Do you find yourself asking, what is osteopathy? Often when something isn’t clear, it
it is easy to believe the misconceptions. At Solihull Osteopathic Practice we are here to explain the benefits of our treatments by settling misconceptions about osteopathy so you don’t miss out on receiving treatment.
What is Osteopathy?
The philosophy behind osteopathy is that your body functions more efficiently when in alignment. As osteopaths, we have a highly developed sense of touch, which helps us to identify sources of pain and provide treatment using our hands. We use a range of approaches including manipulating, stretching or massaging the affected area to help relieve pain, reduce swelling or improve your mobility.
Rather than simply focusing on the area of the body where symptoms are experienced, we believe that the body is interconnected and will seek to find and treat the root cause of a complaint.
Misconceptions About Osteopathy
Osteopathy Only Helps Back Problems
Osteopathy is praised for offering treatment for a variety of body issues, in addition to back problems. At Solihull Osteopathic Practice, our practitioners are trained to provide treatment for problems including:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder strain
- Knee pain
- Elbow pain
- Ankle and foot sprain
- Headaches
- Tendonitis
- Sports or dance injuries
- Posture or flexibility problems
- Pregnancy related aches and pains
Osteopathic Treatment Only Focuses on Your Bones
All qualified osteopaths are trained to look at your body as a whole, instead of solely focusing on the affected area. This is so we can identify links around your body so we can recommend a treatment that would best realign your body. The bones in your body are cushioned with muscles, organs and joints, so we will never focus only on your bones.
Backs and Necks Will Always Crack During Appointments
At our practice, some of our patients have experienced a clicking or popping noise during manipulation treatments. This is the sound of small gas bubbles popping within their joints and is painless. However, this experience is not expected to occur at every osteopathy appointment.
Cracking a joint is technically known as spinal manipulation. However, this treatment may not be used, as osteopaths may advise other techniques such as mobilisation, massages, stretching, dry needling or trigger point treatments instead.
Osteopaths Aren’t as Qualified as Other Health Professionals
Osteopaths are primary health care practitioners, who are complementary to other medical practices, such as physiotherapy and chiropractic. In order to qualify as an osteopath, you will have needed to complete accredited university training in anatomy, pathology, nutrition, physiology, psychology, biomechanics, general healthcare diagnosis and osteopathic techniques. This can take years to complete. You can meet our team via our website to read about their experience, expertise and qualifications.
Booking an Osteopath Appointment
At Solihull Osteopathic Practice, we pride ourselves on offering quality and professional support to help everyone who comes to us achieve optimal health. Our practice operates in a safe and clean environment, offering osteopathy techniques and a holistic approach to wellbeing, to deliver the best results we possibly can for you.
If you are looking for pain relief or other osteopathic services, you can book your first appointment with our team today by calling 0121 705 4499.