What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a system of manual medicine which uses hands-on techniques to help reduce and alleviate a variety of symptoms. Techniques used range from soft tissue/massage, articulation, mobilisation ("clicking joints") through to very subtle "Cranial" techniques. One of Osteopathy’s great attributes is helping break bad postural habits which often remain after initial injuries have healed. Pain or discomfort which has never settled can often be helped with an osteopathic approach.
What do Osteopaths treat?
Many types of musculo-skeletal pain are alleviated by osteopathic treatment, from sprains and strains encountered on or off the sports field, through to longer-term pain issues.
With the continual postural changes of pregnancy, osteopathy can be very useful. It can help the body accommodate these changes and aid in reducing the discomfort often experienced at different stages before the day of delivery, and is great at aiding recovery after the big event. David has treated expectant mums for the last 17 years, as well as his wife during her pregnancies.
David has extensive experience in dealing with singers after looking after the performers at the Royal Opera House In London for 8 years prior to his move to NZ! He also has a lot of experience in treating long-distance runners and performing musculo-skeletal assessments.
What can I expect from an osteopathic treatment?
After filling in the Patient Information Sheet you will be shown through to the treatment room and a detailed case history will be taken, which will involve questions about:
- The history of your current symptoms
- Any previous episodes of the same or similar problems
- Any previous accidents or injuries
- Your general health
- Your medical history and previous treatments (including any operations you have had)
- Medication history
NB: We would ask that clients under the age of 16 be accompanied by an adult.
The Examination
The osteopathic examination will involve an overall assessment of your posture, how you are able to move your body and limbs, and will often involve testing your reflexes, muscle power and checking your blood pressure.
As the examination progresses you will be asked to lie down on the treatment table where the Osteopath will use a variety of techniques and examination procedures to elicit the information needed to make a diagnosis: most of the techniques involve touch, as practitioners make use of their palpatory skill to assess how well tissues and joints are working.
Diagnosis & Treatment
On completion of the examination the Osteopath will explain their findings, how treatment will progress and what it will involve, and will ask for your verbal consent for treatment to proceed.
Most treatment will consist of a variety of manual techniques and will be tailored to individual needs, from soft tissue massage techniques to mobilization ("clicking") of a joint.
In some cases the Osteopath will uncover findings in their examination which will require further medical investigations and referral to your GP; this will be discussed with you as needed.
What should I wear?
In order to effectively evaluate movement - especially if the problem relates to back pain - the examination may necessitate you removing some items of clothing (down to your underwear or a pair of shorts / thin T-shirt). Robes will be provided, and a female chaperone is available on request, or feel free to be accompanied by a friend or family member.
How will I feel afterwards?
You may feel some discomfort in the area worked on by the Osteopath for the first 24 hours or so after treatment - this is not unusual or unexpected, as getting areas moving after injury or immobility will often be uncomfortable for a day or two.
What should I bring?
If you have had any x-rays, ultrasound scans, or MRI scans done that relate to your current problem, bring them and any written reports with you if you have access to them.
If you have a current ACC number, bring your letter of confirmation showing your number.
Is osteopathy covered by insurance?
Many insurance companies now cover osteopathic treatment. However, it is a good idea to check with your insurance company before you book your appointment.
Do I need a referral by a doctor?
No referral is required - we welcome clients of all ages and fitness levels. Furthermore, ACC does not require clients to have GP referrals for osteopathic treatment.