COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES: MANIPULATIVE THERAPIES-OSTEOPATHY
Many people seeking relief from back pain try out therapies which do not form part of orthodox medicine (although a number of doctors have had training in them, and practise them as a specialty). Remember having the correct diagnosis is the first step towards successful treatment.
You do not need to go through your GP to see an acupuncturist, osteopath, chiropractor, naturopath or Shiatsu practitioner, but can consult one direct on your own responsibility. It maybe wise to consult your GP beforehand, to ensure that there is no medical contraindication in your case, though the therapist should tell you if your condition is not suitable for the treatment and ought to be seen by a doctor.
Practitioners in private practice can charge whatever fees they choose. It is wise, therefore, to ask beforehand what the charge is likely to be for your course of treatment.
Manipulative therapies-Some practitioners who are outside the system of state-registration carry out manipulative procedures similar to those of the orthodox repertoire. In some circumstances, manipulation is inadvisable or even dangerous, for example in the case of rheumatoid arthritis in the neck or an undiagnosed tumour.
Osteopathy and chiropractic are manipulative therapies used in treating the joints of the spine. In both, the first consultation may last an hour (and X-rays may be taken). The patient is thoroughly examined, asked to undertake a whole range of movements and the practitioner generally asks for details of the patient’s medical – and life – history. Although manipulation forms the major treatment method of both osteopaths and chiropractors, these professions also make use of other approaches such as muscle re-education and the correction of postural faults.
Osteopathy-Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for the mechanical problems which can affect all areas of the spine. Osteopaths use a variety of different manual techniques which are designed to improve the mobility and restore function to restricted spinal joints and the surrounding muscles and ligaments.
Treatment is generally painless and usually consists of soft tissue massage with gentle, passive stretching movements of the back. In some cases it is necessary to mobilise a very restricted joint using thrust techniques.
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