What Is Chiropractic & Osteopathy?
Chiropractic
Chiropractic deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders, which affect your joints, muscles and the nervous system. Interference in the way these structures work together may affect their function and your body’s health. Chiropractic treatment aims to restore normal function of your joints and muscles as well as your nervous system. Wear and tear of your joints may cause degenerative changes and this can lead to painful conditions.
Chiropractic treatment cannot reverse such degenerative changes but it can help to improve joint and muscle function and reduce nerve irritation. The word chiropractic translated from its Greek origins means “done by hand”. True to the original meaning the treatment method itself is very much hands on. Treatment mainly involves joint manipulations and/or mobilisations, massage of muscles and other tissues utilising various techniques.
Other forms of treatment may also be applied, such as dry needling (a form of acupuncture to treat trigger points), exercises, heat and ice.
Chiropractic focuses to treats the origin of your pain and helps your body to heal itself without medication.
Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders. Osteopaths use manual techniques such as manipulation, mobilization, and soft tissue therapy to diagnose and treat patients. They take a holistic approach to medicine, treating not just the symptoms but also the underlying causes of a patient’s condition.
Osteopaths believe that the body has the ability to heal itself and that the body’s structure and function are closely interconnected. They focus on the body’s musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissue, and use manual techniques to help restore balance and proper function to this system.
How Safe is Chiropractic & Osteopathy?
Chiropractic and Osteopathy are a safe form of manual therapy and have very few risks compared to some other treatments. Both chiropractors and osteopaths are university trained and regulated professionals. They are trained to use manual treatment techniques in a safe and effective manner, and they will always take into account the patient’s medical history and any other relevant factors when providing treatment.
However, as with any form of medical treatment, there is always a risk of complications or adverse reactions. For example, some people may experience mild soreness or discomfort after treatment. Serious side effects are extremely uncommon. Your chiropractor and osteopath will discuss any possible risks during your consultation and before any treatment commences.
It is important to communicate with your chiropractor and osteopath about any concerns or questions you may have before starting treatment. They will be able to address any concerns you may have, and they will also be able to explain the potential risks and benefits of the treatment.
What To Expect On Your First Visit
With Your Chiropractic
Your chiropractor will ask you some questions first about your complaint and your medical history. This information is needed to establish a picture of your overall state of health. You will then receive an examination which includes both neurological and orthopaedic tests to find the cause of your pain. Afterwards your chiropractor will tell you the result of your examination, give you a diagnosis and what can be done about it. An individual treatment plan will be given so you know how many treatments it may take and what to expect during the treatments.
You will then receive a treatment, if it is appropriate. Sometimes treatment may be delayed by a couple of days if x-rays or other investigations are required. You will also receive advice on lifestyle, posture, diet, how to look after your back at home and at work. You will be encouraged to get actively involved during your recovery period to compliment chiropractic treatment.
With Your Osteopath
During your first visit to an osteopath, you can expect the following:
1. Consultation:
The osteopath will begin by taking a detailed medical history, asking about your current symptoms, and any previous injuries or illnesses. They may also ask about your lifestyle, diet, and work habits.
2. Physical examination:
After the consultation, the osteopath will perform a physical examination, which may include observing your posture and movement, testing your range of motion, and feeling for any areas of tension or pain.
3. Diagnosis:
After the consultation and physical examination, the osteopath will make a diagnosis and explain it to you. They will explain what is causing our symptoms and the best course of treatment.
4. Treatment:
The osteopath will then begin treatment, which may include manual techniques such as manipulation, mobilization, and soft tissue therapy. They may also provide advice on exercises and lifestyle changes to help prevent future injuries and promote overall well-being.
5. Follow-up:
The osteopath may schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
It’s important to note that the first visit may take longer than a regular visit, usually around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
You should also wear comfortable clothing that allows for movement and freedom for the practitioner to examine and treat you. We also have gowns available for you to change into.
It is also good to bring any relevant medical documents and/or recent scans
(x-rays, MRI, etc) if you have them. This will help the practitioner to better understand your condition and tailor the treatment accordingly.
What Is The Difference Between Chiropractic & Osteopathy?
There are more similarities between chiropractic and osteopathy than differences.
Chiropractic and osteopathy are both types of manual therapy that focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, which are conditions that can affect muscles, joints and ligaments. Both practitioners use the same techniques such as manipulation, mobilization and soft tissue work to diagnose and treat patients.
The main difference between the two is the philosophical approach to the body and healing. Chiropractors focus on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system, and believe that misalignments of the spine and joint restrictions can cause a wide range of health problems. Osteopaths, on the other hand, take a more holistic approach and focus on the body as a whole. Both practitioners treat not just your symptoms but also the underlying causes of your condition.
In terms of education and training, chiropractors and osteopaths have to complete a degree course to become qualified and must register with their respective governing bodies, the General Chiropractic Council and the General Osteopathic Council. They also need to undertake continued professional development activities every year as part of their registration criteria.
In summary, both chiropractic and osteopathy are manual therapies which treat conditions affecting your muscles, joints and ligaments. They are regulated professions and there are more similarities than differences between the two. You are in safe hands with both practitioners.
Chiropractic and Osteopathy can offer safe, effective and non-invasive treatment for the following conditions:
- Low Back Pain
- Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Arm & Shoulder Pain
- Frozen Shoulder
- Headaches
- Hip Pain
- Knee Pain
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Leg pain
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Trapped Nerves
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Muscle Pain
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Joint Pain
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Work Related Injuries
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Sports Related Injuries
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Car Accident Injuries
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Pregnancy Related Pain (Chiropractic only)
Chiropractic Is For The Whole Family
People of all ages can benefit from chiropractic care. Women during and after pregnancy, babies and children etc.
Please ask your chiropractor for more information.