Frequently Asked Questions
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a holistic healthcare approach that focuses on the body's musculoskeletal system to promote overall wellness. Osteopaths use manual techniques to address issues such as pain, mobility, and function, aiming to enhance the body's natural ability to heal. The practice considers the interconnectedness of the body's structure and function, emphasizing the importance of a balanced and unrestricted musculoskeletal system for optimal health.
What do I wear?
When attending an osteopathic appointment, it's best to wear comfortable clothing that allows the osteopath to assess and treat your body effectively. Here are some tips on what to wear: - Loose Clothing: Wear clothing that is easy to move in and allows the osteopath to access different areas of your body. Avoid tight or restrictive clothing. - Layers: Consider wearing layers so you can adjust your comfort level during the appointment. For example, a T-shirt or tank top with a sweater or zip-up hoodie. - Avoid Jewelry and Accessories: Remove any excessive jewelry, belts, or accessories that might interfere with the osteopathic assessment or treatment. - Comfortable Shoes: If applicable, wear comfortable shoes that are easy to slip off if needed for certain assessments or treatments. - Bring Necessary Items: If you have specific concerns or areas of discomfort, you may bring relevant items such as orthotics, braces, or previous medical reports for reference.
What can you treat?
Osteopaths are trained to treat a wide range of health conditions and musculoskeletal issues. Some common conditions and concerns that osteopaths can address include: - Arthritic pain - Circulatory problems - Cramp - Digestion problems -Fibromyalgia - Frozen shoulder/ shoulder and elbow pain/ tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis arising from associated musculoskeletal conditions of the back and neck, but not isolated occurrences) - Headache arising from the neck (cervicogenic) Joint pains - Joint pains including hip and knee pain from osteoarthritis as an adjunct to core OA treatments and exercise - General, acute & chronic backache, back pain (not arising from injury or accident) - Generalised aches and pains - Lumbago - Migraine prevention - Minor sports injuries - Muscle spasms - Neuralgia - Tension and inability to relax - Rheumatic pain - Sciatica - Uncomplicated mechanical neck pain (as opposed to neck pain following injury i.e. whiplash)
Is treatment painful?
Osteopathy generally aims to be gentle and minimally invasive, but the experience can vary depending on the individual's condition and the techniques used by the osteopath. Some manual techniques, such as joint mobilization or soft tissue manipulation, might cause mild discomfort or temporary soreness, especially if you have areas of tension or injury. However, osteopaths prioritize patient comfort and will adjust their techniques based on your feedback and tolerance levels. If you're concerned about discomfort during treatment, it's always a good idea to communicate openly with your osteopath. They can modify their approach or offer alternative techniques to ensure you have a positive and effective experience. Overall, osteopathic treatment is typically well-tolerated and should not be excessively painful. Many patients find that the benefits of reduced pain, improved mobility, and overall wellness outweigh any temporary discomfort during the session.
How much does it cost?
An Initial Appointment at Annie Salter Osteopathy is £65 and a follow up is £50.
What is the difference between Osteopathy, Physiotherapy
& Chiropractic?
Osteopathy, physiotherapy, and chiropractic are distinct healthcare professions that focus on improving musculoskeletal health, but they differ in their philosophies, treatment approaches, and scope of practice. - Osteopathy emphasizes the body's self-healing capacity and the interconnectedness of structure and function. Osteopaths use manual techniques such as joint mobilization, soft tissue manipulation, and stretching to restore balance and promote overall health, addressing not only musculoskeletal issues but also considering the body as a whole. Physiotherapy focuses on restoring movement and function in individuals affected by injury, illness, or disability. Physiotherapists employ exercise therapy, manual techniques, and modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation to rehabilitate patients and improve mobility. Chiropractic care centers around the relationship between the spine and nervous system. Chiropractors primarily use spinal adjustments to correct misalignments believed to affect nerve function and overall health. Ultimatley, they all have the same goal, to get you, the patient, better as quickly as possible. Who you decide to see is completley dependent on who you feel most comfortable with.
How many treatments will I need?
There is no one size fits all for this question. At your initial appointment your osteopath will discuss with you how many treatents they think you will need. We will be constantly monitoring and reassessing your symptoms to mae sure you get better as quickly as possible.