Christchurch Osteopathic
& Sports Injury Clinic

Frequently Asked Questions

The FAQs below are meant to give a simplistic answer to some of the more common questions and misconceptions that people enquire of Osteopaths.

Although not exhaustive, and some answers are given from personal experience after more than 15 years of practice by Mr. Jones, it is hoped that this may help give people a greater understanding of what to expect and how to receive the maximum benefit when considering osteopathic treatment.

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a primary care profession, focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders, and the effects of these conditions on patients' general health.

Using many of the diagnostic procedures applied in conventional medical assessment, osteopaths seek to restore the optimal functioning of the body, where possible without the use of drugs or surgery. Osteopathy is based on the principle that the body has the ability to heal, and osteopathic care focuses on strengthening the musculoskeletal systems to treat existing conditions and to prevent illness.

Osteopaths' patient-centred approach to health and well-being means they consider symptoms in the context of the patient's full medical history, as well as their lifestyle and personal circumstances. This holistic approach ensures that all treatment is tailored to the individual patient.

What do Osteopaths treat?

Osteopathy focuses on the diagnosis, management, treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal and other related disorders without the use of drugs or surgery. Commonly treated conditions include back and neck pain, postural problems, sporting injuries, muscle and joint deterioration, restricted mobility and occupational ill-health.

What treatment techniques does an Osteopath use?

Osteopaths use a variety of physical manipulative techniques which can include gentle massage, stretch and articulation all the way through to the stronger high velocity thrust (HVT or 'joint clicks') or conversely the extremely gentle cranial techniques.

Can GPs refer their patients to Osteopaths?

Yes. Referral guidelines are provided by the General Medical Council and British Medical Association.

How much does treatment cost?

Treatment costs vary across the UK, but typically range from £35 to £50 for a 30 minute session.

How does Osteopathy work?

Osteopathy is the study, diagnosis and treatment of any abnormal structure or function of the human body. The treatment goal is extremely simple to understand in that by returning the body to its 'normal' (or more specifically, to its most 'optimal') physiolgical condition, the body is able to repair itself more quickly and efficiently, not just in the short term, but in the longer term too.

For example, if you injure any tissue, the body repairs itself through the inflammatory process. The inflammatory process however does not repair it to the exact same state that it was before the injury, even when the pain stops, and leaves physical problems such as scar tissue and other altered tissue effects behind.

Osteopaths not only create an environment for accelerated tissue healing, they also optimise and decrease the current and future disability of these affected tissues which would otherwise remain unchanged and potentially render the body susceptible to further problems.

When is it appropriate to consult with an Osteopath?

1. For acute injuries (less than 6 weeks since injury, but the sooner the better)
2. Arthritis and other chronic conditions (lasting more than 6 weeks, often over many years)
3. Checking, preventation and "general servicing" of the human body

How many treatments for an injury are typical and how often?

Every osteopathic patient/client is an individual and will not only respond differently, but will be treated and advised with specific regard to their own exacting needs.

Osteopaths have no desire to treat you any more often than is necessary. The UK national average number of treatments required is said to be approximately 4-6 visits. In acute conditions you may be seen twice in the first week, but usually it is no more than once per week or fortnightly whenever possible.

A significant number of osteopathic patients/clients return for check-ups, on-going treatments or "servicing" to help prevent recurrence of old injuries or new. This can range from being once per month to every three months or longer.

As we all know, having no pain does not mean that our body is running perfectly efficiently and normally. If you plan on living to a ripe old age, you are guaranteed to develop musculo-skeletal problems that should normally respond to Osteopathic treatment.

Does Osteopath Marc Jones have regular maintenance treatments then?

Absolutely. Every 6 weeks.

What is the difference between an Osteopath and a Chiropractor?

There are more similarities than differences, but essentially those differences are based on diagnostic and treatment philosophies.

Some Osteopaths practise in a similar way to Chiropractors and of course some vice versa. There's no reason why you cannot just ask your practitioner.

Generally, Chiropractic is based on the principle of facet joint subluxations that can affect the spinal nerves and therefore affect any part of the human body. So for example, if you have a pain in your foot, treating the related spinal facet joint and its spinal nerve should have a positive effect on it. Approximately 90% of Chiropractic treatments are based upon "joint clicks", which are quick and easy to perform in skilled and experienced hands (such as Osteopaths and Chiropractors). Consequently a Chiropractic appointment will often last 10-15 minutes, but can require a cumulative effect for the "joint clicks" and therefore more regular treatments.

In principle, Osteopaths agree with the Chiropractic diagnostic philosophy, but believe that there are are other issues to consider. For example, that same pain in the foot could well be coming from the spine... but it could also be from the foot itself... or the knee affecting the foot... or the hip, affecting the knee, affecting the foot... and so on.

Therefore an Osteopath will consider all tissues for diagnosis and treatment, not just the spine. About 50% of Osteopathic treatments involve "joint clicks" which are usually gentler in their application as there has been more soft-tissue massage and articulation peformed by the Osteopath before-hand. Some Chiropractors will employ masseurs to achieve this, but the Osteopath does it all in one and can adapt all of this information and make changes as they appear. Consequently, treatment can take longer, usually 30 minutes or longer, but fewer sessions are usually required.

Which profession of the two is better?

We're both very good at what we do for our patients. My advice for choosing which to see is based on my experience in treating those who have seen both Osteopaths and a Chiropractors and is as follows:

- If hearing or feeling a "joint-click" is absolutely essential for you, go see a Chiropractor (or an Osteopath who uses a Chiropractic approach of stronger or multiple "joint-clicks")

- If you prefer a combination of moderate "joint-clicks" and more soft-tissue work (or no "clicks" at at all), go see an Osteopath.

I'm sure that my Chiropractic colleagues will agree that none of us can fix everything for everyone, so don't be afraid to try someone different if you want to. We're all supposed to be on your side after all.

If I take pain-killers, it will get better on its own. Do you agree?

No. A lack of pain is not an accurate indication that an injury has healed, and especially not that it has healed properly.

Pain relief through medication is always useful, but pain is caused for a reason and we should be trying to diagnose the cause initially. If this pain is pathological in origin, your GP will have this expertise and not your Osteopath. Conversely, if the pain is musculo-skeletal in origin, your Osteopath will have the expertise and not your GP.

This does not mean that you should not consult your GP of course as he/she will have some musculo-skeletal training and can refer you to a private practice Osteopath for a much more in-depth assessment should they wish. You should know that Osteopaths are also trained in pathology and will refer you to your GP if they suspect a non-musculo-skeletal cause of your pain.

In summary:

- GPs have in-depth training of pathology with an understanding of musculo-skeletal conditions and treat you chemically.
- Osteopaths have in-depth training in musculo-skeletal conditions with an understanding of pathology and treat you physically.

Are GPs legally allowed to refer to Osteopaths?

I get asked this question on a regular basis and I will attempt to be as clear as I can possibly be.

Absolutely yes. GPs have been informed by the General Medical Council and the British Medical Association that they are 100% legally allowed to refer and recommend a private practice Osteopath if a patient asks for this information.

In my professional experience, the reason this does not happen as often as it should do is because most GPs have a lack of knowledge as to what Osteopaths do or how in-depth our training is.

I am, and always have been, open to visit any local medical practice and to answer questions should your GP want accurate information on Osteopathic treatment.

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