Osteopathy

Osteopathy can be used to treat symptoms like –

Any of these complaints can appear out of nowhere, or they could be connected with an accident or injury. An appointment with an osteopath can be arranged independently by a patient, or through a referral from another medical practitioner like a doctor.

What an osteopath does

Osteopaths use a holistic approach (whole body approach) to their discipline. This means that they take the view that, for the whole body to work well it has to be in good structural balance (harmony).

The result of this is that an osteopath will treat the causes of a problem rather than the resulting symptoms.

Osteopaths can treat a number of different problems and, although they are generally associated with back disorders, their wide ranging techniques and be used for joint mobilization and the treatment of other parts of the body. Massage and cranial techniques are often used by osteopaths.

What to expect from a consultation

At an initial consultation the practitioner will take a full medical history of the patient. They will then discuss and ask questions about the particular complaint or problem and try to get a picture of the patient's lifestyle, daily activities, diet etc. Following this an examination may be required and a blood pressure reading and even X-rays may be used to assist in diagnosing the origin of the problem.

Depending upon the problem, one or multiple treatment sessions may be required and the practitioner will often instruct the patient to perform certain exercises to assist in correction or recovery. Initial treatments may have longer “recovery” periods between them than later treatments and most osteopaths should be able to give a projected prognosis as to the effectiveness and duration of the treatment period.

Lifestyle recommendation or changes in habit, e.g. the way a in which a patients sits or works at a desk, may be suggested.

Qualifications and registration

Anyone practicing osteopathy in the United Kingdom must be registered with the General Osteopath Council. UK osteopaths will normally have studied for between 4 and 5 years and are graduates. Doctors can refer patients to osteopaths in the UK.

In the USA osteopaths study for 4 years following which they have a 3 year residency. The status of an osteopath in the USA is similar to that of a physician.

Osteopathy is recognised in approaching 50 countries across the world. It is considered a mainstream medical discipline.

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