Frequently Asked Questions

Osteopathy and physiotherapy are both allied health professions that focus on improving health and well-being through manual therapy, exercise, and patient education.

Osteopathy and physiotherapy share several important similarities:

• Allied Health Professions:Both are recognised as allied health professions, requiring specific training and registration.
• Focus on Musculoskeletal Health:Both professions treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
• Manual Therapy: Each utilises hands-on techniques to assess and treat patients, however, Osteopaths are more specialised in this area.
• Exercise Prescription:Both prescribe exercises to enhance strength, flexibility, and overall function.
• Patient Education:Both professions educate patients on managing their conditions and preventing future injuries.

Differences Between Osteopathy and Physiotherapy

Osteopaths and physiotherapists treat a variety of conditions, with many overlapping areas. However, osteopaths generally have a broader scope of practice and often act as primary healthcare providers, while physiotherapists typically function within a secondary healthcare context.

Choosing Between Osteopathy and Physiotherapy

The choice between an osteopath and a physiotherapist largely depends on personal preference. Both often work side by side within the NHS as part of multidisciplinary musculoskeletal teams.

Scope of Practice Comparison: Osteopathy vs. Physiotherapy

This table below provides a side-by-side comparison of the scope of practice for osteopaths and physiotherapists in treating various conditions. The information accepted by the ASA and CAP.

Conclusion

Osteopathy and physiotherapy are both valuable healthcare professions that can help individuals improve their health and well-being. Although they share many similarities, they have distinct philosophical approaches and treatment techniques.

Consent is an ongoing process, and the completion of a consent form is an isolated event. Though you may give informed consent today, you are not obligated to consent for future treatment. You can refuse examination or treatment (or any part of examination or treatment) now or in the future without jeopardising future appointments at this clinic.

1. I will make you feel at ease during your first consultation and any subsequent appointments and tell you what is happening throughout.

2. You can ask questions at any point during the appointment.

3. It is perfectly fine to have a friend or family member accompany you to your consultation if you feel more comfortable. However, for patients under the age of 16, an adult or appointed representative must be present during the consultation. Before booking an appointment, it is recommended that you discuss this requirement with the practitioner to determine if a specialist in pediatric conditions would be best suited for the patient’s individual needs.

4. During your first visit, I will discuss your current and past medical history with you in detail before we start the examination. Please note that all the information you share with me during the appointment will be kept confidential. I will only disclose your medical information to another healthcare provider if you give me your consent or if there are specific circumstances that legally require me to do so.

    4.a. It is essential that you inform me about any health condition,    changes in your health no matter how minor or unrelated they may feel or any medication you take during the case history-taking process, e.g., if you experience fits, have a pacemaker or other electrical implants fitted, suffer unaccountable double vision, vomiting or dizziness, or have difficulty swallowing.

   4.b.Equally, you should inform us if you are receiving treatment or taking medication for other conditions, particularly diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, asthma, or clotting disorders.

   4.c. Robert Green is a registered and regulated Osteopath. Please note that he does not diagnose illnesses. If further medical investigations are required, Robert Green may contact your doctor with your permission. This may involve disclosing details of medical information, notes held, and/or treatment received at the practice.

5. As the consultation progresses, you may be asked to remove some of your clothing as appropriate for the condition being assessed. This is necessary for a series of observations and relevant physical and clinical examinations to be made. Sometimes, it may be required to dress down to your underwear. However, if you feel uncomfortable with this, please let us know, and we will discuss arrangements to make you more comfortable.

6. You should ask questions about any concerns or discomfort during treatment and tell your practitioner if you are uncomfortable with specific osteopathic treatment.

Robert Green has completed years of rigorous training to become a registered and regulated Osteopath. This training equips Osteopaths with the knowledge and skills to conduct examinations and screenings to identify potential issues, and to determine which techniques can be safely used for treatment. This also ensures that patients are not exposed to any unnecessary risks due to treatment.

A lot of patients seek help from Osteopaths to alleviate their painful symptoms. However, some of them might experience some initial aching for about 24 to 48 hours after the treatment. But, as the treatment progresses, they start to get relief from their symptoms. Researchers have conducted studies to understand the common responses to manual therapy treatment. According to these studies, approximately 10-20% of patients might experience local discomfort, tiredness, headache or stiffness after the treatment.

The likelihood of experiencing severe side effects, such as nerve or artery damage, as a result of treatment is extremely low, occurring less frequently than 7 to 10 times in every 100,000 treatments. When it comes to treating musculoskeletal pain, manipulation carries a similar level of risk as other types of treatment, such as exercise or analgesic drugs, and is less risky than prolonged use of analgesics.

The vast majority of patients typically need only one or two appointments. This is because most symptoms, while often very distressing, are not generally indicative of severe long-term conditions and will resolve independently, especially with proper management and rehabilitation.

Some conditions are complex and chronic in nature, such as Osteoarthritis, and patients find that Osteopathy treatment can help to manage their symptoms when used in conjunction with carefully planned exercises and recommendations.

When to Consider Further Investigation

Generally, if you do not notice a significant improvement in your symptoms after three appointments, we can explore other pathways or conduct investigations to determine the underlying cause.

Patients sometimes present to my clinic with symptoms that may stem from underlying causes. As a primary healthcare provider, I have been trained to conduct clinical examinations and screenings to identify potential conditions, and can provide:

• Referrals to GP

If required, I can refer you to your General Practitioner (GP) for further investigations. This referral ensures that you receive comprehensive medical care and any necessary diagnostic tests.

• Referrals for Private Imaging (MRI)

Additionally, if it is clinically necessary, I can refer you for private imaging, such as an MRI. This allows for detailed visualization of your internal structures and assists in accurate diagnosis.

I understand that navigating healthcare environments can be challenging

At Overton and North Waltham Osteopathy, Our philosophy is built on the belief that healthcare should be accessible to everyone.

We recognize the diverse needs of our patient population and are dedicated to adapting our services and environment to meet these needs. Our aim is to remove barriers and enhance the patient experience, ensuring that every individual receives the highest standard of care in a supportive setting and have implemented various features and practices to create an accessible environment:

Physical Accessibility

• Wide Doorways
• Accessible Restrooms
• Clear Pathways
• Adjustable Treatment Tables
• Accessible Parking

Sensory and Neurodiversity Considerations

We understand that sensory input can significantly impact the comfort and well-being of neurodiverse individuals. To address this, we have taken the following measures:

• Visual Supports: We can provide visual aids or verbal descriptions of what to expect during a visit or treatment session to reduce anxiety.
• Sensory Tools (Upon Request): We can offer certain sensory tools, such as fidget toys or weighted blankets, to help patients regulate sensory input if needed. Please request these in advance.
• Flexible Appointment Scheduling: We offer flexibility in scheduling appointments to accommodate patients who may benefit from quieter times or longer appointment slots.

Communication and Support

• Clear and Concise Language: We are always happy to re-explain information.
• Multiple Communication Channels: Patients can communicate with us via phone, email, or in person, allowing them to choose their preferred method.
• Support Person Welcome: Patients are welcome to bring a support person, family member, or carer to their appointments.