FAQ'S
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Is Osteopathy safe?
Yes! Osteopathy is a regulated healthcare profession and is generally considered a safe treatment option when provided by a qualified osteopath. Treatment is tailored to the individual and suitability will always be assessed before treatment begins. Osteopathy takes a whole person approach, considering how different areas of the body may be contributing to your symptoms. Treatment may include hands on therapy, exercise rehabilitation, movement advice and practical strategies to help support recovery and prevent recurrence.
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How do you treat my injury?
Your Osteopath or Sports Therapist will carry out a thorough assessment before recommending any treatment. This may include using their hands to help identify the factors contributing to your symptoms and to carry out treatment by using a variety of hands-on techniques, such as massage, articulation and manipulation.
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What is the difference between Osteopathy and Sports Therapy?
Both osteopaths and sports therapists assess and treat musculoskeletal pain and injuries. Osteopaths are regulated healthcare professionals trained in diagnosis, hands on treatment and whole body assessment. Sports therapists specialise in injury rehabilitation, exercise prescription, return to sport and performance related injuries. At Align Healthcare, our practitioners work together to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment for your needs.
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Will I have to do anything at home?
We believe patients achieve the best results when they are actively involved in their recovery. You may be given exercises, movement advice or self management strategies to help support your progress between appointments.
Can Osteopathy cure arthritis?
Degenerative problems such as arthritis cannot be cured by osteopathic treatment (or any manual therapy) but can still be treated and managed well. Treatment may help improve joint mobility, reduce stiffness and support management of symptoms associated with arthritis.
I sit at a desk all day, I haven't had a specific injury, can osteopathy still help?
You may find yourself with a complaint that hasn’t been caused by an accident and you are unaware of what the cause could have been. This could include working at a computer for long periods of time, repetitive movements or sports that you have always taken part in. These symptoms usually have a structural component to them that osteopaths recognise and give advice for. We can give advice for posture and how to correct certain postures by prescribing exercises that will also help.
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What will happen in my first consultation?
Your first consultation will last for approximately 45 minutes. During this time we will take a full medical case history, examine the injured area by observing the joint movement at the site of pain and feeling the surrounding muscles. Sometimes we may need to assess other areas also. Once the assessment has been completed, we will explain the findings of your assessment and discuss the most likely cause of your symptoms, along with suitable treatment options. As long as there are no safety issues for immediate referral, with your consent we will then treat the problem areas with stretching, articulation and mobilisations. To finish the session we will give you advice to continue with at home and suggest the when the next treatment would be suitable.
Do I need to get undressed?
To be able to assess the muscles and joints, it is easier to do this with fewer layers. It would be advised to bring a vest top and shorts, which you can change in to. Loose and baggy clothing is always helpful!
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