WHAT DO OSTEOPATHS TREAT?

Osteopaths diagnose, treat and manage a variety of problems caused by musculoskeletal disorders.  These include:

• Joint pain
• Arthritic pain
• Back and neck pain
• Stiffness and restricted movement
• Sciatica
• Postural problems

 

If you wish to discuss your condition with the osteopath to discuss whether osteopathic treatment would be helpful to you, please contact us.

 

 

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM MY FIRST VISIT TO AN OSTEOPATH?

Your first visit will involve a full assessment of your condition, and, time permitting, treatment.

 

In order to make sure that osteopathy is an appropriate treatment for you, a full history of your condition will be taken, as well as a full medical history. 

 

An assessment will then be made of your posture and the movements in your spine and other joints.  Osteopaths are trained in the use of palpation (touch) to diagnose problems and this will form part of your assessment.  As is the case with many medical examinations, you will probably be asked to undress to your underwear.

 

Time permitting, youwill then be treated if the osteopath feels that osteopathy is appropriate and will be helpful to you.

HOW LONG DOES A TREATMENT USUALLY LAST?

The initial consultation and treatment can last up to an hour.  Subsequent treatments can last up to 40 mins.  The length of treatment depends on the complexity of the condition.

 

CAN I CLAIM ON PRIVATE MEDICAL INSURANCE?

We are recognised by the following insurance companies:

• Aviva
• Freedom Health
• General & Medical
• PruHealth
• WHA
• WPA

 

We suggest that you contact your insurance company before booking your appointment as each company has different requirements governing eligibility for payments.  Some require a referral from a GP or consultant before the first treatment.  We also advise that you check whether your level of insurance covers osteopathy.

 

 

DO I NEED A GP’s REFERRAL?

Some private health insurers require a GP’s referral before treatment to be eligible for payouts.

 

Under other circumstances, a referral is unnecessary.  In fact, most patients self-refer.  We do suggest that you keep your GP informed about your treatments so that your medical records are complete.

 

 

WHAT TRAINING DO OSTEOPATHS HAVE?

Osteopaths train for 4 years full-time or 5 years part-time.  The receive a degree at the end of their training, usually a BSc or MOst (Masters degree in Osteopathy).

 

Osteopaths are also expected to regularly update their skills.  They are required to complete at least 30 hours of Continuing Professional Development a year.

 

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

You will probably be asked to dress down to your underwear for you examination and treatment, so wear something that you will feel comfortable in.

 

DOES IT HURT?

Some osteopathic techniques can be uncomfortable or slightly painful.  It is normal and healthy to feel some discomfort for up to 48 hours after your treatment.  If you are concerned, speak to your osteopath.  Osteopathy incorporates a range of techniques and often a more gentle technique can be substituted for a more direct one.

 

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

The number of treatments required varies from patient to patient.  This will depend on factors such the severity of the presenting conditions, how long you have had it and your overall health.  We aim to keep the treatments to a minimum.  Some patients find it beneficial to continue with monthly or bi-monthly “maintenance treatments” once their original condition has been resolved.