What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a therapy that is best known for giving pain relief.
It (Osteopathic Medicine) is the blend of modern clinical science with traditional massage style treatment, giving you the best of both worlds for pain relief and safe healthcare. Modern Osteopathy has been around for almost 150 years and was originally developed by a qualified medical doctor in the USA. It has been refined continuously since that time and finally received recognition in the UK by medical profession and the British Parliament in 1993. Its is very safe and an effective way to get better quicker or more comfortably - when ‘medicines alone don't hit the spot’. For many however, it is used naturally, in place of the medicine!
top
How Does it work?
Osteopathy provides most of its benefits through a system of massage, stretch or manipulative techniques. Together these provide, relaxation, healing, increase of the healing blood supply, reductions in swelling, increased joint and tissue movements and above all, a sense of feeling better. Even if you are not ‘cured’ after your first visit, you get a feeling of ‘getting better’, you sense you will be soon. It works on the very simple principle that muscle movement and healing are related. In laymans terms: “make the muscle “fresh” again and the healing fluids flow”. Thats why some people feel better so quickly after a treatment.
top
Why is the first treatment a longer appointment?
Your first visit is one hour long. This keeps us in step with the profession’s regulatory guidelines for “Best Clinical Practice”. At the living Centre Clinic we work very hard to uphold standards of excellence. This includes time for - taking your history, clinical examination, medical diagnosis, your first treatment and discussion of related self help exercises/advice. Sometimes we ask questions that may seem irrelevant to your pain. This might be for medical reasons and for us not to ask could be medically negligent. At other times it is because we know happy patients often return back at some point in the future with possibly with another problem. This avoids information ‘slipping the net’ in future – plus we can get straight to work.
top
What If I am Late for an Appointment?
1) Generally don't worry, as most treatment is DOSAGE related. This means in some cases we can treat the tissues a little more deeply to help make up lost time. If this is not the case you will be advised and may need a follow up appointment.
2) Speak to us as soon as possible - call us - we always try to help. For example, if we have space later in the day we might rebook you and you can avoid the charge. If you give early notice and we can re-let the appointment to someone else, again, no charge.
top
What if I Miss an Appointment?
We accept there may be times when you may miss your appointment. Unless there are unusual circumstances the full fee would normally apply. That's why if you call us early and we can re-let the slot we would not usually charge you. We are all trying to keep costs down and hope you can understand our approach to fairness.
top
What can I expect when I visit an osteopath?
When you visit an osteopath for the first time, a full case history will be taken and you will be given an examination. You will normally be asked to remove some of your clothing and to perform a simple series of movements. The osteopath will then use a their highly developed sense of touch, called palpation, to identify any points of weakness or excessive strain throughout the body, before going on to give you treatment. This usually takes an hour. Any follow on treatments usually take half an hour. (link to 3 on MAP)
top
What is treatment like?
From the patient point of view treatments are often experienced as ‘massages’. Theses may be deep, gentle, stretchy, relaxing, invigorating etc. We provide towels, or you can remain covered with your own clothes. We have music that can be played to help you relax. For children we have videos to watch, books to look at or toys to play with.
top
How many treatments will I need?
The average for our clinic is 3 treatments for an acute (newly established) pain. Longer standing complaints (chronic), can take longer, about 6 – 8 treatments plus. In any case making the patient better is almost the easy part – keeping someone better is what takes the time. Thats why we always advice patients to finish the course of treatments.
top
When will I feel better?
Many people find that their headaches, back, neck, arm or leg pain diminishes or goes away immediately on the first visit. The follow up visits are to check up or finish off any remaining work on your body.
For some patients, typically new born babies or elderly patients, the improvement is gradual over a few days. It may also be gradual for some long standing complaints.
Others find an improved sense of well being over time. That they have more energy, better sleep, greater concentration or general improvement in mood (especially children).
top
Is Osteopathy Safe?
Very. It ranks as one of the safest therapies. However, like all medicine, there are some exceptions. These are very rare indeed, but a qualified osteopath would screen you for these. It is for this reason we ask so many questions on your first visit and ask that you give us as much information as possible.
top
Are there any side-effects?
There are only a few side effects. Amongst the commonest side effects are soreness, tiredness, some more pain, headaches. For some patients it is not unusual for them to feel sore before getting better.
top
Joint & Spinal Manipulation (HVT Techniques)
a)Will you “Click” any Joints?
We always try to work in step with the patient’s wishes. Many patients do not like the sudden impact of a ‘cracking’ sound coming from their their bodies. Other patients dont feel they have had a ‘proper’ treatment unless they have heard a satisfying ‘pop’ from their back!
We will always advise you as to the best route for you, any contra-indications or reason that you should (or should not) have joints ‘cracked’. The final decision will always be yours.
b)What is the ‘cracking’ Sound?
It is the gases inthe joint equalising pressures. When you ‘crack’ a joint it causes it to momentarily over-stretch, the gas in the joint dissolves out of solution making the popping noise, as the pressure difference equalises within the joint. The purpose of ‘cracking’ a joint, is to force the muscles to relax and go floppy.
c) Is ‘Cracking’ Good?
Like every technique, each has its place. If you ‘over-crack ‘ a joint it gets so floppy that over time it can weaken. For this reason we do not recommend being ‘cracked’ regularly and we always advise patients never to ‘crack’ their own joints. ‘Cracking’ a joint should not be painful.
top
Is treatment Painful?
We can treat in two ways – some people like a soft gentle approach and others want a deep strong penetrating treatment.
top
Do you give Exercises?
Yes we do. We offer a range of exercises from stretching, core-stability and cardio-vascular. As both Mr Jamooji and Mr Stafford are both fitness enthusiasts they understand the importance of self-help.
top
What qualifications do osteopaths have?
It takes 4 years, full time study at university to obtain the necessary qualifications to become a registered osteopath. Course content is similar to a medical degree, involving extensive study of medical science including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, biomechanics, neurology, radiology and orthopaedics.
top
How can I be sure I am in safe hands when visiting an osteopath?
Osteopathy is a regulated profession This means, like medicine and dentistry, osteopathy is practised by qualified practitioners under a specific Act of Parliament. This means Osteopaths are recognised by the medical profession and under British law.
top
Can I have osteopathy on my private medical insurance?
Mr Jamooji & Mr Stafford are on the panel of approved practitioners with BUPA, AXA PPP, Standard Life, Norwich Union, HSA, Cigna, Medisure, First Assist etc.
Spouse’s Medical Insurance. There are many policies that also allow the partner of the policy holder to receieve osteopathy treatment. So its always worth checking.
top
|
Book Your Appointment Online 
Call to Book Your Appointment 
Send Information / Free Pack 
Request a Call Back 
Ask a Question
