Osteopaths provide safe, effective treatment and care that aims to promote the health of patients. Using manual therapy, health advice and sometimes exercise, tailored to the needs of the individual, people of all ages see osteopaths, from babies to the elderly.
Osteopaths are highly trained healthcare professionals, with expertise in the musculoskeletal (MSK) system – that is the muscles, joints and associated tissues and their relationship with other systems of the body.
People who visit an osteopath consistently report high satisfaction with the care they receive, expressing high confidence in the treatment and advice of their osteopath, with rates in excess of 90% for both satisfaction and trust.
What is Osteopathy and How Does it Work?
Osteopathy is a system of treatment based on the structure and function of the body. The aim is to establish good function that will help the blood and nerve supply to the affected area improving the healing rate or activity of the area in question. This may be achieved by using a combination of osteopathic treatment techniques as well as advising on lifestyle, activities and exercise.
Structural Osteopathy
Osteopaths use a number of actual hands on treatment techniques, these are aimed effecting functional changes to joints and the musculo-skeletal soft tissues. We use a number of techniques from soft tissue massage, inhibition, muscle energy, traction, rhythmic articulation, exercises and HVT (quick movements using levers to gap a joint). HVT is something that sounds worse than it is, as the Osteopath will only use it where the patient is happy to consent, then uses minimal leverage and minimal force.
Cranial Osteopathy
Cranial Osteopathy is a gentle yet extremely effective approach making it an ideal treatment for babies and young children. It can produce excellent results in helping babies to get over the various traumas associated with birth. It can also be used to treat a wide range of conditions in people of all ages from childhood to old age. In adults, Cranial Osteopathy may be used to relieve the common symptoms of a build up of stress and tension, such as headaches, fatigue, migraine, anxiety, sleep problems and digestive issues and will help the body to function better in all respects.
During pregnancy, Cranial Osteopathy can be helpful for dealing with the associated stresses, aches and pains, as well as the positioning of the baby, morning sickness and heartburn. Following child birth, treatment is recommended to help the body return to the pre-pregnant state, to treat any residual trauma from the birth and to avoid possible and unnecessary complications in later pregnancies.
If you would like more detailed information on the positive effects of Cranial Osteopathy or if you would like to book an appointment with either of our Cranial Specialists – Clarissa McManus or Tara Turgoose – please call the clinic on 01732 453956.
How many treatments will I need?
In audit we have established that you will require between 1 and 5 treatments for an acute condition (2.8 treatment sessions was the statistical figure). There are some conditions that require ongoing treatment – which we refer to as ‘maintenance’ – such as osteoarthritic changes to a joint, for example to the hip or lumbar spine.
In this situation, the treatment is aimed at improving the function of the joint. If the joint is irreparably damaged it will reduce its function over a period of time. This time period will depend on the degree of damage and the activity it is subjected to – for example, swimming and tennis would each put different stresses on the joint.
Throughout the 60 years that Sevenoaks Osteopaths has been established the priority has been our patients’ best interests. We always make an appropriate referral if we do not think that progress is being made or if the condition that the patient has presented is not within the scope of Osteopathic treatment. Sometimes with musculo-skeletal conditions it is difficult to make a diagnosis at the first appointment.
Reaction to an initial treatment or a patient remembering an incident that relates to the onset may clarify the diagnosis at a second or third appointment. The majority of our patients consult us because we have been recommended by other patients. We would very much like to get all patients symptom free after just one treatment but sadly this is usually unrealistic, particularly if a condition has been present for a long time.
What should I expect from my first visit?
When you see an Osteopath a detailed case history will be taken. You may think that some of the questions are not related to your condition but it is important from the case history to rule out all causes of the pain and to ensure that Osteopathy is the appropriate course of treatment.
For example, chest pain can be the result of a musculo-skeletal strain or of an infection such as pleurisy. Establishing the nature of the pain and the way it started and progressed are all very important, along with any predisposing factors to the condition such as asthma or smoking. Following this, your practitioner will then commence treatment and will give you their prognosis for further treatment.
What Should I Wear?
An examination will normally require the removal of some items of clothing. If you are uncomfortable with this please inform the Osteopath. We can provide you with a modesty gown or you can wear your own shorts or a crop top, etc. You may also bring a friend or family member into the treatment room with you if this makes you feel more at ease.
How Long Will Each Treatment Last?
Each appointment will last for approximately half an hour, although please be aware that some conditions may take either a little longer or a little less time to treat.
If you think that your condition is related to a particular activity or you would like a specific Osteopath to treat you (for example you may prefer a male or a female practitioner) please let us know at the time of booking your appointment.
If you contact us early enough, we do our very best to provide same-day appointments although please bear in mind that at holiday times this may not be possible.
Treatment Costs
Each osteopathic treatment will be approximately half an hour and costs £63.