Osteopathy FAQ
What is an Osteopath?
An Osteopath is practitioner of manual medicine. All Osteopaths operating from MoreHealth Osteopaths in Blackrock have been trained in UK or Australia and have undertaken four to five years education. Most osteopaths then go on to do further post-graduate training in areas of particular interest. Osteopaths successfully treat people with many mechanical problems, including back pain, neck & shoulder pain, Arthritis, babies with difficulty sleeping or with Reflux and Colic.
Is Osteopathy always enough?
No. An Osteopath does not replace the need for a dentist, surgeon, medical doctor or psychiatrist.
In some cases another form of alternative therapy (e.g. Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Massage or counselling) may be advised. Osteopaths recognise their limitations and direct patients to another therapist where necessary.
How long does a session last?
The first consultation lasts approximately one hour. Subsequent consultations are scheduled for 30 minutes but can last between 20-35 minutes dependant on the tissue causing the symptoms. Treatment is directed by treatment response (this is change in the body’s tissues) rather than by time, and each tissue takes a different amount of time to respond. Therefore sessions may vary slightly in length but the treatment outcome, relief of symptoms, will be the same.
Does an Osteopath prescribe medication?
No. It is exclusively a ‘hands-on’ manual therapy.
How many sessions are necessary for osteopathic treatment?
There is no perfect answer. As Osteopathy is patient centred and everyone has a unique history contributing to their symptoms, the number of sessions required is individual. However, pain relief is generally possible after a little as two sessions while it may take a couple more sessions to prevent reoccurrence of the symptoms and stabilise the body’s mechanics. The osteopathic philosophy requires that the patient’s body is given the time to normalise itself and treatments are spaced accordingly. Some people find maintenance treatments helpful to their overall well-being. While not always advised the need and value of maintenance treatment is discussed on a case by case basis.
What do I need to bring?
Just yourself!
If you have had any x-rays or imaging done in the past, it may be of benefit to bring the report.
If you taking any medication, it is helpful to be familiar with the name of what you are taking & the dosage.
Do I need a GP referral?
No, you are able to see an osteopath without going through your GP.
What conditions do osteopaths treat?
Common conditions seen by Osteopaths include low back pain, upper back pain, Neck & shoulder pain, sciatica, headaches, joint pain, repetitive strain injuries, and jaw pain.
In pregnancy – sciatica, low back and pelvic pain, pubic pain, upper back pain.
In babies and children – sleeping problems, colic, reflux, feeding difficulties, constipation, growing pains, sports injuries, pain from braces/orthodontic work.
See Case Studies for more details on Patient Stories, their Diagnosis, Treatment & Results.
Can I claim treatments through my private health Insurance?
Yes. We are registered with all the necessary bodies and therefore will be recognised by your health insurer if they cover Osteopathic Treatment. Most do (VHI, Aviva, Quinn) but you should check with your own individual policy.
Can children be treated through Osteopathy?
Yes, safely, gently and effectively. All our Osteopaths have had further training in the treatment of children. Functional complaints in children like colic, reflux, constipation and difficulty sleeping are the source of much distress to both children and parents alike. Often areas of tension in a babies/child’s body, resulting from an awkward in-utero lie and/or the forces of labour can quickly and easily be identified and relieved by Osteopathic treatment. While relieving the presenting symptoms and restoring calm this also allows the baby to have all his/her resources available for continued growth and maturity of his/her systems.
