Osteopaths - Questions that are Frequently Asked.
1. Do ladies have to undress?
We will need to examine your spine and pelvis in order to make a diagnosis. We do ask ladies to undress, leaving on their bra and underwear, in privacy behind a screen. We are sensitive to your modesty and you will be provided with a pair of loose fitting shorts and a treatment gown. Once you have been examined you will be able to cover yourself up again.
2. Can I bring a friend / chaperone?
We are very happy for ladies to bring a friend or partner with them. We insist that anyone under 16 years of age be accompanied by a legal guardian whilst in the treatment room.
3. Do you offer free initial assessments?
We don't; your first appointment with us takes a full hour, we take a detailed history and you will receive an expert osteopathic examination before we will be in a position to tell you if we will be able to help you. We take your care very seriously and will not take short cuts in our responsibility to you. Over 95% of our new patients come to us on the recommendation of a satisfied patient or by referral from their doctor. If you are unsure, or have any questions about whether you should come, please telephone the practice and have a chat with us.
4. Are there any side effects to treatment?
Side effects are generally very rare. You might experience some tiredness or soreness for a few days after treatment but this usually subsides quickly. Osteopathy is a safe & effective form of treatment & most patients feel substantially better for it.
5. Is osteopathy an alternative medicine?
In a recent UK parliamentary report Osteopathy was described "as a distinct system of manual medicine within its own right". Unfortunately it has often been labelled as “alternative” despite being based upon the medical sciences with an osteopath requiring at least 4 years of university study to qualify.
6. Is osteopathy available on the NHS?
In some Health Authorities it is.It the current economic climate we do not anticipate this to change in the near future.
7. Is osteopathy officially recognised?
Osteopathy enjoys full State recognition and an osteopath has the same rights to practice as a GP or Dentist does. It is illegal to practise as an osteopath unless properly trained & registered with the Australian Board of Osteopathy.
8. What will my Dr say if I come and see you?
Most GP’s are happy for you to see us; we receive many referrals from GPs and have had the privilege to treat many of the local GPs and hospital consultants. We are happy to communicate with your GP and should your complaint be unsuitable for osteopathic treatment will be happy to refer you to your GP for further investigation.
9. How many Treatments will I need
We can only give you an accurate assessment after we have actually seen you once and assessed how you’ve responded to osteopathic treatment.
As a rough guide symptoms lasting less than a month usually take two or three treatments, those lasting less than six months may take three to five visits, and symptoms that have lasted for more than six months then it might take from five to eight visits to resolve. Naturally this is entirely dependent upon your overall health.
10. Are you going to crack my neck?
Manipulation of the neck in appropriate circumstances is very safe and effective. If you don’t want us to do this then we will not! There are other gentle techniques we use that are just as effective although they might take a little longer.
11. How soon before I will feel better?
Everyone responds differently. Most people feel some relief after their first visit and substantial relief after 6-8 visits. Chronic or severe cases usually take longer to respond.
12. How long does treatment take?
Your first visit takes about 40 mins and any subsequent visits will be scheduled for 20 minutes.
13. What training does an Osteopath have?
Today's Osteopath is very highly educated. He will have studied for at least 4 years in subjects similar to a medical Dr with special emphasis on anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, osteopathic medicine and osteopathic technique prior to 1000 hours of supervised clinical practice.
14. Will I need x-rays?
Osteopaths take a detailed case history and are experts in musculoskeletal examination and diagnosis. We use x-rays sparingly to avoid our patients being subjected to the cumulative effects of radiation. X-rays are of minimal value in the majority of conditions that present to us, and usually MRI / CT scans are of more value. If we are suspicious of pathology, such as a fracture or abscess, we will order x-rays.
15. Will treatment hurt?
Treatment in skilled hands should be painless. If your muscles are very inflamed, or if you are in acute pain, we try to make the handling of you as gentle as possible. We are usually able to relieve acute pain quite quickly. There may be some mild aching or a slightly "bruised" feeling after treatment.
Should any reaction to our treatment cause any concern at all, do please contact us for advice.
16. Am I Too Old For Osteopathic Care?
No one is ever too old and it is frequently the senior citizens who have the most to gain from osteopathic treatment.
17. Is Osteopathy safe during pregnancy?
Osteopathic care is suitable during and after pregnancy. With the many physical and hormonal changes during pregnancy, osteopathic treatment can help with back pain and can help to minimise the strain of labour through its balancing effects on the muscles and ligaments. We would generally avoid treating you in the first trimester but there is little evidence to suggest that osteopathy has any negative effects in this period.
18. I Have Arthritis – Can Anything Be Done?
Osteoarthritis can often be dramatically improved with osteopathic treatment. By restoring as near to normal joint function pain and immobility can be improved. There are other forms of “inflammatory arthritis” which can be helped but this will often need to be in conjunction with medical treatment.
Often our patients will have had surgery, for example a replacement hip, and we are able to assist their rehabilitation.
