Osteopathy is a holistic approach to medicine, focusing primarily on the musculoskeletal system (the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues), which combines an extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology, as well as clinical methods of investigation.
Although osteopaths are required to train for a minimum of 4 years full-time in order to achieve a bachelor’s degree in osteopathy, and this form of medicine has been practiced since 1874, a large percentage of people still know very little about osteopathy, osteopathic treating methods and the complaints that it can help with.
There is certainly a lot of information about osteopathy that you probably won’t know unless you have attended an osteopathy appointment.
Osteopathy isn’t just about clicking bones and joints
There is a common misconception that osteopaths will always click your joints back into place to relieve tension, but this is not the case at all. Whilst osteopathy is a system of manual medicine, we use a wide range of techniques, which can include physical manipulation, massage, and stretching exercises.
Osteopaths are trained to have a highly developed sense of touch, which allows us to assess your symptoms to find the source of the issue, along with any restrictions, strains or weaknesses you are experiencing. We can also use this gentle touch to carry out techniques such as cranial osteopathy.
Osteopathy doesn’t mean no exercise
We will regularly recommend an exercise programme as part of treatment. Osteopathy is designed to improve mobility and move the body back to its normal alignment and movement, so gentle movements are important. As your movement improves, you can gradually build up the intensity of exercise.
You don’t have to visit an osteopath every week
Every patient is different, and different issues require different treatment. In some cases, a patient may need only one visit to an osteopath in order to see the benefit that they need, whereas some patients may need to make several visits, as well as following exercise and stretching regimes.
We are here to help patients get back to a normal level of mobility, as well as helping to reduce pain and improve comfort. We will diagnose the source of your pain or discomfort and devise the best course of treatment to suit the individual. In most cases, 3 or 4 treatment sessions can be very effective in helping many problems that can be treated with osteopathy, but we will always discuss your treatment plan after carrying out a full diagnosis at your initial appointment.
Ignoring pain and discomfort for a long time is a mistake
The longer you ignore back pain, neck pain, knee pain or any other pain, in many cases, the longer it will take to heal. Ignoring pain can lead to the problem worsening over time, affecting your everyday life more and more, preventing you from doing normal activities. It’s in your best interests to seek treatment as soon as possible to help you get back to normal. Osteopathy can help with many different complaints.
Visiting an osteopath rarely means downtime
After you attend an osteopathy appointment, side effects that prevent you going to work or carrying on with your day are extremely rare. Whilst you may experience a little soreness, this should subside quickly, allowing you to enjoy your day.
You may wish you had seen an osteopath sooner!
After your first osteopathy appointment, you may wish that you had sought treatment much earlier after experiencing the benefits. With our immense knowledge of diagnosis and the human anatomy, osteopathy finds the root cause of a problem, rather than simply treating the symptoms, helping to prevent further problems in the future.
Osteopathy in Halesowen and Wombourne
If you are looking for an osteopath near you, at Fiona Passey Osteopaths, we treat patients at our practices in Halesowen and Wombourne. To arrange an appointment, you can contact us here.
Our osteopaths Fiona Passey and Rhys Bastable are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and we have introduced strict infection control measures to ensure the safety of all patients and staff. You can find more information on our COVID-19 health and safety policy here.
