A Holistic Approach to Health.
What to expect on my first visit to an Osteopath.
Osteopathy is a primary care profession, focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders, and the effects of these conditions on patients' general health.
Using many of the diagnostic procedures applied in conventional medical assessment, osteopaths seek to restore the optimal functioning of the body, where possible without the use of drugs or surgery. Osteopathy is based on the principle that the body has the ability to heal, and osteopathic care focuses on strengthening the musculoskeletal systems to treat existing conditions and to prevent illness.
Osteopaths' patient-centred approach to health and well-being means they consider symptoms in the context of the patient's full medical history, as well as their lifestyle and personal circumstances. This holistic approach ensures that all treatment is tailored to the individual patient.
1
Consultation Phase
When you first arrive, a thorough case history your symptoms will be compiled to ensure that you are safe to treat and that osteopathy is appropriate for your concern. Some questions about your current lifestyle and previous history of injury may also be explored.
Depending on the complexity of your case and your needs, this typically takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete.
For more details of how your medical notes are stored, please refer to the Policies tab.
2
Objective Examination
After your consultation, you may be asked to undress down to an appropriate level in order to observe any changes. You are encouraged to bring sportswear or loose clothing that you feel comfortable in but if there are any concerns please let your Osteopath know.
From there, you will be invited to explore some simple movements and report any discomfort. Osteopaths are highly trained to identify patterns and tensions within the body using palpation and objective tests to determine the centrepoint of pain.
3
Treatment/Management
Once objective evidence has been gathered, your Osteopath will give you a working diagnosis and discuss treatment options customised to your needs. They will also give you a typical estimate of how many sessions it may take to resolve.
Osteopaths use various techniques for treatment which can involve but is not limited to manipulations (clicks and cracks) massage, stretching, craniosacral, lifestyle advice and guided rehabilitation.
Outside of sessions, you will be encouraged to apply suggested lifestyle changes and exercises. You more than welcome to report back on your progress at regular intervals.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
What is the difference between Osteopathy, Physiotherapy and Chiropractic?
It is difficult to generalise as there are specialities within each profession, however the largest difference between each is philosophy.
Chiropractors tend to focus on the spine and consider issues to arise from “misalignment” centrally causing issues elsewhere. Most of their work is centred on manipulation (clicks and cracks) which they use to reduce discomfort.
Physiotherapists approach to pain is to improve a person’s function by improving overall strength, therefore a lot of their work is centred around exercises.
Osteopathy tends to focus on the person as a whole, looks at overall barriers to recovery and focuses on functional patterns that may be causing discomfort. Resolving the issue involves identifying a most likely combination of causal factors and setting out an appropriate recovery pathway. This can be through manual therapy, exercise rehab and education.
None of these three professions are superior to another, just that the approach and philosophies are different and unique. It is up to the patient to decide which sounds most appropriate to their needs at a given time.
All three professions are categorized under primary care and are allied healthcare professionals legally registered to governing bodies to allow for safe regulated practice.
What conditions can Osteopathy help with?
Although there is a common misconception that Osteopaths only treat back pain, there is a lot more that we help with:
Arthritic pain
Circulatory problems
Digestion problems
Fibromyalgia and chronic pain conditions
Frozen shoulder
Headaches
Generalised aches and pains
Plantarfasciitis
Sciatica
Sports injuries including sprains and strains
Tennis elbow and Golfer’s elbow
Muscle spasms
Neuralgia (pain from injured/damaged nerve)
Tension and inability to relax
Rheumatic pain
Can anyone call themselves an Osteopath?
The title Osteopath is legally protected and practitioners are required to undergo training to a high standard before registering with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).
All practitioners must follow the osteopathic standards laid out by the GOsC which you can read about on their site https://www.osteopathy.org.uk
Once registered, practitioners must continue to train for up to 90 hours every three years to stay current with the continued changes within musculoskeletal care.
Fulcrum Wellbeing is registered under number 10361.
Can I claim on private insurance?
Fulcrum Wellbeing is registered with WPA, however if you wish to claim on existing medical insurance please pay directly and an invoice will be created for you to claim payment back from them.
Do you offer home visits?
Currently Fulcrum Wellbeing does not offer home visits, however this may change in the future.
How do I access the practice?
The practice is based in a small studio in the garden. When you arrive, please ring the doorbell and then walk around to the side entrance and you will be met by your Osteopath and allowed through.
What is your cancellation policy?
If a cancellation is made more than 24 hours before a treatment, the client will not be charged. If a cancellation is made within 24 hours of the treatment the client will be charged the full appointment fee. This cancellation fee may be waived at our discretion.
for more information, see terms&conditions
What if I have concerns about the treatment I received?
All osteopaths are expected to have a complaints procedure in place in their practice to address patient concerns.
Fulcrum Wellbeing policy is to firstly express your concerns/raise your questions with the osteopath. If you feel these concerns are not fully answered - or you do not feel comfortable asking the osteopath directly in the first place - then we invite you to approach the British Osteopathic Association directly. They will answer your questions or advise you how to take the matter further, if required.
British Osteopathic Association – www.osteopathy.org Tel: 01582 488455