affect one or two joints (i.e. arthritic hip, knee or shoulder), or multiple joints (i.e. throughout the spine, known as spondylitis).
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Colic in newborn babies is a common complaint that parents seek cranial osteopathic treatment for. The wonder of babies is that they are so adaptable and the colicky baby usually responds with only a few treatments.
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Joint pain in general - whether it be golfer's or tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, RSI (repetitive strain injury) of the wrist, sprained ankle, foot problems (i.e. heel spur, fallen arches), or knee pain, hip or S.I. (sacroiliac) joint pain. See cranial osteopathy page.
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Headaches - many headaches have their origin in the upper neck & is officially called cervicogenic head pain and the neck itself may not be painful. Other 'hidden' upper neck problems may also contribute to disturbance of balance, vertigo, jaw problems, earache/ pain, scalp tenderness or numbness, sinus pain (commonly confused with sinusitis), brain fog - the inability to focus or think clearly, etc
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Low back pain - this and neck pain are the problems most commonly treated by osteopaths. The most commonest causes of low back pain IMHO are caused by an irritation / 'locking' of the small facet joints at the back of the spine and vertebral disc injuries.
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Neck pain - this may as a result of a road traffic accident, other whiplash trauma or for no obvious reason. As well as local neck pain, it's not unusual for people to present with upper back or shoulder pain only to discover that the problem originates in the neck and it's referred pain to the upper back or shoulder.
See the A-Z section on Andrew's osteopathic site for more conditions in detail.
There is also research into the effectiveness of Osteopathic treatment with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ ME), menstrual problems and infertility problems amongst others.
FAQ's on Osteopathy
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Is osteopathy safe?
A Osteopathic treatment is very safe.
When people ask this question - they usually have manipulation in mind. There have been several studies to show that a series of neck manipulations is actually safer than taking a course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAID's) over the same period. Yes, these are the aspirin/Ibuprofen based variety that you can buy over the counter in the corner shop. So compared to the drug alternatives that only treat the symptoms it is extremely safe!
This technique would be explained before hand and is not necessarily indicated or needed. The osteopath has many treatment approaches in his/her repertoire.
How much does it cost?
Fees vary from practice to practice. The initial consultation & treatment are usually more expensive, as it involves taking a full osteopathic & medical case history & therefore takes longer. You can expect to pay at least ?30 & possibly as much as ?80 for your initial appointment depending on your area, the reputation & experience of the osteopath.
Follow-up treatments are shorter & usually less expensive, and vary from about £20 to £40. Many osteopaths offer a concessionary rate with genuine cases of low income. Also, most private health insurance policies now cover for osteopathy, but check you policy first.
Will I be expected to have a set course of treatment?
Quite frankly if you're paying for it, then the decision is yours. We can only advise on this issue. I would advise asking this on the telephone when making the appointment or when you first walk into the treatment room. If the answer is a definite yes, before examination & case history taking, then I would be suspicious.
Most osteopaths continually re-asses at each appointment. Everyone is different & respond differently, so if you get more of a vague answer, then it is actually a good sign. All we can say are generalizations. Such as an acute (short term), never happened before type problem may resolve with a single treatment, whereas a chronic (long term) or recurrent problem is likely to take more treatments to resolve. Having said that, often with chronic conditions pain may actually be a late indication that there is a problem, so you may be advised to have one or two treatments & advised to continue with stretching or strengthening exercises after the pain has gone. With some ongoing problems i.e. chronic arthritis, then an occasional 'preventative' or 'maintenance' treatment may be advised, i.e. quarterly.
Does osteopathic treatment hurt?
A Not ordinarily. The approach that is most like to be uncomfortable is when deep soft tissue work, rather than manipulation - the technique that most fear. With a good patient - practitioner rapport, you should be encourage you to give feedback as to when it is becoming too uncomfortable. Known as 'therapeutic discomfort' this is usually that sort of sensation that is not comfortable, but not unpleasant either. As with a strong massage - a kind of 'it's doing you good' feeling.
If you are particularly sensitive, then pointing this will help formulate the best treatment approach for you.
Am I too old or my baby too young for osteopathic treatment?
Age is not a barrier to receiving osteopathic treatment as treatment is specifically adapted to the individual needs of the person. E.g. The very young are treated with cranial (cranio-sacral) osteopathy.
What sort of problems can osteopathy help with?
Whilst osteopaths are probably best known for low back and neck pain & problems, 'whiplash' type injuries, spinal pain, etc., and all manner of musculoskeletal or mechanical problems, if you prefer. Whether it be a sports injury or the stiffness & pain of arthritis.
What is less well known is that we actually treat a whole range of people, with a wide range of problems. From the colicky baby, glue ear with toddlers ( you will need to find a cranial osteopath for those), right through to the creaking joints that are associated with the more mature amongst us.
For more info on the wide range of problems that osteopaths deal with on a regular basis check the A-Z guide on Andrew's osteopathy site, link below.
Do I need to be referred by my GP?
The short answer is no. This has never been the case even prior to osteopathy gaining official recognition by an Act of Parliament in '93 & giving osteopaths Primary Health Care Professional status alongside doctors, dentists & opticians. However, it is always advisable to keep your GP up to date, but you do not need to see them first.
However there are a few circumstances that it would be advisable;
1) A few insurances companies, i.e. BUPA that require GP referral for your claim to be processed.
2) If your complaint is related to a 'Personal Injury Claim', then you should keep your GP up to date. Your solicitor may ask either or both of us for a copy of your medical records or for a report. For this you would have to have given your signed consent before we can legally release any of your personal details.
3) It may be worth trying your GP to see if you can get a referral to see an osteopath on the NHS. There are a small number of osteopaths that work for the NHS, but there's likely to be a waiting list.
Will I need to undress?
For your best care & to fully asses the nature of the problem, then yes a level of undress would be required. In fact we could be regarded as being negligent if we were to asses, diagnose & treat without fully examining you. Obviously, more minor, peripheral problems (i.e. ankle strain, knee injury, etc) may be addressed with a lesser degree of undress, but we can only give you our best care if we are able to get a fuller, holistic picture of the problem.
Wearing 'appropriate underwear' is a good idea, a bikini or cycling shorts & sports bra would be acceptable or if this is a major issue, then you could see a 'same sex' osteopath.
I would suggest that when it comes to issues of health, then some things are more important than vanity and we wouldn't expect to have been examined properly by our doctor, without having to undress to some degree.
Osteopaths at the Centre
Alison Bellamy
Andrew Woodhouse
Other Pages about Osteopathy
Cranial Osteopathy
Visceral Osteopathy
External Links
Andrew's osteopathic website
Osteopathy - by general, cranial and visceral osteopath practicing in Wirral & Liverpool. Primary health care practitioner advice. What an osteopath is and does, also holism & vitalism.
The General Osteopathic Council
The General Osteopathic Council regulates the practice of osteopathy in the United Kingdom. By law osteopaths must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) in order to practise in the UK.
The British Osteopathic Association - BOA
Professional association for osteopaths and works to promote and raise awareness about osteopathy in the UK.