What do Osteopaths usually treat?
The majority of what I see patients coming in with is lower or upper back pain, because osteopaths 'do backs' right? Well actually, I often look at far more when assessing a problem, into hips, knees etc as I try to get to a cause of the symptoms. I talk the diagnosis through with patients so they get a better understanding of their own body, and things they can do to prevent it happening again or manage it in the future. A basic list of conditions is:
- Arthritis and joint pain
- General aches and pains,
- Headaches (from the neck)
- Minor Sports injuries
- Muscle cramps, spasms, and tension
- Neuralgia
- Sciatic pains.
What to expect in your appointment.
For the first appointment, I will collect details about yourself and presenting symptoms, including your medical health (e.g. medication, other symptoms). If satisfactory to proceed, then we have a look at your posture and how you move. Examinations are then carried out, and once a diagnosis is reached, it will be explained to you.
Once discussed, treatment will commence if appropriate, and usually some home self-help advice to speed recovery is given.
For return appointments, a short consultation is done to gauge developments in symptoms. Re-examination is carried out, and treatment follows the new findings. You usually will be asked to dress down again.
Once discussed, treatment will commence if appropriate, and usually some home self-help advice to speed recovery is given.
For return appointments, a short consultation is done to gauge developments in symptoms. Re-examination is carried out, and treatment follows the new findings. You usually will be asked to dress down again.
Do I have to undress completely?
Occasionally you will be asked to dress down to your underwear but usually patients are asked to bring a pair of shorts and a thin vest with you to make you more comfortable. These should be not restrictive as full joint movements are frequently examined, i.e. lycra is ideal, and shorts above the knee is best for symptoms from hip down. Thick jeans are probably the worse clothing, I cannot feel through the layers, nor move you easily.
Sometimes the area that hurts isn't the area causing the problem, but an area which is compensating. To see this, dressing down, as above, is needed. This also allows other areas that could potentially cause problems later-on to be checked.
If this is a problem, please contact me, and we can have a chat about it.
Sometimes the area that hurts isn't the area causing the problem, but an area which is compensating. To see this, dressing down, as above, is needed. This also allows other areas that could potentially cause problems later-on to be checked.
If this is a problem, please contact me, and we can have a chat about it.
Will treatment be painful?
As many patients come in with some level of pain, recreating it isn't appealing. Some of the examinations can be uncomfortable, but I try and make a patient as comfortable as possible. We still need to come to a diagnosis though, as we both want the treatment to be effective as possible to decrease the symptoms. Treatment can also be a little uncomfortable, however, this is minimised as much as possible.
Where can I park near the clinic?
There is 3hr disabled disc parking on the street outside, or 1-2hr disc parking is available on Kirkgate and St. Helen's street. There is also disc parking at the Kirkgate centre.
There is a pay and display car park behind the clinic. The entrance is on Market Street, take the turning off market place next to the bike shop.
Occasionally, the appointments may run late, so please leave a little extra time on the vehicle if needed, or let me know prior to/during your appointment if you need to be away quickly.
There is a pay and display car park behind the clinic. The entrance is on Market Street, take the turning off market place next to the bike shop.
Occasionally, the appointments may run late, so please leave a little extra time on the vehicle if needed, or let me know prior to/during your appointment if you need to be away quickly.
What's the difference between an Osteopath, Chiropractor and a Physiotherapist?
I tend to say that they think differently to solve the same problem. Chiropractors, physiotherapists and osteo's will all treat the same type of patients but with 3 different approaches to tackling it. Truthfully, some people prefer different styles of treatment, and that may differ for each practitioner as well as each profession. The main aim of the practitioner should be that the patient is getting the help they need.
Who cannot have treatment?
Most people can have treatment, or if they are unsuitable it is found during the initial assessment. If you are concerned, please ring.
A few that are a given are:
A few that are a given are:
- pregnant women in the first trimester (there is a greater risk of miscarrage),
- patients having cancer treatment without the go-ahead of the oncologist,
- children attending without their next of kin
COVID-19
For your information, the risk assessment and NHS Vulnerability guidance are on the links below. For the most up to date information, it is often easiest to phone.
| |||
Do the General Data Protection Regulations apply?
Of course. Currently I would only ever use your contact details to contact you about appointments, or to make sure you're doing OK.
Here is the full policy attached though if you'd like to have a read. It comes into action on Friday 25th May 2018.
Here is the full policy attached though if you'd like to have a read. It comes into action on Friday 25th May 2018.
| privacy_notice.docx |
