Frequently Asked Questions
Will I need to undress for the treatment?
Not necessarily, this will depend on where the area to be treated is. The painful area will need to be exposed for the examination. Some patients bring shorts to wear others prefer to wear the gowns that are provided.
Do Osteopaths treat by cracking the joints?
The ‘cracking techniques’ are some times used by osteopaths and are called high velocity thrusts or HVT’s. Theses techniques are sometime applied to the spinal joints to increase the range of movement and relax the deep muscles that cannot be reached by massage alone. These techniques are not suitable for everyone and is usually only performed in the mid and lower back for safety reasons. This technique is only a small part of the treatment used by osteopaths and if a patient is not happy with this the style of the treatment can be easily changed with out effect to the outcome of the treatment.
What do I expect after my treatment?
Some patients feel a little sore 24 - 48 hours after the treatment, but should never make the symptoms any worse. Many patients feel immediate relief from some of their symptoms but most conditions can take a few sessions to get back to normal.
I have heard that osteopaths treat sciatica and lower back problems, but can osteopathy be used to treat my stiff shoulder?
Yes! Many people think of osteopaths and immediately think that we only treat lower back pain and stiffness. Osteopathy can successfully treat shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip and knee problems. Some patients even come to osteopaths for the treatment of tension headaches.