Naturopathic Osteopathy FAQs

1) What's the difference between (classical) osteopathy & (classical) chiropractic?
2) What's the difference between osteopathy & naturopathic osteopathy?
3) Are manipulations used?
4) Do manipulations hurt and are they dangerous?
5) How many treatments will I need?
6) What's causing my pain/symptoms?
7) Can I claim on my my insurance?
8) What is The General Osteopathic Council?

1) What's the difference between (classical) osteopathy & (classical) chiropractic?
NB when reading the following points, it is important to realise that there are as many similarities as differences between the two professions. Differences, when they occur, can be found not only between the professions but equally between practitioners of the same profession (e.g. in osteopathy: classical/structural osteopathy versus 'cranial' osteopathy; in chiropractic: classical chiropractic versus McTimoney chiropractic)

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2) What's the difference between osteopathy & naturopathic osteopathy?
To understand the difference, it is best to understand the Naturopathic philosophy. Naturopathic osteopathy tries to understand the patient's symptoms not only from physical factors but also, if relevant, from emotional and/or nutritional factors. It believes that health derives from a balance between these three fundamental cornerstones (physical, emotional, biochemical).

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3) Are manipulations used?
The answer is sometimes. Sometimes not at all, particularly if a patient does not want them or it is unsafe to do so! It is worth remembering that as part of an osteopath's training, indications for NOT using a technique (manipulation or otherwise) are thoroughly taught. Manipulations are just one of many techniques available to an osteopath. I personally use an eclectic approach and tailor my treatments according to what I think the patient requires.

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4) Do manipulations hurt and are they dangerous?
If practised by a qualified and sensitive osteopath, the vast majority of time they are not dangerous. I believe that manipulations shouldn't hurt if the osteopath has good technique and is respectful of a patient's sensitivity.

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5) How many treatments will I need?
In my experience, resolving acute pain, wherever it is, is the relatively easy part. Understanding how the pain came about and more importantly why is more difficult.

I think unfortunately osteopathy can be seen as a 'quick fix' for both acute and chronic pain. Yes, it can resolve pain quickly but so can taking painkillers! I believe that unless at least an understanding of why the pain started (whether it be physical/postural and/or emotional and/or nutritional), there can be an increased probability of pain returning. I believe that underlying many acute problems there is a history of physical and/or emotional patterns, which the patient may not always be aware of.

I am happy to work with what a patient needs - if it is acute symptom resolution without any further understanding/resolution of causative factors, then I will try to resolve the pain as fast as I can, whilst respecting the patient's innate ability to recover.

Sometimes there are very simple answers and no further exploration, whether it is on a physical, emotional or nutritional level, is necessary.

Respecting that a patient/person is not just a physical entity but an integration of interwoven strands of differing qualities, is to me of central importance when trying to resolve pain both short AND long term.

It follows therefore, that patients can have 2 or 3 treatments or however many are needed to try to resolve underlying patterns, whether they are postural imbalances or emotional/nutritional factors.

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6) What's causing my pain/symptoms?
See the above!

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7) Can I claim on my my insurance?
The majority of insurance companies now cover osteopathy. Apart from PPP Osteopathy with Robin Kiashek may be claimed with an insurance company but individual policies must be initially checked for complementary medical coverage.

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8) What is The General Osteopathic Council?
The GOSC was set up to implement and oversee the 1994 Act of Parliament, which requires that anyone practising as an osteopath before May 2000 will have had to undergo a rigorous application procedure with the GOSC to continue practising. As from May 2000, the word 'osteopath' will have legal status.

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