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What kinds of problems can osteopathy
help with?
Whilst back pain is the most common problem seen, osteopathy can help with a wide varied of problems including
muscle & joint joint, trapped nerves, neck pain, changes to posture in pregnancy, repetitive strain injury, postural problems
caused by driving or work strain, the pain of arthritis and sports injuries among many others.
Can anyone call themselves an Osteopath ?
No.
In order to use the legally protected title of "Osteopath" a person must have completed an approved course lasting
a minimum of four years and be registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). To retain membership of the GOsC,
and therefore of the title of Osteopath, a person must complete specified training each and every year.
What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is
an established recognised system of diagnosis and treatment, which lays its main emphasis on the structural and functional
integrity of the body. It is distinctive by the fact that it recognises that much of the pain and disability which we suffer
stems from abnormalities in the function of the body structure as well as damage caused to it by disease.
[Description
by General Osteopathic Council, 28th October 1998]
What can I expect when I visit an osteopath?
When you visit an osteopath for
the first time a full case history will be taken and you will be given an examination. You will normally be asked to remove
some of your clothing and to perform a simple series of movements. The osteopath will then use a highly developed sense of
touch, called palpation, to identify any points of weakness or excessive strain throughout the body.
The osteopath may
need additional investigations such as x-ray or blood tests. This will allow a full diagnosis and suitable treatment plan
to be developed for you.
How
much do treatments cost?
The first Treatments takes 1 hour and costs £42. Subsequent treatments take
30 minutes and cost £34. We accept most credit & debit cards, cash and cheques. Many health insurance schemes pay for your treatment with Jackie including BUPA & AXA PPP. Insurance companies who
pay for your treatments at the end of the course of treatment are charged an administration fee, typically £3 per
treatment.
How many treatments will I
need?
Osteopathy
is patient centred, which means treatment is geared to you as an individual. Your osteopath should be able to give you an
indication after your first visit. For some acute pain one or two treatments may be all that is necessary. Chronic conditions
may need ongoing maintenance. An average is 3 sessions.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
A formal referral from your GP is not necessary, the majority
of osteopathic patients self-refer.
How
does osteopathy work?
Osteopaths work with their hands using a wide variety of treatment techniques. These
may include soft tissue techniques, rhythmic passive joint mobilisation or the high velocity thrust techniques designed to
improve mobility and the range of movement of a joint. Gentle release techniques are widely used, particularly when treating
children or elderly patients. This allows the body to return to efficient normal function.
How can I be sure I am in safe hands when visiting an osteopath?
A Registered
Osteopath has demonstrated to the General Osteopathic Council via a detailed application process that they are a safe and
competent practitioner, that they have adequate malpractice insurance and have agreed to abide by a Code of Practice.
Can I have osteopathic treatment on the NHS?
Most people
consult an osteopath privately. Telephone local practices to find out about fees in your area. An increasing number of osteopaths
work with GP practices so that it may be possible for your doctor to refer you to an osteopath on the NHS.
Can I have osteopathy on my private medical insurance?
Many private health insurance schemes give benefit for osteopathic treatment. Some companies will reimburse the total
fee or pay a percentage of the costs. Contact the helpline of your insurance company who will explain the actual benefits
and methods of claim for your individual policy. Jackie Salter is registered many health insurance providers including
BUPA and AXA PPP.
What is the status of osteopathy
in the UK?
The 1993 report from the British Medical Association "Complementary Medicine – New Approaches to Good
Practice" recognised osteopathy as a discrete clinical discipline'.
Osteopathy is the first complementary health
care profession to be accorded statutory regulation (Osteopaths Act 1993).
More on statutory regulation. This legislation
came into force on 9th May 2000 requiring all osteopaths to be registered with the GosC.
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