Osteopathy: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Osteopathy and other manual therapies such as Chiropractic, or Physiotherapy?
The fundamental differences between osteopathy, and physiotherapy, are based at the basic levels of diagnosis, where physiotherapy follows traditional medical approaches of compartmentalising illness and pain. Osteopathy and chiropractic are both 'alternative' medical models in that they are truly holistic, treating each individual individually, and applying their own methods of diagnosis, and therefore treatment to each case.

Why when a manipulation is carried out, is there a click?
Manipulation is often used to free the joints that hold the vertebrae together. The clicking noise is caused when the joint 'opens' up, and is believed to be produced by the negative pressure being released. (This can be demonstrated when blowing a kiss, as negative pressure is built up in the mouth, and released on making a kissing noise.)

What does a manipulation do exactly?
A manipulation is a technique that is employed to open a joint. It is commonly used on joints that are 'locked' or seem unusually tight. The main aim of a manipulation is generally to free the joint, allowing movement again, not just of the joint itself, but of the nourishing fluid that is important for the health of that particular joint, and the tissue near it, including nervous tissue.

Why is Osteopathy not on the National Health Service?
In the last couple of years osteopathy has moved on leaps and bounds in terms of its own recognition, after being formally recognised in 1993. There are now some osteopaths working within the NHS, and with GP's around the country.

Health Insurance
Many private health insurance schemes including BUPA and PPP give benefit for Osteopathic treatment. If you have such a policy do confirm with your company that they will cover your treatment. It is sometimes necessary to have a referral from your GP to claim your benefit.