Osteopaths are highly trained Allied healthcare professionals, who study for 4 years on a full time basis at university. By law, all Osteopaths are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council. As allied health professionals, they also have similar status to dentists and physiotherapists as recognized by NHS England. Osteopathy works on the basis that the structure and function of the body are interrelated, and that the systems of the body, including the musculoskeletal, neurological and vascular system function smoothly together. Therefore, the Osteopathic ability to diagnose and treat does not just focus on the problematic area, but the individual as a whole.
Osteopaths commonly treat people with musculoskeletal conditions, such as neck, back, joint, muscle and rheumatological conditions. Osteopaths can also help treat neurological conditions, such as sciatic symptoms, headaches and upper limb conditions.
The Osteopath will take a detailed case history, and use a variety of orthopaedic, neurological and functional tests in order to formulate an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan so that you achieve the best outcome. You may be asked to remove items of clothing during the exam in order to help with the assessment, if you are uncomfortable with this then please inform the practitioner. Osteopaths will use a wide variety of hands-on techniques such as stretching, soft tissue, joint mobilization and manipulation that focus on reducing tension, improving mobility and optimizing function. Physical rehabilitation advice may also be provided in order to aid in the recovery process. Where required, the Osteopath may also refer you on to other health care professionals so that you receive optimum care. It is not unusual to experience some discomfort in the area treated after your appointment, which can last 48 hours.
A 63 year old female presented to our Osteopath with a long term history of pain at the base of the neck, that would peak to a 9/10 on the pain scale. It had got to the point where she could not even enjoy her hobby of reading. Having seen the GP, she had been prescribed a nerve blocker but felt this was only masking her symptoms, along with making her feel fatigued. Scans had also shown signs of Osteoarthritis within her neck. After 4 sessions of osteopathy, along with specific rehabilitation exercises and ergonomic advice, the patients pain scale had gone to 1/10 and after consultation with her GP, came off the medication.
A 34 year old male presented to our Osteopath with a 6 month history of right knee pain that had started to come on whilst going through a squatting programme. He had not outstanding issues within his medical history, except of a sprained right ankle 2 years prior to his knee pain. On examination all testing came back negative for structures within his knee, however it was noted that his right ankle had reduced movement compared to his left. The Osteopath worked on improving the mobility through the right ankle as well as the function of the knee and hip. After 6 sessions the patient was able to squat pain free, and with further work and advice on strength work, was able to hit a personal best on squat within 3 months.
As you can see, Osteopaths will treat the patient as an individual and look at the whole body. With their extensive and detailed training encompassed in a 4 year full time degree, they are perfectly placed to help with your presenting musculoskeletal conditions and related issues. It has been reported that patients who visit osteopaths are highly satisfied with their care, with a satisfaction rate of over 90% (Measuring patient outcomes after osteopathic care using Patient Reported Outcome Measurement (PROMs)).
Most headache cases can be treated within primary care, with many causes not being too serious. One of the reasons can be due to over altered muscle tension within the neck region, which can refer to the head as well as irritate surrounding nerves. Osteopaths can help headaches by performing soft tissue techniques such as massage within the neck or upper back region, along with mobilizing the joints of these areas.
Is a common complaint of neck pain may be caused by disc herniation, osteoarthritis, rheumatological conditions, whiplash associated disorder, poor posture/biomechanics, to name just a few. Depending on the cause of the symptom, the osteopath will vary their technique and patient positioning to reduced symptoms and improve function.
Pain and discomfort within the shoulder region can be due to several causes. Some of the common diagnoses are-Rotator cuff problems, Frozen shoulder, Acromioclavicular joint dysfunction, Shoulder instability, Osteoarthritis and Referral. Through detailed examination, the osteopath will formulate their diagnosis and treat with a variety of techniques along with specific rehabilitation exercises in order to provide the correct care.
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This may be caused by poor posture, but also due to the attachment of the ribs, may also be caused by problems in rib function. Dysfunction in this area can also be caused by bony changes due Osteoporosis, Spondyloarthritis, or other red flags which the Osteopath would look for signs of within their examination. The treatment would involve hands on techniques such as soft tissue work of the surrounding musculature, stretching, spinal joint mobilization in restricted areas. If deemed safe and necessary, they may also perform a spinal manipulation (click) as well.
There are several reasons why someone may suffer from lower back pain such as instability, arthritic changes, Osteoporosis and degenerative disc issues. Disc bulge AKA slipped disc/hernaited disc occurs when inner aspect of the disc can start to herniate the outer aspect, which can irritate tissue and nerves. This can occur along the spine but is common in the lower back, giving the symptoms into the leg and foot, known as sciatica. Osteopathy can help with these symptoms by reducing tension within the surrounding musculature using gentle techniques, as well as improving the movement in the body areas above and below the problem site.
Hip Pain can occur due to multiple reasons, some of which the Osteopath can help with, such as over active musculature within the region. Another reason for problems within the hip could be due to arthritic changes. The Osteopath, through examination and testing, would be able to aid in the diagnosis of this and may suggest further imaging and other tests. Treatment may involve soft tissue work of the muscles, articulation and mobilization of joints within the area as well as looking at improving movement and stability from the feet to the lower back.
This part of the body must be mobile as well as stable and strong. There are many bony, joints and connective tissue within this area that gets significantly loaded daily. If foot function is not correct, then this can have an effect further up the body, as well as even being able to move around comfortable. By examining the foot and surrounding structures, the Osteopath can get an understanding of what is causing the pain and how it may be resolved, with the use of manual techniques, stretching and rehabilitation. They may also look at how you are walking and advise on what orthotics could help with the foot and ankle problems.
This part of the body must be mobile as well as stable and strong. There are many bony, joints and connective tissue within this area that gets significantly loaded daily. If foot function is not correct, then this can have an effect further up the body, as well as even being able to move around comfortable. By examining the foot and surrounding structures, the Osteopath can get an understanding of what is causing the pain and how it may be resolved, with the use of manual techniques, stretching and rehabilitation. They may also look at how you are walking and advise on what orthotics could help with the foot and ankle problems.
