What Can Osteopathy Treat

Our Osteopaths at the The Richards’ Centre will treat a wide range of conditions that include: back and neck pain, peripheral joint pain, trapped nerves, repetitive strain, shoulder, elbow pain & tennis elbow, sporting injuries, arthritic pain, and many other conditions. Please contact us if you are uncertain if osteopathy is appropriate for your condition.

Most people who see an osteopath do so for help with conditions that affect the muscles, bones and joints Osteopathic treatment include below:

• General aches and pains
• Joint pain including shoulder, hip and knee pain
• Arthritic pain
• Muscle pain
• Back and Neck pain
• Headaches arising from the neck
• Lumbago
• Sciatica
• Injuries from sport
• Foot and Ankle pain

Some of the techniques at The Richards’ Centre may occasionally provoke a mild discomfort during their application, but communication between the patient and our osteopath team means that this should never be to a degree that would be unpleasant. Occasionally after visits patients may experience a treatment reaction with a some exaggeration of their symptoms for a brief period, normally no longer than 24 hours. This is most often not the case. Patients are encouraged to contact their osteopath if this causes concern. 

The purpose of the osteopathy consultation is to gather the information required to establish a working diagnosis. This is the first definition of the problem, and it allows the formulation of a plan for treatment and advice both in the short and long term. This is also an opportunity to clarify that the patient is indeed suitable for osteopathic treatment by ruling out any medical cause for their condition. A comprehensive case history is taken that not only covers the presenting condition, but the previous medical history in some considerable detail. 

Following some questioning about the changes to your condition a brief re-examination is made. The allows the progression of treatment plan to be assessed objectively and ensures that it is adapted accordingly. During these visits both hands-on treatment is provided as well as advice regarding exercises or lifestyle modifications that will assist in your recovery. Any questions you may have can be addressed along the way. 

Generally not. Most patients self refer without first consulting their GP. If you have severe health problems and a complex medical history then you may wish to consult your GP to ensure that osteopathic treatment is appropriate. 

In order to conduct a thorough osteopathy examination and effective treatment it can be helpful to view the patient in their underwear and/or a pair of shorts or leggings. Loose trousers are available if you’d like them. Whilst laying down you will be covered with a towel or blanket so that you do not feel exposed. Please be assured that we will always endeavour to respect your modesty and adapt to your concerns and needs. 

There is a policy that the full fee is charged if the patient fails to attend or give less than 24 hours notice of cancellation. When allocated time is wasted it prevents other patients from receiving attention, some of whom may be in considerable pain. Clearly there are some genuine reasons, beyond forgetfulness and poor timing, why attendance may not be possible, and I would ask that you please communicate this if it is the case. It is not my policy to request the fee under certain circumstances.