FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is an established recognised system of diagnosis and treatment, which lays its main emphasis on the structural and functional integrity of the body. It is distinctive by the fact that it recognises that much of the pain and disability, which we suffer, stems from abnormalities in the function of the body structure as well as damage caused to it by disease.
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What kinds of problems can osteopathy help with?
Whilst back pain is the most common problem seen, osteopathy can help with a wide varied of problems including changes to posture in pregnancy, babies with colic or sleeplessness, repetitive strain injury, postural problems caused by driving or work strain, children with glue ear, the pain of arthritis and sports injuries among many others.
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What can I expect when I visit an osteopath?
When you visit an osteopath for the first time a full case history will be taken and you will be given an examination. You will normally be asked to remove some of your clothing and to perform a simple series of movements. The osteopath will then use a highly developed sense of touch, called palpitation, to identify any points of weakness or excessive strain throughout the body. The osteopath may need additional investigations such as x-ray or blood tests. This will allow a full diagnosis and suitable treatment plan to be developed for you.
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How many treatments will I need?
Osteopathy is patient centred, which means treatment is geared to you as an individual. Your osteopath should be able to give you an indication after your first visit. For some acute pain one or two treatments may be all that is necessary. Chronic conditions may need ongoing maintenance.
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Do I need a referral from my GP?
A formal referral from your GP is not necessary, the majority of osteopathic patients self-refer.
How does osteopathy work?
Osteopaths work with their hands using a wide variety of treatment techniques. These may include soft tissue techniques, rhythmic passive joint mobilisation or the high velocity thrust techniques designed to improve mobility and the range of movement of a joint. Gentle release techniques are widely used, particularly when treating children or elderly patients. This allows the body to return the efficient normal function.
How can I be sure I am in safe hands when visiting an osteopath?
A Registered Osteopath has demonstrated to the General Osteopathic Council via a detailed application process that they are a safe and competent practitioner, that they have adequate malpractice insurance and have agreed to abide by a Code of Practice.
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Can I have osteopathy on my private medical insurance?
Many private health insurance schemes give benefit for osteopathic treatment. Some companies will reimburse the total fee or pay a percentage of the costs. Contact the helpline of your insurance company who will explain the actual benefits and methods of a claim for your individual policy.
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What should I do if I am unhappy with my osteopathic treatment?
Often problems are caused by misunderstandings and can easily be resolved by discussing your concerns with the osteopath directly. If this does not resolve the problem or your concerns are of a more serious nature the GosC has a Code of Practice which patients may refer to.
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What is the status of osteopathy in the UK?
The 1993 report from the British Medical Association "Complementary Medicine New Approaches to Good Practice" recognised osteopathy as a discrete clinical discipline. Osteopathy is the first complementary health care profession to be accorded statutory regulation (Osteopaths Act 1993).
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Is Acupuncture Painful?
Acupuncture needles are nothing like the hypodermic needles used to give injections. They are much thinner, about the width of a human hair(or even smaller). When the needles are inserted by a skilled acupuncturist, there is usually no pain at all; occasionally the sensation maybe like a brief mosquito bite. Most of the time patients find the treatments extremely relaxing, and often fall asleep.
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Is Acupuncture Safe?
Acupuncture is extremely safe. All inserted needles are factory sterilized and then immediately disposed of after use.
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How Many Treatments Does it Take to See a Difference?
This really depends on the specific case. As a general rule, patients will experience a significant improvement in symptoms within 4-6 treatments. Acute problems usually respond more quickly; chronic problems of long standing duration can take a lot longer (often 2-3 months).
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What is Colonic Hydrotherapy?
Colonic Hydrotherapy is an internal bath that helps cleanse the colon of poisons, gas, accumulated fecal matter and mucous deposits. Such techniques were first recorded in 1500BC., and have been used in traditional and naturopathic medicine since that time. Using sterilised equipment, filtered water is gently introduced into the rectum which progressively softens and expels fecal matter and compacted deposits.
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Why Colonic Hydrotherapy?
Colonic Hydrotherapy is more effective than an enema, since the whole colon is treated and water is not purposely retained. It is best used as a complementary technique to other therapies. By improving elimination response to dietary, homeopathic, herbal, manipulative and other therapies is markedly improved.
Poor elimination can lead to many chronic conditions that colonic hydrotherapy can help: Constipation - Diarrhea - Mucous Colitis - Colitis - Spastic Colon - Diverticulitis - Liver sluggishness - Halitosis Headaches - Flatulence - Hemorrhoids - Skin problems (acne, eczema, psoriasis) - Abdominal bloating - Asthma - Allergies - Fatigue - many "Psychological" states such as depression, lethargy , schizophrenia, etc. It is also of benefit prior to and following barium enemas and during therapeutic fasting. Some complex conditions such as Crohn's disease, Myalgic encephalomyeliyis (ME) and intestinal Candida are also helped by the resultant detoxifying effect of Colonic Hydrotherapy.
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What is involved in Colon Hydrotherapy?
Conducted by a trained therapist, filtered water at a carefully regulated temperature is introduced under gentle gravitational pressure through the rectum into the colon. With special massage techniques, the water begins to soften and cleanse the colon of fecal matter and old deposits which are piped away with the wastewater. The therapist works progressively around the structure of the colon allowing water alternatively to flow in and release.
The whole process takes about 30 minutes. Herbal preparations may be used for certain conditions, and regular colon implants of Latobacillus acidophilus are given to assure normalisation of bowel fibre. The modesty of the patient is preserved to the utmost during the process.
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Is Any Preparation Required Prior Colon Hydrotherapy?
No, special measures are necessary prior to colonic hydrotherapy, although results may be more rapidly achieved by following a colon cleansing programme.
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Is Colon Hydrotherapy Safe?
Yes. Equipment is disposable or sterile. The water pressure is very low so there is no danger of bowel perforation.
Unlike regular use of laxatives, colonic hydrotherapy is not habit forming, and in fact improves colon muscle tone.
Badrul is a medically trained colonic hydrotherapist. All medical procedures are carried out under clinic conditions. Detailed medical history is taken prior to the treatment. Herbal medication is prescribed post treatment.