How does an Osteopathic Appointment work?

Bohdana Timcsuk, our on-site Osteopath, shares some information on how Osteopathy works including some case studies to show it in practice

On the Initial Consultation:

• a full case history is taken of the presenting complaints including past medical history, any accident or surgery, work and lifestyle, medication being taken and any other health conditions
• examination of the patient’s spine including muscles, soft tissues and spinal joints
• the assessment of general posture and mobility is the next step
• after the physical examination, a diagnosis is formed
• the diagnosis is then explained to the patient and a proposed treatment plan is discussed

I also check for signs of serious conditions and for those that cannot be treated by me, so referral to a GP or other heath professional is considered when required.

Treatment

My approach to treatment is tailored to the diagnosis and can be adjusted according to the patient’s needs and preferences. For example, treating a patient with lower back pain may use the following techniques:

• Soft tissue work (massage)
• Cupping (glass)
• Spinal joints mobilization and adjustments (‘clicking’ of the spinal segments) if needed• Muscle energy technique (activating/stretching different muscles group)
• Thoracic spine articulations
• Hip flexors release (if needed)

Looking at the body as a whole, treatment will usually include work on above and below the presenting areas of pain. At the end of the treatment some home exercises/advice may be given if appropriate.

Case Studies

Lower back pain after lifting heavy object

Ms X, a single mother, employed full time as an assistant administrator in a school, presented with acute lower back pain radiating down the back of her left thigh and into her calf. She also had pins and needles in her left outer foot. Pain was constant/severe in her buttock and thigh, and dull/aching in her lower back. The recent onset of Ms X’s lower back pain was following lifting a heavy object, immediately followed by a ‘popping’ sound in her lower back and sharp pain. Ms X had been having LBP issues since the birth of her 5 year-old child. The aim of treatment was to get Ms X’s pain down to a more manageable level so that she could still take care of her child, complete daily chores and return to work. This was accomplished through various techniques: soft tissue release on the tightened muscles and those in spasm; gentle movements through the spinal joints of the lower back to improve mobility and reduce any restrictions; and mobilisation of the mid-back to take off pressure from the lower back. To enhance stability and balance of muscular structures rehab. exercises were given. Long-term management was to re-educate the patient’s body through exercises to enforce correct body movement patterns. Advice on nutrition and stress management was also given. After 5 sessions of treatment, Ms X’s symptoms improved with easing of her lower back and thigh pain; she also felt that the pins and needles in her left outer foot were diminishing. I suspected that Ms X might have a disc bulge, therefore, I wrote a referral letter to Ms X’s GP requesting further investigations. My diagnosis was confirmed 6 weeks later with an MRI scan. Meanwhile, I carried on seeing Ms X as her symptoms continued to improve. Currently I am seeing her for occasional maintenance treatment.

Occupational and postural neck and shoulder discomfort

Mr Y, a young office worker, presented with shoulder and neck discomfort which was aggravated by long hours working at a computer.

Physical examination of his spine, joints and muscles revealed postural imbalance, tightness and weakness of specific muscles in the neck, upper back, and shoulders which resulted in forward head posture and rounding in the upper back. These postural changes caused Mr Y his neck and shoulder discomfort. An appropriate treatment and exercise plan were given. Advice on ergonomics relating to his desk and computer set-up was also given. Mr Y adjusted his work place, set the keyboard a bit lower so that his shoulders were relaxed and his forearms were resting on the desk.

After each treatment Mr Y reported feeling ‘more open’ in his upper back and his shoulder and neck discomfort got much better. Being mindful about his working posture, he was able to manage his symptoms. Mr Y needs were achieved and he was discharged from the clinic.

To book an Osteopathy appointment please telephone us on 020 77137780 or email us at info@physiosolutions.co.uk

If you have a more specific query on how a osteopathy appointment might help you please get in touch on our contact details

"Just wanted to say a big thank you for straightening out my back, didn't believe it was possible and now I feel great, you're a star!"

Jo