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.

6) What is the difference between Osteopaths, Chiropractors and Physiotherapists?

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.

 

Consultation & Follow-up	What I Treat	The Way I Work	Location Balham
Osteopathy - a brief history	My Osteopathic Journey	About Osteopathy	Location Clapham Family Practice