What does treatment feel like?
The majority of your Osteopathic treatment will be pain free and actually quite relaxing! Techniques such as massage, articulation, stretching, and manipulation are, at worst, mildly uncomfortable to receive. Approximately half of patients may experience a little post-treatment soreness lasting up to 48 hours before going on to feel better. What causes that clicking sound? Spoiler alert! It’s not your bones that do the cracking. The spinal column has paired facet joints on the upper and lower surface of each vertebra that are wrapped in a water balloon-like capsule containing synovial fluid. Your Osteopath may need to manipulate one of more of your facet joints (sometimes called a correction, adjustment, or HVT/HVLA) to help ease you out of pain. The most prevalent theory regarding what causes the ‘click’ is that the manipulation stretches the capsule, increasing its volume which, in turn decreases the pressure within it as gas leaves the synovial fluid. Similar to when one opens a can of soft drink (which we hope you don’t do that often!). Other theories which try to account for the popping noise caused by manipulation include; the recoil of the capsule, or the inception of a bubble within the synovial fluid. How safe is it? The evidence pooled from across multiple professions (Chiropractic, Physiotherapy, and Osteopathy) demonstrate that serious side effects from manipulation are very rare but can cause long term damage. Examples of serious reactions are; herniation of degenerated discs, stroke, nerve damage affecting bladder/bowel function, and even death. Rates of reactions across manual therapy are estimated below: Common (mild) reaction = 1 in 2 (upto 48 hrs of soreness) Uncommon (moderate) reaction = 1 in 100 (symptoms lasting more than a few days) Rare (severe) reaction = 1 in 36,000 Osteopathic manipulation is very safe to receive and serious complications are very rare. Patients are screened prior to having any manipulation to determine if it is suitable for them. For some patients, for example those with osteoporosis or cancer, it may not be advisable. At The Newtown Clinic you are in safe hands. We use manipulation regularly and have had ZERO severe reactions to treatments.
0 Comments
When it comes to managing musculoskeletal issues and improving overall wellness, there are several therapeutic approaches available, each with its own principles and techniques. Among the most common are osteopathy, chiropractic, and physiotherapy. Deciding which one is best for you can be challenging, so let's explore each option to help you make an informed decision.
Osteopathy: Osteopathy focuses on the philosophy that the body has the ability to heal itself. Practitioners of osteopathy use manual techniques such as manipulation, massage, and stretching to address a wide range of musculoskeletal issues, as well as promote overall health and well-being. Osteopaths typically take a holistic approach, considering not only the affected area but also the patient's lifestyle, diet, environment, and other factors that may contribute to their condition. Osteopathic care is commonly sought for back, neck, and joint pain, disc injuries, sciatica, postural problems, headaches, and sports injuries. This approach is often reinforced by guidance on appropriate exercises. Chiropractic: Chiropractic care centres around the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. Chiropractors believe that misalignments in the spine (subluxations) can interfere with the body's ability to function properly and lead to various health problems. Through spinal adjustments and other manual techniques, chiropractors aim to restore proper alignment and optimise nervous system function. Chiropractic care is commonly sought for back pain, neck pain, headaches, and other musculoskeletal issues. Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, focuses on restoring movement and function to the body, particularly after injury, surgery, or illness. Physiotherapists use a combination of exercises, stretches, manual therapy techniques, and modalities such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall physical performance. Physiotherapy is often prescribed for a wide range of conditions, including sports injuries, arthritis, stroke rehabilitation, and chronic pain management. Choosing the Right Therapy: When deciding which therapy is best for you, consider the following factors:
Ultimately, the best therapy for you will depend on your individual needs, preferences, and circumstances. Consider consulting with practitioners from each discipline to discuss your options and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique situation. Remember that collaboration between you and your healthcare provider is key to achieving optimal outcomes and improving your quality of life. |
AuthorDavid Seed is the Principal Osteopath @ The Newtown Clinic and has over 20 years of clinical experience. ArchivesCategories |