| Clapham
Family Practice,
51 Clapham High Street,
Clapham,
London,
SW4 7TL
Tel: 020 7627 9223
(direct line)
020 7622 4455
(switchboard)
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My Osteopathic Journey |
Osteopathy
- FAQs |
Location 
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| 1) How do I know if an Osteopath is fully qualified? |
Since the Osteopaths Act became law in
1993 and the General Council of Osteopaths set up a Register
of Osteopathy the term ‘Osteopath’ has become a protected
term which can only be used by those people who have undergone
a 4-5 year accredited course at an established osteopathic
institution to ensure that the graduate osteopath is safe
and competent.
| 2) How can Osteopaths help arthritis/rheumatism? |
Osteopaths look at overall
function. The function of joints may be diminished by ‘wear
and tear’ effects of arthritis and rheumatism. These can
be boosted by manual therapy which focuses on improving
the function of such joints by gentle stretching, mobilising
and traction techniques supplemented by remedial techniques
given to patients to maintain the improvement.
| 3) What is manipulation and
why is it carried out? |
The public often perceive that
osteopaths are manipulators. whereas it plays an ever-diminishing
role in my practice of osteopathy. Manipulation 'thrust-type'
techniques help to free up spinal joints. The force used
is very localised and in most people there is little or
no pain experienced, though an audible click may often be
heard. If I think a manipulation is appropriate for a particular
patient I will discuss this with them and explain possible
adverse effects. I will only carry out the procedure with
oral informed consent from the patient.
| 4) What is cranial osteopathy? |
This is an inaccurately named specialised way of working.
It consists of very gentle palpatory techniques which help
to ease tensions in painful or dysfunctional parts of the
body, ranging from the skull and jaw, right through the
body down to the feet. It is an especially good method to
use on babies, small children, very nervous adults or patients
with inflamed joints.
| 5) How many treatments do patients need? |
This depends on such factors as what is wrong with
the patient, how long they have had the problem, what they
have done about it, and their age and general health. As
a rule a lot of patients experience considerable relief
after 6-8 treatments, which are often taken about a week
apart. It is important that they take advice about exercise,
posture, and keeping positive in their thinking.
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6) What is the difference between Osteopaths,
Chiropractors and Physiotherapists?
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Chiropractors are professional colleagues who treat
patients with similar problems to those seen by osteopaths.
Many of them use X-rays to diagnose malfunctions and malpositions
of vertebral joints. Osteopaths prefer to diagnose by observation
and palpation of soft tissue and joint movement. Chiropractic
treatments are centred around manipulating restricted joints
whereas osteopaths use a large number of techniques to treat
patients, so manipulation usually plays a small role in
an osteopath’s overall care of the patient.
Physiotherapists are professional colleagues who use different
methods of treating patients with musculo-skeletal problems.
A session may consist of the teaching of several mobilising
exercises as well as the use of various machines, e.g.,
to massage muscles, as well as ultra-sound and short-wave
diathermy. The patient is then encouraged to continue using
the stretching exercises at home, in between treatment sessions.
| 7) Will I need a regular check-up? |
It is a good
idea to have a check-up, perhaps every six months so that
I can point out those structural body parts that may not
be functioning well. I would then be in a position to revise
exercises given previously, and to give further advice on
keeping posture optimal.
| 8) Can I claim on my medical insurance? |
I am recognised
by BUPA and AXA-PPP. Many other insurance companies recognise
osteopathy as a treatment which they will pay for. You
will need to talk to your insurance company to ensure
you will be covered, if you are not with BUPA or AXA-PPP.
| 9) Do I need to go to a GP before I go to an
osteopath? |
No:- Osteopaths are independent practitioners who
have been trained to diagnose and treat musculo-skeletal
problems, i.e. problems in parts of the body that allow
us to move. If I am concerned about a patient’s medical
history or if something worries me while I am examining
a patient I will refer the patient to their G.P. for further
testing, X-rays and/or blood tests.
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|
Wandsworth Osteopathic
Practice,
8 Sarsfeld Road,
Balham,
London,
SW12 8HN
tel: 020 8767 3834
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