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All osteopaths work in different ways and employ different techniques. However, usually the aims of the treatment are the same; that is to improve the health of the tissues and organs being treated and so produce a general improvement in the health of the individual.
To suggest that any disease can be cured is often not true, but there are many conditions, such as osteo-arthritis, where the symptoms can be eased considerably using osteopathic treatment and management. This does not mean that the underlying condition has gone away, just that the symptoms (for example pain, stiffness, joint grating, etc.) have been relieved.
The initial consultation with a registered osteopath will usually take a similar format, although the following example is simplified and does not take into account the appropriateness of the questioning for a particular individual or condition, it is perhaps useful as a general overview of the first visit. If ever you require a chaperone then mention this to your osteopath who will be very happy for you to take somebody along.
Taking the history of the problem. First a few personal details such a name, address, age, etc. will be taken and recorded on the case history sheet, this is to enable any letters or referrals to be accurate and stop any confusion over patients with the same name. Next the problem for which the patient is seeking treatment is discussed to determine when and how the problem started, how things have changed over time, things that make it better or worse and if there is any past history of trouble. Following on from this may be a discussion as to general health of the body such as questions about the health of the heart, lungs, digestive system, etc. and any past medical history, perhaps operations or current medication. It may be necessary to question more deeply these aspects if anything relevant is brought up or if a family history seems to be important. At this stage an opinion as to the likely cause of the problem is usually given and a decision as to whether the problem is best treated using osteopathy is made. It may be that further tests are needed such as X-rays or blood tests and these may be suggested at this stage, possibly with a referral back to the GP.
Examination.
If osteopathic treatment is going to be useful for the problem then an examination of the problematic area is made. This is likely to require a degree of undressing, possibly down to underwear, but if you feel uncomfortable then make arrangements for a chaperone to be present or choose a practitioner with whom you feel comfortable. Don't be surprised if an area of the body that seems separate from the symptomatic area needs to be examined. It is quite common for leg pain to be coming from a problem in the back, or vice versa. Also, it may be that some tests need to be performed on different areas, such as taking reflexes in the arms and legs even if the problem is in the neck. The movements of the body need to be assessed as does the posture, so it may take a few minutes to assess these factors and for the practitioner to note down the findings.
Treatment.
If osteopathic treatment is considered the correct approach then the practitioner will explain what is to be done. It is true to say that there are as many ways of treating osteopathically as there are practitioners of osteopathy, and so each treatment will be tailored to the individual patient, presenting problem and practitioner, and assessed each time. The treatment may include amongst many other things; soft-tissue techniques to relax the muscles cranio-sacral techniques to balance the body articulatory techniques to free the joints thrust techniques to the joints (often producing the 'click')
Some osteopaths may include other treatment methods in their plan, such as kinesiology or acupuncture/dry needling, etc., the practitioner will only select the most appropriate techniques and if you are unhappy with a particular approach then you have the final decision as to whether to proceed or not.
Once the treatment is over it is likely that some form of advice will be given and there may be a programme of exercises to be followed. Further visits may be necessary but the practitioner will be able to advise on this once the body's reaction to the first treatment has been assessed.
Unfortunately, it is still true that most osteopathic treatments are not funded by the NHS, so it is likely that payment will be required. Happily, many private health insurers cover osteopathy in their benefits and so do check to see if a claim can be made. Some insurers will only pay if certain practitioners are consulted or if the visit is made as a referral from the GP so it is important to contact the company involved prior to treatment.
Do remember, osteopathy is a patient centred healthcare system and so if you feel uncomfortable with any particular approach then let the practitioner know of your concerns. If these concerns cannot be resolved with the practitioner then contact the; |
