FAQs
Below are questions we are frequently asked at the practice. If you want to know anything not covered please give us a call.

Q: How do I know that an Osteopath is properly qualified?
A: Anyone calling themselves an osteopath is now required by law to be accepted on the recently formed General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) approved by a government bill passed in 1993. Osteopaths are also required by law to be insured, to protect both public and themselves.

Q: Does osteopathy cure arthritis or rheumatism?
A: Osteopathy cannot cure arthritis, but it certainly can help alleviate many of the symptoms associated with this widespread problem, which afflicts many people. There are many techniques, which are designed to improve and reduce the pain and discomfort of the soft tissues, muscles, ligaments and joints, both locally and arising from the consequences of the arthritis or rheumatism. Osteopaths can also advise how these problems can be kept at bay in the short and long term using treatment, exercises and nutritional advice amongst others things.

Q: Does manipulation or "click" put the joint back into place?
A: As such this idea of putting something back into place is a misconception. Spinal joints out of place would be a very serious injury, and would certainly mean hospitalisation and not a visit to the osteopath. In fact within osteopathic understanding, joints become restricted and limited within their normal function. Osteopathic treatment uses many treatment methods to try and restore normal function. Another commonly referred to misnomer, are spinal "discs being put back in". Disc injury can be treated osteopathically, but again treatment is applied to help the tissues to return to a more normal healthy state.

Q: Do manipulations hurt and are they dangerous?
A: If practiced by a qualified and sensitive osteopath they are not dangerous. Manipulations should not hurt if the osteopath has good technique and is respectful of a patient's sensitivity. It is also wrong to assume that you will always have manipulation whenever you go to an osteopath, many successful treatments can be conducted without its use. All good osteopaths will inform the patient and tell them what they are doing as the treatment progresses.

Q: How many treatments will I need?
A: This largely depends on the problem, and the osteopath will advise you on your first visit. As a general rule the more acute a problem then speed is of essence, as an early assessment and diagnosis can speed the recovery time in some cases by as much as weeks. If your problem is of a more long-standing nature it can take some time to ascertain the cause of the symptoms. Many apparently simple muscular problems can be aggravated or caused by the most unlikely things, like emotional upset or office seating or even nutritional factors. Hence you can see that each problem is different and needs an individually assessed treatment plan. Your osteopath should be able to give you some indication on your first visit how long and what treatment is required.

Q: Will I need a regular check up?
A: This depends on your problems and your osteopath will advise. Some patients with chronic pain feel that they benefit enormously by some maintenance treatment, while others we only see them when they have a problem.

Q: Can I claim on my medical insurance?
A: The majority of insurance companies now cover osteopathy. It is best to check with your insurers first, as individual policies may have exemptions. At Back to Back, we prefer patients to pay for their treatment and then claim back from their insurance company. Please call us if this is a problem.