How to prepare for a treatment with Andy
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN A TYPICAL SESSION?
The osteopath will listen to your case and take a detailed history, followed by a physical examination which will include some simple movements. Your practitioner will talk you through any findings keep you informed all through the session.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
It is best to wear something you feel comfortable in. The more comfortable you are, the more effective the treatment! You may be asked to remove some outer clothing, and certain clothes such as jeans and heavy sweaters are difficult to work through. Loose or stretchy clothing such as sports kit is ideal.
IS IT OK TO EAT FIRST?
It is absolutely fine to eat before you come to your appointment. It shouldn’t affect the treatment, however if you’re concerned because you’ve just had a big dinner, let your practitioner know, and adaptations can easily be made.
At 6 weeks, 96.2% of osteopathic patients report improvement or recovery
ABOUT OSTEOPATHY
CAN YOU TREAT ANY PHYSICAL DISCOMFORT?
Osteopaths use a wide range of hands-on physical techniques to achieve a release in the tissues of the body, so that natural fluid motion and vitality are restored to both structure (the body) and function (how we inhabit the body). Consequently, osteopathy can treat a broad range of complaints from simple musculoskeletal pain to supporting a person through a process of change and healing.
IS IT JUST FOR WHEN YOU’RE INJURED?
Osteopathy is effective for supporting a process of change and healing however, because osteopathy works in support of your whole body, it can be useful to have an occasional ‘maintenance’ session or tune-up to prevent injury and increase resilience.
HOW QUICKLY WILL I GET BETTER?
In research conducted by the Institute of Osteopathy, after 1 week, 89.5% of osteopathic patients report some level of improvement in their symptoms. At 6 weeks, 96.2% of osteopathic patients report improvement or recovery.
There is good evidence for manual therapy reducing pain and disability while improving function and range of movement for MSK problems including low back pain, neck pain, shoulder dysfunction, cervicogenic headaches (coming from the neck), and pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain.
Every body is different, so it’s very difficult to say how rapidly you’re likely to recover, however with experience your practitioner should be able to give you a good idea of timeline.
DOES IT HURT?
There are rare and occasionally times when some techniques can be uncomfortable, however this is not essential and there are always alternative techniques and approaches. Most classical osteopathic approaches are more effective when done in a comfortable range of motion, and the cranial approach is especially gentle. I treat people the way I like to be treated!
HOW DOES OSTEOPATHY COMPARE TO PHYSIOTHERAPY?
A lot of practitioners share certain techniques, and there is some crossover between the professions. I once sat down for a coffee with a physiotherapist friend, as we’re both always being asked this question. She described physiotherapy as being about “Fitness, Mobility and Rehabilitation” whereas Osteopathy is based on the relation between Structure and Function, so there’s more a difference in philosophy rather than technique.
If you have any other questions for Andy just ask!
