STRUCTURAL OSTEOPATHY

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment of physical ailments and deals with all the individual parts of the body and how they interact and work together. It involves looking at the body as a whole and detecting and treating damaged or dysfunctional elements such as muscles, joints or nerves. When the body is balanced with all parts working at their best there is less wear and stress and more importantly less pain and dysfunction.

Osteopathic treatment involves the practitioner using their hands to adjust the function of individual parts of the body. Treatment is always tailored to suit the needs of the individual and will include some of the following:-

• Soft tissue manipulation (massage)
  
• Muscle contraction and stretching
  
• Joint articulation and mobilization
  
• Joint manipulation
  
• Postural advice and exercise

What Can Osteopathy treat?

Back ache is the most common complaint treated, however Osteopaths are trained to evaluate, diagnose and treat a very wide range of dysfunctional areas in the body such as:

Is Osteopathy Safe?

Osteopathy is a safe and natural approach to health care that works to enhance the body’s health and healing mechanisms.  The risks associated are very low particularly when compare with the risks associated with taking long-term painkillers.

Osteopathy is a recognised health profession.  This enables the patient to enjoy the same safeguards they have when visiting a doctor or dentist.  All Osteopaths are registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) after having undertaken a 4 to 5 year degree, the degree course involves developing a integrated knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, psychosocial studies, clinical studies and biomechanics.

How effective is Osteopathic treatment?

Medical studies over recent years have shown Osteopathy to be less expensive, less reliant on medication and to have a higher patient satisfaction rate for back, neck and other musculo-skeletal pain than conventional
medical care*.

* Effectiveness of OMT for treating mechanical low back pain. New England journal of medicine, Nov (1999)
* UK BEAM trial. Medical Research Council (20040

What will happen at my first appointment?

At your first appointment, a detailed medical history will be taken, this will include all factors affecting your current health, including any medication, lifestyle and diet.  All your details will be handled as strictly confidential.

A physical examination will assist the osteopath in identifying the source of your problem, from this a diagnosis and treatment plan can be established.

The Osteopath will then carry out a variety of stretching, mobilizing and manipulative techniques.  At the end of the appointment we will offer you a full explanation of the source of the problem and a treatment plan.

Do I need a referral from my GP?

Although many GP’s recommend Osteopathy to their patients, like going to the dentist you do not need a referral from your GP.

How many treatments will I need?

Each individual is unique often only one session may be required. Generally positive results are normally seen within 2-4 sessions.  As a rule our Osteopaths will review and discuss your progress at each visit.

How much will it cost?

Your initial consultation which may take up to 1 hour, cost £60.00 presently we do not charge any extra for your first visit.  Follow on appointments are charged at £49.00.

Cash or cheques (plus guarantee cards) are accepted.

Can I claim on my private medical insurance?

The clinic is recognised by most major Health Insurers.

What are your opening hours?

We are open six days a week, and have some evening and weekend appointments available.

	OPENING TIMES Mon TUES WEDS THURS FRI SAT SUN 9.30 - 17.00 9.30 - 17.00 9.30 - 21.00 9.30 - 17.00 9.30 - 17.00 9.30 - 13.00 CLOSED	HOW TO FIND US	CONTACT US ADDRESS: 2C Tile Farm Rd, Orpington BR6 9RZ   TELEPHONE: 01689 860333