The osteopath will then feel the various tissues in both the area concerned and elsewhere as this will give
more information. You will be asked to perform certain ‘active’ movements e.g. bending forward or lifting
an arm. These will often then be repeated by the osteopath with you relaxed / ‘passive’. Other specialised
tests that may be performed include neurological examinations (e.g. reflexes) and you may require
examination of the systems of your body, such as having your blood pressure taken.
For those who have never experienced a manipulation of a spinal joint, curiosity and occasionally,
apprehension may both occur. Relax - osteopaths usually have at least 4 years of training and have
performed hundreds if not thousands of manipulations before. Safety should be their priority and an
assessment will always be carried out - i.e risk versus benefit. If you’re still not convinced by being ‘clicked’,
there are many alternative techniques osteopaths are trained in to help you get better. A few examples
include soft tissue manipulation (“massage”), muscle energy techniques (an advanced type of muscle
conditioning to strengthen or lengthen muscles) and cranial osteopathy (a very gentle, subtle form of
osteopathy) as well as advanced techniques like acupuncture and ultrasound. Your osteopath will advise
you what is best and treat accordingly, or refer on if other skills are required.
WHAT BENEFITS CAN BE
ACHIEVED?
HOW MANY SESSIONS
WILL I NEED?
Benefits can include reduced
pain or discomfort, increased
range and ease of movement,
as well as improved sleep,
general body function and wellbeing.
This very much depends on
your presenting complaint.
Your condition may be
significantly improved in one
session and you may not
need further visits. Or, you
may need several treatments,
especially in the case of long
term / chronic conditions.
Your response to treatment
will always be noted and your
treatment plan reviewed, if
necessary.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE
EFFECTS?
Side-effects can include some
soreness or pain after treatment,
which usually settles within 48
hours. (This may be the normal
course of events for your
presentation, even if you did
not receive osteopathy!) This
can be relieved by applying
an ice-pack or heat - whatever
works best for you for between
5 and 10 minutes. Although
you may feel tenderness during
treatment, this is often “good
pain” and should produce a
reduction in symptoms when
things settle. Specific (but
extremely rare) risks for certain
manipulations (e.g. neck) should
be explained to you by your
osteopath.
AND WILL I HAVE TO
DO EXERCISES?
Your osteopath may provide
you with exercises and other
advice if appropriate. Those
who do their exercises often
get the best benefit.
WILL I NEED A GP OR
THE FIRE BRIGADE HR
TO REFER ME?
No, it is easy as you can selfrefer.
IS IT FREE?
Few NHS practices sadly don’t offer
osteopathy on the NHS, but some
do and this may be worth checking.
Otherwise, it is a private consultation
and a fee will apply. Some
osteopaths may offer discounts to
key public workers.
I DON’T WANT WORK TO
KNOW I’M IN PAIN - WILL THIS
INFORMATION BE FED BACK
TO THE FIRE BRIGADE?
No - your confidentiality is assured
and remains between just you and
the osteopath, unless you state
otherwise. Exceptions may be where
the your employer has specifically
sent you for an assessment
themselves and request a report.
GREAT, WHERE CAN I FIND
AN OSTEOPATH?
Since it is a legal requirement
that every practising osteopath
is registered with The General
Osteopathic Council, you can
search for an osteopath by location
or name using their website:
www.osteopathy.org.uk
AUTHOR: GLENN SONTAG COPYRIGHT 2015
OSTEOPATH AND DIRECTOR OF BLUE EYE HEALTHCARE LTD
DOCKLANDS MEDICAL CENTRE, 100 SPINDRIFT AVENUE, LONDON, E14 9WU
(10% DISCOUNT OFFERED TO NFB STAFF)
WWW.BLUE-EYE.CO.UK • 07816 108812
Reproduction of content, part or full, is not possible without the author’s consent.
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