Osteopathy

We are pleased to be able to offer you appointments with two osteopaths. We have three osteopaths - Dimi Argyros at Cobo, Elisabeth Winzenried at Rohais and Jeff Harris at St Martins. In order to offer a better service and to cover holidays, there are times when they will work at the other surgeries. Patients often ask lots of questions about Osteopathy, and so we have tried to outline some details below.

What is Osteopathy ?

Osteopathy is an established system of diagnosis and treatment that lays its main emphasis on the structural and functional integrity of the body. The osteopath believes that if the body is functioning to the best of its ability, then its own in-built healing mechanism can function effectively. This will promote long-term health and well-being at the same time as reducing any existing symptoms.

Osteopathy is a complementary therapy to orthodox medicine. Osteopaths are trained as primary health care practitioners in that patients often seek treatment from an osteopath without referral from their GP. (Please note, however, that if you are insured, you may need to see your Doctor first to be referred and have the claim form completed. If in doubt then please ask the Customer Services staff at your insurance company).

The prime focus of most osteopaths is the musculoskeletal system-muscles, bones and joints, in that they are vital to the healthy functioning of the body as a whole, though some osteopaths also work on internal organs ('visceral osteopathy').

Osteopathy is primarily a manual treatment (though some osteopaths do supplement this with the use if ultrasound etc.). Important is the fine determination of the quality of tissues, or the movement of joint by feel (palpation).

Rather than diagnosing and treating symptoms, the osteopath seeks the causes and treats them, i.e. those factors that predispose and maintain the condition. The patient as a whole is evaluated.

A wide range of techniques are at the disposal of an osteopath as part of treatment, which is gentle. In addition, management may involve recommendations on posture, diet, exercise.

Osteopathy is now recognised by Government with the passing of the Osteopaths Act (1993). All osteopaths are required to register with The General Osteopathic Council. (GOsC). (Please see our Links Page).  

What Conditions do Osteopaths Treat ?

Osteopaths treat people, diagnosing and treating the cause rather than just the symptoms themselves. Here are just a few of the many conditions that patients seek treatment for.

Some Osteopaths may also be able to help with the following conditions, but it would be better to check with your Doctor and the Osteopath involved first.

Backache

Affecting four out of five people at some time in their lives, backache (often referred to as Lumbago) is the most common complaint treated by osteopaths. In most cases, backache is caused by over-straining the structural components in the back. Most cases, whilst painful, are not serious
if seen to promptly.

Headache

Neck and shoulder tension caused by stress or by activities such as sitting at a VDU all day, normally responds well to osteopathic treatment.

Joint and muscle strain

Osteopaths are often associated with treating back pain. Osteopaths can, however, treat joint and muscle strain in any part of the body including the hips, legs, knees, ankles, feet, wrist, elbows, shoulders, arms and ribs.

Sports injuries

Osteopathic treatment can benefit sports men and women at all levels. If you are eager to get back to your sport quickly after injury, or have a problem which is preventing you from performing at your best, osteopathic treatment can help you reach your peak level of fitness.

Pregnancy

Responsible for a great change in posture, pregnancy can cause back and discomfort. Many women find gentle osteopathic treatment can bring great relief. Although most osteopaths are not against using medication, osteopathic treatment can help avoid the use of drugs altogether.

After surgery

Osteopaths can help patients, particularly those whose movement has been affected by surgery.

Sciatica

This refers to irritation of the sciatic nerve that supplies the leg. It is often used, however,  to describe any pain in the leg, whatever the cause, whether the it is related to circulation, pain referred from a back injury, trauma or nerve irritation. The most common causes of sciatica can usually be successfully treated by an osteopath.
 

Arthritis

Normal wear and tear of the joint surface can result in arthritis or osteoarthritis. This kind of damage is not to be confused with some cases of arthritis that are caused by a disease affecting the joint surface. Osteoarthritis is a normal process associated with ageing. Usually the symptoms
do not start until much later in life, if at all, and normally lead to some restriction in movement of the joints, plus some muscular aches and pains often referred to as rheumatism. Osteopathic treatment cannot reverse the wear and tear of the joint surface, but in most cases, can offer advice on other factors, such as lifestyle, which may help with long-term relief from the symptoms associated with arthritis.

Repetitive Strain Injury

Also known as RSI, this condition is commonly associated with people who work with computer keyboards for prolonged periods of time, but also includes injuries such as 'tennis elbow' and 'shin splints'. Osteopathic treatment can benefit these conditions, particularly when treated early.

Regular check-ups

In the same way that you visit your dentist to reduce the chance of fillings, regular checks with your osteopath allow potential problems to be detected and treated before they develop. Many patients who have been treated for painful conditions benefit from checks every six to twelve months. If you suffer from occasional discomfort, consider seeing an osteopath. Preventative treatment and advice can be a worthwhile investment in your long-term health and comfort.
 

Osteopathy and Children

Osteopathy is not just for adults. It can be used to great effect on Children and even newborn babies. In children they can have help with structural problems (childhood accidents and falls, infections or inflammatory disorders) and it can also help with some genetic problems and conditions. In some patients Osteopathy may be able to help with the following conditions:

You may not associate some of these conditions immediately with Osteopathy. The benefit of Osteopaths is they try and look at the person as a whole and provide a holistic approach to the condition and its cure. The original concept of osteopathy when it was first set up in 1872 was that the body is a perfect and harmonious whole and that within it is the capacity to heal itself. So, osteopath can help with a wide range of conditions as they are trained to stimulate the natural healing powers of the body and work with them.

How Do Osteopaths Treat ?

Most osteopaths will have undergone an extensive, four-year degree course including anatomy, physiology and pathology of the body. This knowledge enables an osteopath to analyse your problems and diagnose your complaints, using a variety of clinical skills, backed-up where necessary by  x-rays and other tests. If necessary, you will be referred to a specialist by your GP for a second opinion. When a full diagnosis has been made, your osteopath will explain the problem and then start treatment. This is usually gentle and rarely causes pain or discomfort. If necessary you will be advised on how to prevent the problem recurring.
 

Cranial Osteopathy

We are very lucky that Dimi (one of the Osteopaths) can carry out Cranial Osteopathy. This can help with a wide variety of conditions and may also be used in Children or even young babies. If you would like any more details then please ring and ask for her to get in touch with you.

You do not have to be registered with the Healthcare Group to be able to see either of our two Osteopaths.

Insurance

Finally, a word about insurance. Some of the insurance companies will not pay for Osteopathy unless you have been referred by your Doctor. Also, some of them may have a limit about how much you can spend on Osteopathy. This can vary from one insurance company to another, and also can vary within the same company depending on the type of cover that you have and any exclusions that may be in operation on the Policy. We would therefore stress that it is important to check with the Customer Services Department at your insurance before you commit yourself to the Osteopathy to make sure that they are going to cover the treatment. We would stress that this is completely beyond our control and is up to your insurance company.

Send mail to Webmaster@HealthcareGroup.CO.UK with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2006 Healthcare Group

Web Site Design and Production by Ian Gee. Photographs by Catharine Walter, Marilyn Robilliard and Ian Gee.