Thornton Heath Osteopaths.
WHAT IS OSTEOPATHY?Osteopathy is a physical therapy based on the established system of clinical diagnosis and manual treatment.
Osteopathy is traditionally known for its effectiveness in the treatment of back pain, but this is not all. Osteopathy looks at the relationship between the different parts of the body structure, such as joints, muscles, ligaments and the way the body moves and functions.
The most common conditions that benefit from osteopathy are:
Generalised aches and pains:
Joint pains, including hip and knee pain from osteoarthritis as an adjunct to core osteoarthritis treatments and exercise.
Arthritic pain:
General, acute and chronic backache, back pain (not arising from injury or accident),
uncomplicated mechanical neck pain (as opposed to neck pain following injury e.g. whiplash).
Headache arising from the neck (cervicogenic):
Frozen shoulder, shoulder and elbow pain, tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) arising from associated musculoskeletal conditions of the back and neck, but not isolated occurrences.
Circulatory problems
Cramp
Digestion problems
Joint pains, lumbago
Sciatica
Muscle spasms
Neuralgia
Fibromyalgia
Inability to relax
Rheumatic pain
Minor sports injuries and tensions .
Your first visit:
The first consultation lasts 45 minutes, follow ups half an hour. The osteopath takes a detailed history to ascertain the probable cause of the presenting problem. Details of your general health, past and present, occupation and lifestyle are considered. These last two are important, because you could be straining different areas of your body. For example a worker at a supermarket till may be prone to repetitive strain injuries of the hand and wrist, after lifting hundreds of items every day. A desk worker may be prone to headaches, neck and shoulder pain, and tension, after spending many hours in front of a bright computer screen.
Another important aspect of the consultation is to ask about medication, or remedies being taken. This is because if for instance you are taking blood thinning medication, then, the osteopathic techniques for treatment are slightly different from those who are not on anticoagulants.
The osteopathic examination:
Depending on the area being treated, you may need to undress to your underwear. Here we provide a screen, and a towel if needed.
Osteopathic assessment usually includes a series of standard orthopaedic tests. These are for ascertaining the range of motion of the joints, especially those related to your problem. Deep tendon reflexes are taken when necessary.
Postural assessment gives valuable information about your body framework. Here we can find areas affected by injury, disease, overuse and long term misuse of muscles, or congenital conditions such as scoliosis.
Palpation is another valuable osteopathic tool. Feeling with the hands gives valuable information about the tissues, the position of the joints, and the likely cause of the problem.
The Osteopathic Diagnosis:
After gathering all the information, a diagnosis can be made, and the findings explained. The patients are encouraged to ask as many questions as required. If treatment is to go ahead, then the osteopath will ask for consent.
If treatment is not indicated, then with the patient's consent the osteopath would write to their GP for more information about your health, or suggest further investigations such as blood tests, X-R or MRI scans.
The Treatment:
Osteopathy is a manual therapy, and the techniques selected are unique to your problem. The choice could be between standard osteopathic techniques such as high velocity thrusts, soft tissue manipulation which is very effective to release muscles and ligamentous restrictions, articulation techniques, or other forms of manipulation like neuromuscular techniques, muscle energy techniques, traction, deep tissue stretching, and massage if needed.
The traditional osteopathic manipulation or thrust technique for releasing joint problems is a swift and painless movement, which can be effective in freeing a joint. In most cases, it reduces the pain and restriction almost immediately.
The follow up:
After the treatment,it is possible to advise how many treatments may be needed, as well as their frequency.
Based on experience and feedback from the patient the osteopath can suggest a course of treatment to assist recovery, depending on the severity of the problem you may need lengthy treatment, but most cases may need only two to three treatments to achieve recovery.
In chronic or recurring cases about four to six treatments might be needed, over a period of six to eight weeks. About 30% of new patients need only one treatment.
Side effects following osteopathic treatment:
Some may experience aggravation of the symptoms, usually for a day. Soreness might be felt around the areas where motion was restricted. In cases of concern, telephone the practice.
First treatment lasting 45 minutes: £43.00
Follow-ups: £40.00, lasting on average half an hour
Private health insurance - AXA PPP, Norwich Union, HSA.
The Osteopath Salome Olivia, is registered with The General Osteopathic Council
and is member of the following associations:
The British Osteopathic Association
The Foundation for Paediatric Osteopathy.
The International Cranial Association
Natural Solutions
68 Melfort Road
Thornton Heath
Surrey CR7
Telephone 0208 684 3888.
Mobile: 079 664 537 96
The General Osteopathic Council:
British Osteopathic Association:
Training Points:
