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Do I need a referral from my doctor?
There's no need for you to be recommended by your GP. However, if you wish to claim on your Health Insurance, some companies require a doctor's referral as with any other specialist or consultant.
How do I know that an osteopath is properly qualified?
Anyone practicing as an osteopath is required, by law, to be registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), established by The Osteopaths Act, 1993. So patients now have the same safeguards as when visiting their Doctor or Dentist.
What does osteopathic treatment involve?
Osteopaths work with their hands, and treatment often consists of soft tissue massage, gentle passive mobilisation techniques and specific joint manipulation
Does osteopathy cure arthritis and rheumatism?
No, but it can certainly help to alleviate many of the symptoms associated with these common problems. There are several techniques aimed at improving function and reducing the pain and discomfort of the muscles, ligaments and joints. Osteopaths can also give advice on how to help manage these problems long term, for example with exercises.
Does manipulation put the joint back in place?
Not as such, the idea of putting something back in place is a misconception. Spinal joints out of place would be a serious injury and would certainly mean hospitalisation rather than a visit to an osteopath, in fact, within the osteopathic understanding; joints become restricted and limited within their normal function. Another commonly referred-to misnomer is that of spinal "discs being put back in". Disc injury can be treated osteopathically, but again treatment is applied to help the tissues return to a more normal healthy state.
Do manipulations hurt?
Manipulation is not inherently painful. Some discomfort will occasionally be experienced when an injury is treated, even with gentle soft tissue techniques. Your osteopath will be sensitive to your symptoms and not proceed with a technique if there is undue discomfort.
It is wrong to assume that you will always have manipulation whenever you go to an osteopath; many successful treatments can be conducted without its use. Osteopaths usually keep their patients informed as to what they are doing as the treatment progresses.
Are there side effects with treatment?
Side effects are generally rare; you may experience some tiredness or soreness for a few days afterwards, but this will subside quickly. Osteopathy is a very safe and effective form of treatment and most patients feel subsequently better for it.
How many treatments will I need?
This depends on the problem and its severity. In some cases, particularly when the pain is acute, it is more effective to see the patient again within a few days. Generally treatments are spaced roughly one week apart, although as the condition begins to improve they may be spaced more widely.
Your rate of recovery will also depend upon several other factors including your age, general health, sensitivity to treatment and activities in your life.
Some patients feel that they benefit from visits on an occasional basis.
Will I need a regular check up?
Once again, this depends entirely upon the problem and your osteopath will advise you on the need for exercises and maintenance treatment.
Can I claim on my medical insurance?
The majority of medical insurance companies now cover osteopathy. Mr. Parry is accredited with the major Health Insurance companies such as AXA PPP and BUPA. It is best to check with your insurers first, as individual policies may have exemptions. If you do have complimentary health cover then you should obtain an authorisation number.
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