OSTEOPATHIC FAQs
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a safe and natural and effective approach to diagnosis and treatment. It was devised by Andrew Taylor Still an American doctor in 1874. It considers the structure and functioning of each part of the body and how they relate and work with one another and in relation to you and your life. Therefore it is holistic in its way of working.Osteopathy diagnoses and treats problems that may occur due to stress, injuries and disease. The work focuses on the joints, muscles, ligaments, nerves and connective tissues of the body to restore the function and improve comfort.
What does Osteopathy treat?
Osteopathy treats people not conditions or just symptoms. At Awoolfsson Osteopaths we give our patients our total attention to as an individual person and an understanding approach to osteopathic treatment is especially important. We provide a friendly and relaxed, but above all a caring and professional environment.
Many people present with similar symptoms, but they can be treated in different ways. This may be due to their build, age, the amount of discomfort they are in or a particular like or dislike of a form of treatment
Is Osteopathy suitable for babies and children?
Osteopathy is also able to help with many of the common problems during the growth and development of babies and children.
Osteopathic treatment of children is extremely gentle and does not involve any strong massage or manipulation. Usually the cranial or cranio-sacral techniques are used in these instances. Osteopathy can also help with problems experienced by older children and teenagers e.g. back pains, postural problems, headaches, hip, knee, ankle and foot pain.
What is Cranial Osteopathy?
These osteopathic techniques involve very delicate movements of the skeleton. These are often referred to as Cranial or Cranio-Sacral Osteopathy. I have been using these techniques since 1995. They were devised by Dr. W.G. Sutherland, an American Osteopath,who developed these in the 1930s. He put forward the idea that small tolerances of movement exist within the skull and between the skull bones and from this an approach to diagnosis and treatment was formed. He later expanded this to include technique to treat the whole body, not just the head or for “head problems”.
It is perhaps best known for its application to babies and children as it is very gentle and does not involve any strong massage or manipulation. However Sutherland felt that all people of all ages could benefit from these techniques.
Does it hurt?
We always try to minimise any discomfort as a result of treatment or due to the underlying problem, but in general osteopathic treatment is usually seen as a comfortable, relaxing experience. It is not unusual to feel a little stiff or sore in the day or so after treatment, however we always explain what to expect from and after a treatment, and advice on how to help this.
What is Visceral Osteopathy?
This form of treatment focuses on the organs of the chest and abdomen. Like the cranial techniques it uses a light application of pressure onto the chest or abdomen to improve the function of that area. This can be for digestive problems, e.g. IBS constipation or circulatory problems as well as helping with symptoms that may seem to arise in the back.
Do I need to see my GP first?
It is not necessary to see your GP prior to booking an appointment if you are paying for treatment yourself. If you wish to claim for the costs of treatment through a private medical insurer it is often necessary to see you GP first to obtain a referral letter. You should check with your insurer first.
How many osteopathic treatments will I need?
The number of osteopathy treatments a person needs will vary from one person to the next and depends on the condition treated. We aim to keep the treatment numbers to a minimum.
Can I bring a friend or relative?
Yes, you can have someone present throughout the session if you wish. If you would like a chaperone present, please let us know when you book your appointment. If you are under 16 you must have an adult with you.