What Does An Osteopath Actually Do?
Listen
We have an hour for initial consultations at Bradbourne which allows our patients to tell us everything that they see as relevant to their complaint and for us to find out anything else that we need to know.
Rule out red flags
When dealing with pain, we want to be sure that pain is the primary problem. Pain – secondary to cancer, autoimmune disorders, infections, fractures or anything sinister – must be dealt with appropriately.
Movement
We will look at a patient’s posture and ask them to perform a series of movements and tests so that the mobility of their body can be evaluated.
Palpation
We use palpation a highly developed sense of touch, to assess areas of tenderness, restriction or strain within your body.
Other tests
Specific orthopaedic and neurological tests are also often used when necessary.
Lifestyle
We find it is often also relevant to highlight the importance of good sleep hygiene, the role of nutrition and diet, stress management and introduction of appropriate physical exercise.
Treatment
Treatment is about the restoration of normal, confident movement. Whether you have disc degeneration, a rotator cuff tear or an arthritic hip. After ruling out red flags, we can view the body positively. Regardless of pain levels, we can tell the patient that their body is strong and start treating the whole person. Treatment may include “hands on” techniques such as soft tissue massage, joint mobilising and manipulation. Medical acupuncture. Rehabilitation exercises to mobilise or stabilise an area of the body. These modalities of treatment work by reducing pain, muscle tension and fear, NOT by putting bones, joints, discs or your pelvis back in place!
The patient is an active participant in their own care.
We think it is clinically correct to empower patients within our care to self manage and be active towards their recovery. Some patients only require one appointment, others may require a course of treatment or return periodically for the long term care of a condition. It is up to you. Normally the treatment of a patient is determined according to their progression rather than the prescription of a set number of treatment sessions.