Q: What can osteopathy do that my GP cannot? A: In most medical schools doctors are not taught diagnosis of musculo-skeletal conditions in the way osteopaths are. Also, whereas modern medicine involves investigations for diagnosis, osteopathic medicine enables accurate assessment after taking a case history and clinical examination and a knowledge of clinical Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Neurology as well as Osteopathy. back to top
Q: What is the difference between osteopathy, chiropractic and physiotherapy? A: Osteopaths use manipulation to mobilize any joints which do not move normally - either in the spine or peripheral joints and also gentle treatment such as functional and muscle energy techniques. They also diagnose and treat muscle and fascial tension. Some have extra training in diagnosing imbalances in the involuntary mechanism (cranial osteopathy). Some patients say osteopaths are more gentle than chiropractors. Some osteopaths are also medical doctors.
Chiropractors main aim is to make regular and repeated 'adjustments' to spinal joints to treat subluxations which they often diagnose by X-Rays. They tend to do less soft tissue treatment than osteopaths. They use the title doctor but they are not medical doctors - their title means doctor of chiropractic. Not Many chiropractors are also doctors. Their training includes marketing.
Physiotherapists have always been better known to doctors, since they work in hospitals and theirs is a "profession supplementary to medicine". They are still not taught manipulation in their basic training. Some study it afterwards. Traditionally Physiotherapists treat using exercise and electrotherapy equipment. back to top
Q: Will the treatment hurt? A: Osteopathic treatment is generally very gentle. Sometimes when muscles have been tight over a long period they need quite strong massage to free them to function normally. This may sometimes be uncomfortable at the time but patients often refer to it as a good, relieving "ahhh" rather than an "owch"! Joint manipulations (clicks) should never be painful. After the initial treatment one can feel a little achy all as if one has over-exercised. This is because muscles are adjusting to their new increased range of movement. back to top
Q: What does treatment involve? A: The osteopath will take a detailed history from the patient followed by a careful examination. They will then make a diagnosis of what is causing the symptoms. Using very subtle and gentle techniques the patterns of strain and stress in the body are gradually released. This type of treatment is suitable for everyone from newborn babies to the elderly. back to top
Q: Is it necessary to come back regularly for maintenance treatment after I am better? A: The founder of Osteopathy used Dr Andrew Taylor Still used to say: "Find it, fix it and leave it alone". If your therapist seems to keep on wanting to see you when you feel better or alternatively if treatment you have had has not improved your problem after, say 3-4 visits, you may be wise to consider seeing someone else. Some clinics over-treat - we pride ourselves in not doing so! Elderly patients are an exception and may find it beneficial to attend monthly or at longer intervals regularly. back to top
Q: Can you treat elderly people? A: Yes. One is never too old. Generally gentle soft tissue relaxing techniques are appropriate. Tender muscles can be given ultrasound therapy beforehand, or gentle acupuncture, before osteopathic treatment. Unfortunately many people are told that their problem is due to old age or arthritis and they are left thinking that they will have to live with it. Osteopathy can help these patients and make them feel much more comfortable. Unlike most patients, the elderly can often benefit from regular treatments since they can help to maintain their mobility and well-being. back to top
Q: Is osteopathy safe for children and babies? A: Osteopaths are trained to recognize serious problems in all ages and will refer a patient to another specialist or GP if necessary. Osteopathy itself is very safe for children and babies; moreover it is very useful as young ones are developing. Cranial osteopathy is very effective and can help very young babies who are too tiny to be treated with other osteopathic techniques. Osteopath Alan Burke is trained in cranial osteopathy. back to top
Q: I am pregnant - can I have osteopathy? A: Certainly! Joint strains can occur during pregnancy as at other times. Additional strains can occur due to a heavy abdominal wall being balanced by arching the small of the back - causing tenderness in the low back. Movements at either sacro-iliac joint are frequent in pregnancy due to the usually strong ligaments across the joint relaxing in the last few weeks of pregnancy - leading to a subluxation (minor form of dislocation) of the sacro-iliac joint. Often 1-2 treatments will put the joint back. More rest and care with posture thereafter may prevent recurrences. Alan Burke has a special interest in babies and mums, pre and post birth. back to top
Q: Do you just deal with back pain or can you help with my painful knee? A: No, not just back pain. In addition to spinal joints and muscles we can treat any peripheral joint giving trouble. If a sore foot or knee leads to back pain we need to treat all affected areas. It is a misnomer that Osteopaths only treat Back pain. Twisted ankles, sore knees and painful shoulders are common problems encountered by Osteopaths. Our rehabilitation specialists treat many acute and chronic problems. back to top
Q: Is it necessary to have an x-ray before treatment? A: No. In the absence of fracture or dislocation or serious disease such as bone cancer, x-rays are often of little or no help. Also avoidance of unnecessary x-radiation is good preventative health care. back to top
Q: Do I have to take my clothes off? A: Removal of top clothes is usually preferable, to allow the osteopath to visualize spinal curvatures, rotations etc. Down to underpants and socks for men, bra and pants for women is usual. We often use a rug to cover areas not being treated. back to top
Q: Can I use my health insurance? A: Most insurance companies will cover the cost of treatment whether it be Osteopathy or Acupuncture. Check with your insurers that they will cover treatment, and whether a referral letter from your GP is needed. All the Osteopaths are registered with the General Osteopathic Council. Again check with your insurers. back to top
Q: Can acupuncture be given with osteopathic treatment? A: Yes. They complement each other, even acupuncturists in China use a method of manipulation related to osteopathy called "tui na". We have found many problems respond best to a combination of acupuncture, manual therapy and exercise. back to top
Q: What are the risks of acupuncture? Is it uncomfortable? A: At The Forge Clinic, we use sterile, disposable needles which ensures that there is no risk of disease transmission. The needles are very thin and are much smaller than the needles used in the familiar hypodermic injections. The most common complication of treatment is a small bruise or a drop of blood when the needle is removed. Although any medical technique involves some risk, acupuncture presents minimal hazard. Because the needles are so small and light, the sensation that occurs when the needles are placed is minimal. A heavy, distended, sore, or achy feeling is often felt around the area of effective acupuncture. Most people find acupuncture to be a relaxing and positive experience. back to top
Q: How does acupuncture work? A: There is no simple answer to this question. In the orient it is sufficient to say that acupuncture stimulates and regulates our energy (or Qi). Within the West we are always looking for another explanation that more easily fits into our concept of what medicine is and how medicine works. Unfortunately no-one can firmly say. It is understood that the insertion and manipulation of acupuncture needles stimulates the production of the body's own natural painkillers - endorphins. Other theories have emerged about the effect it has on the adrenal glands... another model for another type of acupuncture. back to top
Q: How many acupuncture treatments will I need? A: The number of treatments necessary depends on the condition being treated. Recent injuries and conditions seen at an early stage will often improve immediately. Those conditions that have been present for longer periods may require more treatment, and serious problems will require extensive therapy. A course of treatments for recent problems in a healthy person may range from 2 to 5. In a person with many health problems and a chronic condition, 6 or more sessions may be required before an initial response is seen. back to top
Q: What benefits can the Rehabilitation and Pilates have for my problem? A: Some conditions benefit from certain types of controlled and balanced exercise. Often it works in conjunction with treatment and helps the patient recover quicker as well as avoid reoccurrence of the problem. Pilates helps build core strength in the deep stomach muscles and helps stabilise the low back. Our instructors constantly liaise with the practitioners to learn about the patient’s problem, thereby given the most beneficial controlled exercise programme. back to top
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