Cranial Osteopathy on the neck

Frequently Asked Questions

Your osteopath will take a thorough case history including details of your presenting complaint, medical history and any medication you may be taking.

You will then be asked to undress to your underwear so that a postural assessment and examination can be made (appropriate gym kit or gown may be worn if you prefer). You are welcome to bring a chaperone to your appointment. You may also be given neurological, orthopedic or circulatory examinations (reflexes, blood pressure etc) to aid the diagnosis.

Osteopaths use their hands to assess areas of weakness, tenderness, restriction or strain. Treatment involves releasing and relaxing muscles and stretching stiff joints by using a variety of techniques including gentle massage, stretches and rhythmic movements and manipulations.

If appropriate, acupuncture may also be used however all treatment options will be fully discussed. Some advice on posture and exercises may also be given.

Taking a thorough case history and assessing your posture gives the osteopath a guide as to how much pain you are in. Treatment is then adapted to your particular problem and therefore should not cause pain.

However, sometimes after soft tissue massage and manipulation patients can experience some soreness for 1-2 days. This is part of the body’s normal healing process.

This depends on the type of injury and how long you have had it for.

Most patients experience a decrease in their symptoms within one or two treatments, whereas others will require a short course of four to six to fully recover.

Some patients then decide to have occasional ongoing preventative treatment.

Osteopathy is a primary health care profession so you do not need a GP referral (unless required by your insurance company).

Below is a list of websites that have useful information regarding osteopathy and its treatments:

General Osteopathic Council

– www.osteopathy.org.uk

University College of Osteopathy

– www.uco.ac.uk

Institute of Osteopathy

– www.iosteopathy.org

The National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE)

– www.nice.org.uk

The Molinari Institute of Health

www.molinari-institute-health.org

Free parking is available whilst attending the clinic. Park on Lonsdale Gardens (from the postbox onwards, including double yellow lines) and Clanricarde Road.
This is activated once you enter the building.