Treatments

Osteopathy

WHAT IS OSTEOPATHY?

Osteopathy is a holistic form of manual therapy which aims to restore normal function to the patient’s body, using gentle manipulative techniques. Under ‘The Osteopaths Act 1993’ osteopathy became the first complementary health care profession to be accorded statutory recognition and at over 135 years old, it is one of the oldest and most respected forms of alternative therapy available in the UK.


HOW DOES IT WORK?

The osteopath uses observation, active and passive movement tests and manual palpation to ascertain the underlying causes of the patient’s discomfort and then uses the most appropriate techniques to correct them – returning the body to health. Treatment involves carefully moving the patient’s body about (articulation), gentle stretching and relaxation techniques on muscles and other soft tissues and occasionally a manipulation in the back or neck. If a patient does not want their back or neck ‘clicked’, the osteopath is able to use less vigorous techniques to achieve the same results.


WHO DO OSTEOPATHS SEE?

Everyone! Our patients include: sportsmen, sportswomen, athletes, office workers, manual workers, singers, musicians, dancers, yogis, teenagers, adults and the elderly.


WHAT DO OSTEOPATHS TREAT?

Aches and Pains (general and specific) • Arthritic Pain • Backache • Back Pain • Circulatory Problems (local or minor) • Cramp • Digestion Problems • Fibromyalgia (Fibrositis) • Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) • Inability to Relax • Joint Pains • Lower Back Tension/Soreness/Stiffness • Lumbago • Muscle Spasms • Muscle Tension • Neuralgia • Non-Specific Low Back Pain • Rheumatic Pain • Rheumatism • Sciatica • Spasms • Sports Injuries (minor) • Tension

It is important to remember that osteopaths treat the body as a whole, rather than focusing on any one particular medical condition, and are always looking for the underlying cause(s) of the problem, which may not be at the site of pain.


IS THERE ANY RESEARCH?

In 2009 NICE (the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) released guidelines to the NHS for the ‘Early Management of Persistent Non-Specific Low Back Pain’, which included manual therapy as one of the recommended modes of treatment. The manual therapies reviewed were spinal manipulation, spinal mobilisation and massage – all of which are techniques performed by qualified, registered osteopaths. Non-specific low back pain (tension, soreness and/or stiffness in the lower back region) is caused by problems with structures in the back, such as joints, discs, muscles, tendons or ligaments. The guideline covers the early treatment and management of persistent or recurrent low back pain, defined as non-specific low back pain that has lasted for more than 6 weeks, but for less than 12 months.


TESTIMONIALS:

“I had mid-back, chest, shoulder and hip pain. I went to see a massage therapist friend of mine, but she took one look at my back and told me I needed to see an osteopath. When I got up off the bench I couldn't believe how much better I was. I saw the osteopath a week later for a follow-up and I haven't had any problems since. Treatment was professional, thorough and effective.” Mr Beesley, Shop Owner.

“Six months ago I hurt my shoulder lifting a heavy suitcase and it just wouldn't get better. A chiropodist friend suggested I see an osteopath. The osteopath explained to me that my shoulder problem was actually caused by a tennis elbow injury I'd had fifteen years previously. In two treatments the osteopath sorted out my shoulder and elbow so I am now able to play golf whenever I like.” Mr Shakalli, Businessman.

“Over ten years ago I developed a terrible pain in my left shoulder and arm. I tried everything to sort this out, including steroid injections and two operations, but nothing made the pain go away. I knew that osteopaths often treat injuries, but the osteopath explained to me that there was nothing wrong with my shoulder and that the problem was from a nerve in my neck. After six treatments the pain was gone and I was able to stop taking the painkillers.” Mrs Reeve, Grandmother.

(All testimonials used are genuine and are from patients of Maria Sonberg D.O. and John Carr D.O. Please bear in mind that they are the opinions of ordinary people and do not represent research based scientific fact. These testimonials have been edited to shorten and clarify them, for the full versions please go to the ‘Testimonials Page’ at: www.thelondonosteopaths.com)


WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I SEE THE OSTEOPATH?

The osteopath will undertake a thorough case history to establish exactly what the complaint is. They will then perform a clinical examination to determine a diagnosis – often the site of pain is not the primary cause of the problem. Having reached a diagnosis, they will discuss their findings with the patient and begin treatment.


DOES IT HURT?

Osteopathic treatment aims to relieve the patient of their pain in as gentle a way as possible. The osteopath will always discuss what their intentions are before, during and after treatment and will only proceed with the patient’s consent.


HOW LONG DOES A TREATMENT TAKE AND HOW MANY WILL I NEED?

The first treatment usually lasts about 1 hour, follow-up treatments around 45 minutes. Some problems may only need 3 or 4 treatments, more serious or long-term problems will often require more. The osteopath will discuss the diagnosis and prognosis with the patient during the first treatment and explain how many treatments they feel might be needed.

CAN I CLAIM THE FEES ON MY HEALTH INSURANCE?

Maria Sonberg and John Carr are registered with most health insurance companies – often they will pay the total fee or part of the amount. We advise you to check with your insurers first, as you may need a referral from your GP.

WHAT IS THE HISTORY?

Osteopathy was founded over 135 years ago by an American frontier doctor – Dr Andrew Taylor Still (predating physiotherapy and chiropractic). It was in 1874 that Dr Still first used the term “Osteopathy” to describe what is now a well established complementary therapy. The key principles laid down by Dr Still continue to be used today as the basis for osteopathic assessment and treatment:

• The structure of the body affects its function
• The body is a self-healing unit
• A good blood supply is vital for good health
• Restrictions in the body will eventually lead to disease