Frequent Questions about Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a recognised healthcare approach that focuses on diagnosing and treating joint and muscle issues through manual techniques. It provides a safe, hands-on method to promote recovery, restore balance, and improve overall body function.

Unlike conventional treatments, osteopathy takes a holistic approach by addressing the whole body, not just the symptoms. Osteopaths assess tissues, joints, asymmetry, and restrictions to identify the underlying cause of pain or discomfort.

At Great Malvern Osteopaths, our experienced osteopaths use a variety of techniques, including deep-tissue massage, stretching, and gentle mobilisation, to treat a wide range of conditions such as back pain, joint problems, sports injuries, and more.

Osteopathic treatment is generally gentle and comfortable, but some techniques may cause temporary discomfort, especially if the affected tissue or area is sensitive due to an underlying injury or condition. Your osteopath will explain what to expect and will encourage you to communicate any discomfort during treatment. They can then adjust the techniques to suit your body’s needs, ensuring your treatment is tailored to you.

Some patients respond better to gentler techniques, while others may benefit from a stronger touch. Treatment options might include slow joint mobilization with gentle soft tissue massage, or for other patients, deeper soft tissue work and stronger manipulations may be more appropriate. Your osteopath will discuss and decide on the best approach with you before treatment begins.

It is not uncommon to feel a bit stiff or sore for a short period after treatment, though not all patients experience this. If you do feel soreness, it typically lasts no longer than 24 to 48 hours and is often a healthy sign that the body is healing. Osteopathy is a safe and effective treatment, and many patients feel significant improvement in pain relief and mobility following their sessions.

The number of osteopathic treatments you’ll need depends on several factors, including the type of issue or condition, how long you’ve had the problem, and how your body responds to treatment. Our goal at Great Malvern Osteopaths is to minimise the number of appointments required, and most patients notice improvements within the first three sessions.

If you don’t experience a change in symptoms after a few treatments, your osteopath will discuss this with you, and further investigation or referral may be considered. Typically, osteopathic treatment helps resolve or significantly improve the condition, and once your symptoms have improved to the point where your body can continue healing independently, you will be discharged.

Initial appointments are often scheduled a week apart, and as your condition improves, appointments may be spaced further apart. In acute cases, you may only need one or two treatments, while chronic conditions may require more sessions. For chronic conditions that cannot fully heal, osteopathic treatment can still provide symptom relief and help slow the progression of the issue.

Once you’ve been treated at Great Malvern Osteopaths, you are welcome to return for future treatment if needed, regardless of the issue.

No, a referral from a doctor is not required to see an Osteopath (unless insurance is involved), so you do not need to see your doctor first as the appointments are private health care. However it is recommended to keep your GP and Osteopath informed so that medical records are current and complete.

If you have private health insurance, you may be eligible to claim for osteopathic treatment. Many private health insurance policies offer coverage for osteopathy, either partially or for a course of treatment. To understand your specific coverage, it's important to check with your insurer in advance. You may also need a referral from your GP or a specialist, depending on your policy. Additionally, confirm with your osteopath whether they accept insurance referrals and are registered with your insurance provider.

Osteopaths are highly trained healthcare professionals who typically complete a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Osteopathic Medicine. These courses are four to five years in duration and include both academic and clinical training. By law, all osteopaths must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) to practice in the UK. This ensures they meet the required professional standards.

During their degree, osteopaths study the academic and clinical applications of Osteopathic Medicine, allowing them to begin practicing immediately upon graduation. For example, Mrs. Sarah Davies, a registered osteopath at Great Malvern Osteopaths, holds a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a four-year full-time program that included two years of clinical experience and has over 25 years of professional experience. In addition to her osteopathic qualifications, she is trained in cranial osteopathy, nutrition, ultrasound therapy, strapping, and dry needling/acupuncture.

Osteopaths are required to continuously update their knowledge throughout their careers. As part of this, they must complete a minimum of 30 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) each year to maintain their registration and stay up to date with the latest advancements in osteopathic care.

At Great Malvern Osteopaths, the initial consultation appointment which includes some treatment, lasts approximately an hour to an hour and 10 minutes. Follow up treatments last approximately 30-40 minutes.

Osteopathy is suitable for people of all ages, from babies to older adults. It can help treat a wide range of conditions, whether you are a manual worker, office professional, pregnant, or an athlete. Osteopathy is a versatile treatment that addresses various issues, including but not limited to:

• Back pain (e.g., slipped discs)

• Sports injuries (e.g., shoulder problems)

• Arthritic conditions (e.g., knee pain)

• Nerve problems (e.g., sciatica)

Osteopathy can effectively treat many musculoskeletal conditions and is personalised to each individual’s needs. If you have any questions about specific conditions not listed, please feel free to contact us to discuss how osteopathy may be able to help.

Osteopaths use a variety of techniques to help release restrictions and tension in the body, relieving pain and improving overall function. Treatment is personalised to each patient based on factors such as age, fitness level, and diagnosis. Osteopathic techniques may include different types of soft tissue massage, joint articulation, and manipulation to restore mobility and alleviate discomfort.

In addition to these core treatments, osteopaths may also offer specialized techniques such as Cranial Osteopathy, ultrasound therapy, strapping, or dry needling. These complementary treatments are integrated with osteopathic care to enhance results, and there is no additional charge for these modalities.

Every osteopathy session is tailored to the individual, ensuring that the treatment meets your unique needs and provides the most effective relief possible.

Yes, osteopathy is considered a very safe form of treatment. Evidence suggests that osteopathy has one of the best safety records among medical professions. Osteopaths are highly trained to assess each patient individually and to identify the most appropriate and safe treatment for their condition. Safety is always the top priority, and osteopaths ensure that every treatment is tailored specifically to the patient’s needs before beginning any procedure.