I've been working recently with Rocco Profeta (a brilliant Osteopath). He explains each step of the treatment plan in a way I can understand and engage with, detailing the specific muscle groups we're working on and the benefits I should experience. He's been nothing but encouraging and optimistic; empowering me to take control of my own healing process. Rocco's approach to Osteopathy has made treatment for my recent hip replacement a pleasant experience.
Osteopathy is part of the Allied health care professions that aims to help people suffering from any musculoskeletal condition (i.e., Joint or muscle pain). Osteopathy is a regulated profession and in order to practice Osteopathy in the UK you must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council.
We help relieve your pain quickly with an effective osteopathy treatment that helps you stay free from painkillers, avoid surgery and future injuries. Here's what your first visit looks like:
We start with a full case history to establish a clear understanding of what happened and why you are in pain. We then do an assessment of your individual biomechanics.
Next, we examine your gait and posture, and palpate the area around the injury to establish an understanding of the full condition. The unique system of diagnosis and treatment of Osteopathy lies in our understanding of that makes the body work from a structural viewpoint, and to re-establish balance and pain free function.
Once we have discussed your diagnosis and treatment plan we will then start straight away in relieving your pain. We combine a variety of different techniques depending on what is most suitable for your individual condition.
This includes massage, mobilisation, spinal manipulation, and dry needling acupuncture. Long term support includes dietary and lifestyle advice and exercise prescription.
Physiotherapy differs from Osteopathy (ever so slightly) by integrating exercises as a core part of their sessions. Physio is also accompanied by the use of some deep tissue massage techniques, taping to help secure the injured joint and acupuncture.
Osteopaths tend to focus more on spinal issues such neck and back pain - but we are trained to see all joints. Both options can be effective, the goal is simply the same - to get you better, but the two approaches are done differently and the way we get you there is through a different journey.
A combination of hands-on therapy and exercise protocol have shown to be more effective to optimise your return to health e.g. Ankle Sprains: Combination of Manual Therapy and Supervised Exercise Leads to Better Recovery, 2013.
Depending on your presenting complaint, an Osteopath will take a full detailed medical history and will ask about your lifestyle to evaluate causes, or any predisposing factors that are causing your symptoms. A full physical examination and orthopaedic testing will be performed to identify and confirm the pain generating structures. After the physical examination your Osteopath will explain his/her findings and discuss treatment and management options before delivering the treatment. The treatment is always delivered after both patient and practitioner have discussed any risk and/or benefits associated with the treatment of choice. Also, discussing the alternatives available to the patient to allow maximum transparency. Most common treatment options: Joint articulation/manipulation, soft tissue manipulation, medical Acupuncture, exercises or a combination of the above
If I am not comfortable with any of the treatment options and I still need help what will the Osteopath do? For us, you are the most important person in the room. When it comes to health, we understand that everyone has a different preference, belief or simply be contraindicated for certain treatment option. An Osteopath will never force those treatment options on you but instead will take the time to understand your story, assess your case and direct you the correct health care practitioner. We work very closely with a wide network of specialised consultant in Central London. This will save you time and stress. We literally have your back!
They both share similar techniques when it comes to manipulation of the joints. However, they have a different philosophy. Chiropractic believe that your nervous system is at the centre of your health and via focusing on the alignment of the spine health can be improved. Osteopathy looks at the body as a whole and does not focus necessarily solely on the spine but how all the joints work together. An Osteopath traditionally incorporate more soft tissue release technique to target inflamed muscle and treat other area of the body that can impact your recovery. Additionally, the prescription of take-home exercises and rehabilitation is used to give you full control over your health and take an active part to your recovery.
Structural Osteopathy is based on modern training where muscle and joint are treated with a variety of hands-on techniques. This involved stretching, joint articulation and manipulation that can help with injuries, joints, muscular pain or simply to sustain healthy body function. Osteopaths often use exercises prescription as part of their holistic approach. This particular approach is what we offer at West 1 Health. Cranial Sacral Osteopathy is based on a gentle application of pressure to the bones of the skull. This is believed to affect the dynamic of the cerebral fluid within the cranium. The pressure applied is minimal and is focus on the harmonic movements of the bone of the skull or to the sacral area (a large triangular bone at the base of your lower back). The concept of cranial/sacral therapy is also based on stimulating your parasympathetic system that often is affected by high level of stress. Some people find real benefits from this particular approach.
The treatment options that we offer aim to alleviate the pain and not cause more. Despite our best intentions, occasionally some soreness can be developed from our treatment. It is all normal part of your body response to the healing processes. Pain is not always an indicator of damage. It can be a sign of your immune system reacting while attempting to heal the injured tissues.
Take the first step in your recovery by contacting us. We'll speak with you to discuss treatment options and help you book your first appointment for your full diagnosis, recovery plan and treatment.
