As an Osteopath in West Sussex, here are some of the Frequently Asked Questions that people ask…

As an experienced Osteopath in West Sussex, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Osteopathy and Osteopathic treatment, which may help you to understand a bit more about the treatment and how it works. We would be delighted to help you with any questions you may have. Please feel free to call us.

What is an Osteopath?

An Osteopath is trained in assessing your spinal, cranial, muscular and nervous system and how it relates to your health. We use our hands to align and restore good movement of your joints in the whole body from the head to feet. Osteopathic treatment is designed to get your spinal joints aligned and moving well, thereby helping the body’s own healing system to keep you well and in good balance.

What training does an Osteopath have?

To become an Osteopath, you must undertake a minimum of 4 years of undergraduate studies. The osteopathy student studies much the same subjects as the medical doctor with a special focus on biomechanics. They are also trained to look out for pathology and such conditions that need medical referral or other types of care. Osteopathy is state regulated and we follow strict guidelines from our regulatory body (The General Osteopathic Council) as well as annual post-graduate training (CPD). Osteopaths are trained to be good at understanding which patients they can help and which need medical referral.

So if you are suffering with a bad back in Burgess Hill, or are perhaps frozen shoulder in Henfield, then The Pain Relief Clinic Osteopath in West Sussex in Hassocks may be just what you’re looking for. Call Stephanie today on 01273 04 78 81.

How many Osteopathic treatments do I need?

This varies for each patient depending on the length of the problem, severity and injury. It may also depend on the general health, medical status and age. Most people need at least 6-8 sessions for long-term improvement and new movement patterns to occur. We may see new patients twice in the first week, to help settle the symptoms as quickly as possible. Our aim is to help you to get and stay well. This does require co-operation and commitment from your side and we will discuss this regularly during our osteopathic treatment sessions. We will also discuss whether maintenance treatments will be of benefit.

Will I be treated on the first visit?

This may often be the case, depending on your symptoms and presentation. If we need more investigations we will refer for x-rays, MRI or laboratory tests before we treat.

Will it hurt?

Our patients often find the gentle spinal adjustments to be painless. There is often stiffness and some soreness after the first session, as the body is trying to adapt to the new movement and position.  We call this a healing reaction. It is due to spinal joints, muscles and ligaments being stretched into a new position and movement and allowing blood flow to this area. The muscle work can be a little more uncomfortable in the short term but will generally quickly resolve.

Do I need to be referred by my GP or specialist?

As Osteopathy is a private health care option, you do not need a referral. However, if you are using your private health care insurance to pay for the treatment you may need a letter from your GP or back specialist to be covered. Check with your insurance company for further details. The Pain Relief Clinic is recognised by all the main insurance companies.

What are the differences and similarities between an osteopath, a chiropractic and a physiotherapist?

A question often asked to Complementary and Alternative Medical practitioners by both first-time and returning patients is: ‘What are the differences and similarities between Osteopathy, Chiropractic and Physiotherapy?’ Read this article to find out the answer…

If you’re in pain, or want to know more about how to keep your body in good shape, or simply want to know more about osteopathic treatment and the other services we offer at The Pain Relief Clinic in West Sussex, you can call us on 01273 04 78 81, or book an appointment to see an osteopath here.

The Pain Relief Clinic is a Registered Osteopath in West Sussex in Hassocks, and is registered with the following professional bodies:

The institute of osteoapthy logoThe Sutherland Cranial College of OsteoapthyCentre for Osteoapthy for Children logo

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE GUIDE: 4 WAYS TO EASE BACK PAIN

Fed up with not being able to get on with life?
Are you gradually doing less and less each day?
No need to suffer in silence!
Help is at hand – our hands

 

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE GUIDE: 4 WAYS TO EASE BACK PAIN

Fed up with not being able to get on with life?
Are you gradually doing less and less each day?
No need to suffer in silence!
Help is at hand – our hands

 


The Pain Relief Clinic is a Registered Osteopath in West Sussex in Hassocks, and is registered with the following professional bodies: