FAQ

Preparing for an osteopath appointment is important to get the most out of your visit. Firstly, you should make a note of any symptoms or pain you’re experiencing, and when they started. This will help your osteopath understand your condition better. You should also bring any relevant medical reports, scan results, or X-rays with you to the appointment. Wear comfortable clothing that allows movement, and avoid tight or restrictive clothes. Lastly, avoid eating a large meal right before your appointment. This may cause discomfort during the treatment.

So many people ask what osteopathy is, think about your car. Your body is like a car, it has a structure and then functions so it can move. Osteopaths are a little bit like mechanics for cars, except they are mechanics for your body. They work on the belief that your ‘structure governs function’ in other words, if your body works well it will move well. Osteopaths spend five years learning all aspects of the body from Osteology, Arthrology, Differential diagnosis, Clinical skills, Osteopathic Techniques, all of which allow an osteopath to pick the best techniques to suit your individual body type. Therefore a lower back pain would be treated differently according to your age, your medical history and personal preferences. Treatment is aimed to restore balance to the body, allowing you to function without pain. Some osteopaths also use other modalities to help accelerate healing in their patients, such as Dry needling, Ultrasound therapy, Electrotherapy, Kinesio-taping, Shockwave treatments and Cranial Osteopathy. 

Asking your osteopath the right questions can help you understand your condition better and what you can do to improve it. Here are some questions you may want to consider asking:

• What is the cause of my pain or discomfort?
• What treatment options do I have?
• How long will it take for me to feel better?
• Are there any lifestyle changes I can make to help with my condition?
• Are there any exercises or stretches I can do at home to help with my treatment?
• How often should I come in for treatment?
• Is there anything I should avoid doing while I’m undergoing treatment?
• Are there any potential side effects of the treatment?
• How can I prevent this condition from recurring in the future?
• Is there anything else I should know about my condition or treatment plan?

Remember, your osteopath is there to help you, so don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have.

At your first appointment, your osteopath will start by taking a detailed medical history and asking you about your symptoms and how they started. They may also ask you about your lifestyle, occupation, and any previous injuries or medical conditions you may have had.

After the initial consultation, your osteopath will conduct a physical examination to assess your range of motion, posture, and any areas of discomfort or pain. They may also conduct orthopaedic tests and palpation to assess the condition of your muscles, joints, and ligaments.

Based on the information gathered, your osteopath will then develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This may include soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation, stretching, or other manual techniques to help alleviate pain and improve mobility.

Your osteopath may also give you advice on lifestyle changes, exercise, and self-care techniques to help manage your condition and prevent it from recurring in the future.

Overall, your first osteopath appointment is an opportunity to discuss your symptoms, receive a thorough physical examination, and develop a personalised treatment plan to help you feel better.

In general, acute conditions such as a sprain or strain may only require a few sessions to resolve, while chronic conditions such as back pain or arthritis may require ongoing treatment to manage symptoms.

It’s important to remember that osteopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare, and treatment focuses on improving the body’s overall function rather than just treating symptoms. Osteopathy aims to address the root cause of a condition and restore balance to the body, which can take time.

Your osteopath will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals and will advise you on how often you should come in for treatment. It’s also important to follow any self-care advice and exercises provided by your osteopath to help support your treatment and improve your overall health and wellbeing.

The need to undress depends on the area of the body being treated. Osteopathy is a hands-on therapy that involves the manipulation of muscles, joints, and other tissues, so it’s important for an osteopath to have access to the affected area.

For some treatments, it may be necessary to partially undress so that your osteopath can access the area being treated. However, you will always be provided with a gown or towel to maintain your privacy and modesty during the treatment.

It’s important to note that osteopaths are trained to work with patients to ensure they feel comfortable and at ease during treatments. If you have any concerns about undressing or any other aspect of the treatment, you should feel free to discuss them with your osteopath before the session begins. They will work with you to ensure you are comfortable and that your privacy and dignity are respected at all times.

Both osteopaths and physiotherapists are trained professionals who can help treat a range of conditions. The choice between the two depends on personal preference and the specific needs of the patient.

Osteopaths focus on manual therapy to address acute and chronic conditions by targeting bones, muscles, and various body systems. They take a holistic approach to realign the body and treat its root problems.

Physiotherapists focus on exercise-based management to address conditions such as postural issues, sports injuries, and arthritis. They use a targeted approach to boost the strength and mobility of problem areas. Both professions have their own strengths and limitations.

Therefore, it is difficult to say which one is “better” as it depends on the individual case. It is important to research the therapist and clinic before booking an appointment and discuss your concerns and preferences with the therapist.

Osteopaths may use massage as part of their treatment approach, but it’s important to note that osteopathy is not the same as massage therapy.

While massage therapy focuses primarily on manipulating soft tissues to promote relaxation and relieve tension, osteopathy takes a more holistic approach to healthcare, looking at the body as a whole and addressing imbalances in the musculoskeletal system that may be causing symptoms.

Osteopaths use a range of techniques, including massage, joint mobilisation, and stretching, to improve the function of the body’s tissues and promote healing. The specific techniques used will depend on a patient’s condition and unique needs.

So while massage may be one component of osteopathic treatment, it’s just one of many techniques that may be used to address the underlying causes of a condition.

Pregnancy massage is specifically designed for pregnant women and can help to relieve some of the discomforts and pains associated with pregnancy, such as back pain and swelling. 

Pregnancy massage takes special care to position a woman’s body using bolsters or props to accommodate the physical changes that occur during pregnancy, such as the growing belly.

The woman will usually lie on her side or sit upright or in a semi-reclining position. Lying on the back or stomach is not recommended after 20 weeks of pregnancy, as it can restrict blood flow to the uterus and cause discomfort. Regular massage on the other hand may involve lying flat on the table, either face up or face down, depending on the preference and presentation of the client.

Pregnancy massage uses gentle Swedish massage techniques that provide muscle relaxation to the entire body. The pressure is adjusted to suit the needs and preferences of the woman at different stages of her pregnancy. This is quite difference to a regular massage which may use different types of massage techniques (such as deep tissue or sports massage) to apply more pressure and intensity to certain areas of the body.